What skills and experience we're looking forWe are looking to appoint a dedicated and compassionate Pastoral Assistant to joi.....
What skills and experience we're looking for
We are looking to appoint a dedicated and compassionate Pastoral Assistant to join our friendly and professional team. Working under the guidance of the SENCO and DSL/Family Support Worker, you will play a vital role in supporting pupils to overcome barriers to learning, particularly those related to social, emotional, and mental health needs. As a Trust, we are committed to a trauma-informed approach, ensuring that our support is sensitive to the complex experiences that may impact our pupils' well-being and behaviour. This is a unique and rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in children's lives, promoting their well-being and helping them thrive.
Oldway is a popular school which serves the local community in Paignton, South Devon. With 684 pupils on roll, we are a large primary school. We have an extensive and experienced workforce with a great deal of expertise, and are able to provide a vibrant learning experience for our pupils.
Oldway Primary School is part of the Riviera Education Trust which is a multi-academy trust consisting of three local primary schools. We work in collaboration with Roselands Primary School and Shiphay Learning Academy in order to benefit all of the children in the Trust. Working in partnership with other schools helps to strengthen our provision and provide educational excellence so that every pupil has the best possible learning experience and is prepared for future life.
The role:
We are looking to recruit a Pastoral Assistant to join our dedicated team, supporting pupils in the following areas:
Trauma-Informed Support:
- Use a trauma-informed approach to support pupils, recognizing the effects of past adverse experiences on their emotional, social, and academic development
- Create a safe and consistent environment where pupils feel understood, valued, and supported
Learning Difficulties:
- Collaborate with teachers and SENCO to identify pupils facing learning difficulties and develop individualised support plans
- Provide targeted interventions and support sessions to help pupils overcome academic barrier
Self-esteem and Confidence Building
- Develop and deliver activities that promote positive self-esteem and confidence in pupils
- Encourage a growth mindset through positive reinforcement and goal-setting exercises
Social Communication Skills:
- Support pupils with social communication difficulties, such as those on the autism spectrum, by providing tailored interventions
- Facilitate social skills groups to enhance pupils' ability to interact positively with peers and adults
Attachment and Relationship Building:
- Build strong, trusting relationships with pupils, providing a consistent point of contact for those experiencing attachment difficulties
- Use an inclusive and child-centered approach to nurture a sense of security and belonging within the school environment
This exciting and rewarding role would suit candidates who have:
- Experience working with children or young people in a pastoral, educational, or therapeutic capacity
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with pupils, parents, and colleagues
- A compassionate, patient, and resilient approach to supporting pupils with diverse needs
- Relevant training or qualifications in areas such as counselling, play therapy, art therapy, or Thrive is desirable
What the school offers its staff
What We Offer:
• A supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• The chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives and learning experiences of pupils.
This role is crucial in helping pupils navigate various challenges, fostering their well-being, and enabling them to reach their full potential in a caring and supportive school community. If you are passionate about making a positive difference in children's lives, we would love to hear from you!
Further details about the role
The application form can be found on the Trust website: https://www.rivieratrust.co.uk/vacancies/ and completed applications should be sent to
HR Department,
Riviera Education Trust,
Oldway Primary School, Higher Polsham Road, Paignton, TQ3 2SY
Email address: applications@rivieraet.co.uk
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.