Pastoral Officer

The Pastoral Officer will support the wellbeing, behaviour, engagement, and school attendance of children and young people with SEND aged 11-16. The role focuses on improving attendance, removing barriers to learning, and promoting positive engagement through a trauma-informed and inclusive approach.

This job description provides an outline of duties and responsibilities and may be subject to change following consultation.

Expanse Learning is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to satisfactory disclosure and clearance prior to employment.

It is unlawful for Expanse Learning to employ anyone who is barred from working with children. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to apply for a position at Expanse Learning. All applicants will be made aware that providing false information is an offence and could result in the application being rejected, or summary dismissal if the applicant has been selected, and referral to the police and/or the DBS.

We are committed to achieving equal opportunities in the way we deliver services to the community and in our employment arrangements. We expect all employees to understand and promote this policy in their work.

Employees will be recruited based on their qualifications and experience to do the work to be performed, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, nationality, religion or belief, political opinion, age, pregnancy & maternity, disability or trade union membership status.

All employees have a responsibility for their own health and safety and that of others when carrying out their duties and must help us to apply our general statement of health and safety policy.

• Provide pastoral support addressing wellbeing, behaviour, and attendance.
• Monitor attendance and implement intervention strategies.
• Liaise with families and external agencies.
• Complete Home visits.
• Maintain accurate records and reports.
• Act in the role of Dedicated Safeguarding Officer, reporting to the DSL as part of the Safeguarding team.

If you require any aids or adaptations to either our workplace or policies and practices that may assist or enable you to successfully carry out this role, please inform us. This job description is subject to annual review in accordance with the changing nature of students and institutional needs.

• Level 3 qualification or higher in education, youth work, pastoral support, social care, or a related field. (Desirable)
• GCSE Grade C / 5 or above in English and maths. (Essential)
• Relevant safeguarding or child protection training. (Essential)
• Training related to attendance, behaviour management, or inclusion. (Desirable)

• Secure understanding of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including:
  Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), ADHD, Moderate to Severe Learning Difficulties (MLD/SLD), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. (Essential)
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding and child protection legislation and guidance, including Working Together to Safeguard Children and Keeping Children Safe in Education. (Essential)
• Understanding of trauma informed practice and its impact on behaviour, engagement, and attendance. (Essential)
• Knowledge of EHCPs and the pastoral role in supporting outcomes. (Essential)
• Understanding of barriers to school attendance, including anxiety, unmet SEND needs, family circumstances, and…