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How would you like to be paid for five days but only work four*?

Our colleagues’ wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do at OFG, so we’re always looking for new ways to improve everyone’s work/life balance. We’re taking part in a trial of the 4-Day Working Week, meaning that you could be working one day less a week (or equivalent).

If the trial is a success, we’ll be rolling the 4DWW out across the Group – so there’s never been a more exciting time to join #teamOFG!

Job title:          Pastoral Assistant

Location:         Wetheringsett Manor, Suffolk

Salary:             Up to £22,880 per annum

Hours:             37.5 hours per week, Monday - Friday 08:15 to 15:45

Contract:         Permanent, Term Time only

Start Date:       December 2024

UK Applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

As part of our continued growth in service, we are looking for Pastoral Assistant to join our team at Wetheringsett Manor School, Suffolk.

About the role

The aim of the role is to support and promote a positive, caring environment, which focuses upon and addresses the needs of each individual pupil or young person. 

The role exists to guide all staff in the support approaches most successful for the inclusion of young people in the classroom to ensure that continuous learning is achieved during learning phases in the school.   

To provide direct support to young people in crisis and who require additional care throughout the school day and to oversee and contribute to the wider planning around the holistic development of young people in the long term.

To work alongside the Head of Behaviour and welfare to implement strategies, processes and approaches that are in fitting with the school’s approach. 

Expectations

In fulfilling your role, you will be expected to: 

Ensure that all policies, procedures and practices reflect the schools commitment to the importance and value of the individual.  It is therefore your task to challenge and change any policies, procedures or practice which is discriminatory or prejudicial and which does not reflect or promote the ethos of the school and ensure that they successfully reflect good practice and expectations of Wetheringsett Manor School, Ofsted and legal guidance. 

 Ensure that all pupils and young people are treated with dignity and respect, in an environment, which reflects the importance of, and their right to be treated as valuable worthwhile individuals. 

Take every step necessary to ensure that our pupils and young people are protected from neglect, abuse and exploitation. 

Where deemed necessary by the Head teacher - To support class teachers by assisting in classroom management and by providing basic supervision and day care skills in relation to pupils. 

To assist in developing and implementing individual educational and behavioural programmes. 

As Pastoral assistant you are expected to maintain strict confidentiality in all areas of your work. 

About the School

Wetheringsett Manor School is a new independent day SEMH School for up to 42 pupils aged 11-18. Our dedicated team work together to ensure successful outcomes for pupils who often arrive at the school with a troubled view of education and life.

Wetheringsett Manor School has gone through significant refurbishment and is based in Suffolk, East Anglia and opened to pupils in November 2020. The Manor House is located in 17 acres of parkland with wooded boundaries and sits on the edge of the village of Wetheringsett. The accommodation also provides several other buildings including a converted stable block, a cottage and two industrial units.

We pride ourselves in steering pupils in the right direction, nurturing aspiration to progress them both academically and socially to encourage them to take pride in their achievements. Socially, we build confidence in our students, so they are able to have a greater understanding of the wider community in which they live.

We welcome staff who share our commitment to help pupils experience better days and better lives. Through ongoing development and training, we ensure our staff are well prepared for their jobs and given every opportunity to extend their skills.

We are part of Acorn Education and can promise you plenty of challenges, and a rich variety of opportunities to develop your career. Acorn Education is the UK’s leading independent provider of specialist education for vulnerable pupils and young people. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.

Why join Acorn Education?

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:

Life Assurance

Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions

“Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks

And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:

A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits

100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad

Cycle to Work Schemes

Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Critical illness cover

Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support. 

And that’s not all, we place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

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.

*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 

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