Pastoral Leader - Willow Park

Join the Nexus team as a Pastoral Leader - Willow Park

Hours and Salary: 37 hours per week NJC 27-31 FTE £39,483 - £43,151 (Actual Salary - £34,775 - £38,006)

School and

Location:

Willow Park School, Norfolk Park Road, Sheffield, S2 2RU

Contract type:Full-time, Permanent, Term-Time Only

Interview date:1 st /2 nd October 2026

Willow Park School is a specialist SEMH provision for pupils aged 7–16. We work with children and young people who require more than simply good teaching; they need adults who can build trust, understand trauma, support emotional regulation, and maintain high expectations even during their most challenging moments.

We are seeking an experienced and compassionate Pastoral Leader to join our middle leadership team and play a key role in shaping the pastoral, behavioural and emotional support provision across the school. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled practitioner who is passionate about helping pupils overcome barriers to learning and achieve positive outcomes.

This is an exciting opportunity to join an award winning Multi Academy Trust and be part of a welcoming and supportive team that serves amazing children and young people. Nexus Multi Academy Trust was founded in 2016, with 19 unique SEND and mainstream academies.

We are a growing, forward thinking and innovative Trust with a shared ethos, vision and values for a personalised child centred approach. We are committed and invested in “Learning together, to be the best we can be” and it is as relatable to every employee and partner of our Trust as it is to our children, young adults and their families.

We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated, enthusiastic, hardworking and flexible Pastoral Leader to join a team of dedicated staff who are committed to providing an excellent learning environment and become part of a successful team in a busy working environment.

As one of three Pastoral Leaders, you will lead on behaviour policy and practice, working collaboratively to create a calm, safe and purposeful learning environment where pupils can thrive.

You will work directly with pupils experiencing social, emotional and mental health difficulties, including those who may present in crisis or require intensive support. Using trauma-informed, relational and positive behaviour approaches, you will help pupils regulate their emotions, develop resilience and engage successfully in education.

The role requires someone who can combine strategic thinking with hands-on support. You will work closely with teachers, support staff, families and external agencies to ensure pupils receive the right support at the right time, whilst also contributing to whole-school improvement.

• Has significant experience working with children and young people with SEMH needs.
• Understands the impact of trauma, attachment difficulties and adverse childhood experiences on behaviour and learning.
• Has practical experience of de-escalation techniques and physical intervention strategies.
• Can confidently support pupils during periods of emotional distress, crisis or dysregulation.
• Has experience of developing and implementing individual support plans, behaviour plans and risk assessments.
• Understands how to use interventions and data to improve outcomes for pupils.
• Can build strong and trusting relationships with pupils, families and colleagues.
• Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills and can work effectively within multi-disciplinary teams.
• Can coach, support and develop colleagues to improve practice across the school.
• Is able to lead groups of pupils and deliver learning linked to social, emotional and personal development.
• Can manage staff, delegate tasks, stay calm and focused…