Pastoral Support Worker

Job Title: Pupil Support Worker

Salary/Grade: Starting £21,257.48 depending on experience

Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:30AM to 16:00PM. Term Time Only.

Reports to: Behaviour Lead / Deputy headteacher

Main Purpose: To provide direct day-to-day academic, emotional, and behavioural support to SEND pupils with ASD, ADHD, and SEMH needs using a trauma-informed approach. Working under the guidance of class teachers, the SENCo, and the Pastoral Lead, the Pupil Support Worker helps pupils manage emotional dysregulation, build resilience, access the curriculum, and work toward their individual EHCP targets within a safe, therapeutic environment. Building upon our Strong Standard in Inclusion, Personal Development, and Wellbeing, the postholder works collaboratively with school staff to nurture positive relationships and empower pupils to thrive.

Duties and Responsibilities

Direct Pupil Support & Learning

• Provide tailored 1-to-1 and small-group support in the classroom or specialized learning areas to help pupils access the curriculum and achieve their learning goals.
• Support the implementation of individual Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Plans, and personal risk assessments.
• Use PACE, trauma-informed practice and low-arousal strategies to assist pupils in recognizing emotional triggers, understanding neurodivergence, and developing self-regulation skills.
• Assist classroom teachers in adapting learning activities, routines, and resources to meet the sensory and processing needs of individual learners.
• Support pupils during transitions between activities, unstructured times (break/lunch), and community or off-site visits.

Emotional Regulation & De-escalation

• Support the daily operation of sensory, reset, and regulation spaces, providing a calm, therapeutic environment for dysregulated pupils.
• Apply positive de-escalation techniques, low-arousal approaches, and conflict resolution strategies to support pupils experiencing acute emotional distress.
• Utilize approved physical intervention and safety procedures strictly as a last resort to ensure the safety of pupils and staff, in line with school policies and training.
• Deliver targeted 1-to-1 or small-group social-emotional interventions (e.g., zones of regulation, social skills, emotional literacy) as directed by the SENCo or Pastoral Lead.
• Assist in the safe, gentle reintegration of pupils back into the classroom following periods of dysregulation or absence.

Collaboration, Monitoring & Administration

• Work collaboratively with class teachers, therapists, and external support professionals to ensure consistent support across the provision.
• Accurately record daily pupil progress, behavioural incidents, achievements, and regulation data using the school’s tracking systems.
• Provide objective feedback to teachers and the Pastoral Lead regarding pupil responses to interventions and behavioural plans.
• Support positive communication with parents and carers to build trust and update them on pupil achievements and daily progress.

Safeguarding and Compliance

• Work strictly in line with statutory safeguarding guidance (Keeping Children Safe in Education, Prevent) and school child protection policies.
• Promptly report all safeguarding, mental health, or welfare concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or Deputy DSLs.
• Act as a positive role model, upholding the vision, values, and high expectations of V.A.S.E Academy at all times.

Pay: From £12.71 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Work Location: In person