Pastoral Support Worker; Maternity Leave Cover

Support

Temporary Maternity Leave Cover, part time, term time

Sunday 11 October 2026

Thornden School is seeking to appoint a caring, organised and approachable Pastoral Support Worker (Maternity Leave Cover) to join our experienced pastoral team.

This is a rewarding and varied role at the heart of school life, working directly with young people to support their wellbeing, attendance, behaviour and academic progress. Our Pastoral Support Workers are an important first point of contact for students and work closely with Heads of Year, tutors, teachers, parents/carers and external agencies to ensure students receive the right support at the right time.

We are looking for someone who can build strong and trusting relationships with young people, while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and high expectations. You will need to be approachable, resilient and able to remain calm when supporting students experiencing difficult situations or emotions.

Our school prides itself on fostering a positive, collaborative ethos where staff are well supported and students are ambitious, motivated, and proud of their achievements.

Hours:22 hours per week over 4 days (08:50-14:50) on either Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday OR Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Term time only (39 weeks)

Contract:Temporary Maternity Leave Cover, Part time, Term Time

Responsible to:Safeguarding and Pastoral Support Manager

Anticipated

Start date:

November 2026 (subject to pre-employment checks)

Closing Date:Sunday 11 th October 2026

As a Pastoral Support Worker, you will provide day-to-day pastoral support, care and guidance to students, particularly those experiencing barriers to engaging successfully with school.

The role is varied and will include supporting students with behaviour, attendance and wellbeing; investigating and resolving pastoral concerns; providing individual interventions and mentoring, including home visits when required; liaising with parents and carers; supporting students experiencing bullying or difficulties with relationships; and working alongside colleagues and external agencies where additional support is required.

Safeguarding is an important part of the role. You will need to be professionally curious, recognise when a student may need additional help and ensure concerns are recorded and shared appropriately.

We are seeking professional individuals who:

• has a genuine commitment to supporting young people and helping them succeed;
• can build positive relationships with students while maintaining clear professional boundaries;
• has excellent communication skills and can work effectively with students, parents/carers, colleagues and external agencies;
• is empathetic, approachable and able to listen without judgement;
• is organised, flexible and able to prioritise effectively in a busy environment;
• can remain calm and resilient when dealing with challenging situations or students experiencing difficult emotions;
• understands the importance of safeguarding, confidentiality and accurate record keeping;
• can work effectively both independently and as part of a wider pastoral team..

In return, we can offer you:

• A positive working environment focused on staff well-being, student welfare, progress and high standards of achievement and behaviour
• Excellent CPD opportunities and Training and Development Programmes
• Eligibility to join the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Access to a fantastic Employee Assistance Programme

Join Thornden School and make a difference in a thriving and supportive environment.

Thornden is a popular, oversubscribed school serving Chandler’s Ford and the surrounding area, with around 1,470 students on roll. We have a strong ethos of ambition and high…