Pastoral Assistant

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Position:   Pastoral Assistant 
Location:  New Barn School - River View House, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2PS
Salary:      £23,638.00 per annum
Hours:      40 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8.30am – 4.30pm
Contract:  Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:         April 2026

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

Are you passionate about helping young people overcome challenges and achieve their best? At New Barn School, part of the Options Autism family, we’re looking for a caring and proactive Pastoral Assistant to join our supportive, child-centred team.

This is your chance to be part of a school that celebrates individuality, values teamwork, and puts emotional wellbeing at the heart of everything we do.

About the Role

As a Pastoral Assistant, you’ll play a key role in creating a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment where every pupil can thrive. You’ll support the social, emotional, and behavioural needs of our students - helping them build confidence, resilience, and positive relationships both in and outside the classroom.

Working closely with teachers, pastoral leads, and families, you’ll be part of a team that ensures every child feels understood, supported, and ready to learn.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide targeted pastoral and emotional support to pupils across the school
• Collaborate with Pastoral Managers and the Behaviour & Welfare Lead to maintain a consistent, inclusive approach to wellbeing and behaviour
• Encourage positive social interactions and reduce barriers to learning through empathy and structured support
• Coordinate in-school services to deliver cohesive, integrated provision tailored to individual needs
• Help pupils build resilience, self-esteem, and confidence, supporting engagement and personal growth
• Model and promote the school’s values of respect, inclusion, and compassion in every interaction

Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking someone who brings warmth, understanding, and a calm presence to every situation — someone who believes that with the right support, every child can thrive.

You’ll have:

• GCSE English and Maths or equivalent
• Experience working with children or young people with social, emotional, or behavioural needs
• A strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• The ability to remain calm, patient, and professional under pressure
• Empathy, flexibility, and a genuine passion for supporting vulnerable pupils
• Strong organisational and teamwork skills
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and supporting pupil wellbeing

Experience in a school or alternative provision setting is an advantage, but what matters most is your compassion, commitment, and willingness to learn.

About Us

New Barn School, part of Options Autism, provides inclusive, nurturing education for autistic children and young people with complex needs across three sites. We deliver personalised learning, therapeutic support, and vocational opportunities tailored to each pupil’s Education, Health and Care Plan. Pupils learn in small, supportive settings that promote confidence, independence, and emotional wellbeing. Built on strong partnerships with families, New Barn empowers every learner to thrive and prepare for life beyond school.

For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
  • Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
  • Hundreds of UK and international discounts
  • Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
  • Critical illness cover
  • Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.

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