Pastoral Support Officers

This school has Academy status and is part of the Prosper Multi Academy Trust; the employer will be the Multi Academy Trust.

Gilbert Ward Academy
Princess Louise Road
Blyth
Northumberland
NE24 2TS

Are you looking for an exciting new role to support pupils?

Gilbert Ward Academy is seeking to appoint Pastoral Support Officers. We are looking for committed and experienced individuals to support the school in the lead-up to our Ofsted inspection.

This role is perfect for a positive and professional individual with:

• 4 GCSEs Grade C+/4+ (or equivalent) including Maths and English
• NVQ Level 3 DfE recognised Teaching Assistant, SEND Assistant, EYFS or Childcare qualification, or higher qualification with relevant experience
• Willingness to participate in relevant training and development opportunities
• Good ICT skills and the proven ability to use them effectively to support learning

As a valued member of our team, you will:

• Develop and maintain effective relationships with pupils most of whom struggle with formal education
• Play a key role in an on‑call support network available to pupils throughout the working day
• Be responsible for pastoral support, re‑engagement and interventions for pupils within a particular pathway
• Act as a role model to other teaching assistants and support staff with behaviour interventions

Does this sound like the role for you?

Gilbert Ward Academy is a new, purpose‑built Department for Education (DfE) special free school designed to provide a tailored education for pupils aged 11-16 with SEMH needs and ASC. Opened recently to meet a growing demand in the region, the academy is proud to offer a modern, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment.

Our facilities have been specifically designed to support the unique needs of our pupils, with specialist spaces to encourage personal growth, learning, and well‑being. Located in Blyth, Northumberland, we are deeply committed to fostering resilience, independence, and aspiration in every pupil we serve.

As part of Prosper Learning Trust, which supports five specialist schools in the North East, we share a commitment to empowering vulnerable young people to succeed.

To learn more about Gilbert Ward Academy and Prosper Learning Trust, please visit the websites.

Prosper Learning Trust was established in January 2018 to help vulnerable young people succeed against the odds. Four core values underpin everything we do as a Trust:
Aspiration, Integrity, Resilience and Kindness. We are looking for staff who share those values and want to support our young people.

• Newcastle Bridges School – Alternative Provision academy offering education to pupils unable to access mainstream school due to medical needs including hospitalised children and young people (3-19 years)
• Mary Astell Academy – Alternative Provision academy offering education to permanently excluded pupils and pupils who are struggling in mainstream school (11-16 years)
• Thomas Bewick Special School – Special School academy for pupils with a diagnosis of autism (3-19 years)
• Harry Watts Academy – Special School academy for pupils with a diagnosis of autism (5-16 years)
• Gilbert Ward Academy – Special School academy for pupils with SEMH or a diagnosis of autism (11-16 years)

Prosper Learning Trust was also recently named as the lead partner in the opening of a new Free School in Jarrow, South Tyneside. This school will be a Special School academy for pupils with SEMH (4-11 years).

The successful candidate will be deployed initially at Gilbert Ward Academy but will be expected to work at any Prosper Learning Trust site should the need arise.

• A friendly and supportive team of staff who are willing to share expertise and learn from one another
• Opportunities for career development and support with development through Trust wide Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme and support from the Trust's Wellbeing Network Group
• Access to either Teacher's Pension or Local Government Pension Scheme, each with favourable employer contribution rates.
• Employee centred policies…