Backwell School has a long tradition of excellent pastoral care alongside its academic success. The pastoral support of the school is built around a strong and popular House system where students are looked after initially by a Head of Year 7 and then by a Pastoral Leader attached to the House. Not all students find secondary school easy and we have a variety of mechanisms in place to support any student who is suffering from mental health issues.

We are aiming to recruit a colleague on a part time basis (Up to 30 hours per week), who will primarily be focussed on supporting the emotional mental health and wellbeing of some of our most vulnerable students. The actual hours of work can be negotiated to fit in with other members of the student support team but will be agreed between the hours of 9.00 am and 3.30 pm daily during term time.

We are looking for someone who can:

• Support students who have been referred, either by pastoral staff or by self-referral, for concerns around their mental health.

• This could include family issues, anxiety, bereavement or many other concerns.

• There will be the need for one to one support and we may consider small group work if appropriate to the situation.

• Demonstrate commitment to the values and core beliefs of Backwell School.

Backwell School is a part of the Lighthouse Schools Partnership Multi-Academy Trust. In 2020, Ofsted judged both the School and the Sixth Form to be ‘Good’. At present, the School has 1,700 students in Years 7 to 11 and 380 in the Sixth Form.

Our Trust values excellence and collaboration and has a key focus on staff development will deliver exciting and effective learning to our children and young people. Backwell School also leads the North Somerset Teaching Alliance (NSTA) program for trainee teaching staff.

What we have to offer

Backwell School offers its staff a vibrant and stimulating teaching environment and there is a broad range of professional support available for new members of staff both within the department and in the wider school.

Backwell School provides a fantastic benefits package inclusive of:-

• A contributory pension scheme

• A broad employee assistance programme and benefits (offering discounts on shopping and healthcare)

• Cycle to work scheme and on-site parking

• Wellbeing support

• As a Teaching School, we also offer support to staff looking for career progression.

How to apply

Before making an application candidates are asked to match their qualifications, experience, skills and abilities against the criteria listed on the job and person specification.

Applications for this post will close on Monday 5 July at 09:00.

Those who are successful from shortlisting, will be contacted to advise of the interview arrangements.

The Lighthouse Schools Partnership – Backwell School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all in our community to share this commitment. Suitability to work with children and young people will form part of the selection process. As part of the shortlisting process an online search will be carried out. All appointments will be subject to vetting, including an enhanced DBS check.

We are also committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, particularly those from underrepresented groups.