Pastoral Support Worker

Grade 4 Salary - £26,403 - £28,142 (FTE)

Pro-rata - £23,371 to £24,910

West Gate School is a popular, over-subscribed special school for 4 – 19-year-olds. We cater for children and young people with a wide range special needs. Many of pupils are neurodiverse, with some pupils having additional learning, physical or health needs. You can access a wealth of additional information from our school website.

This is an important and exciting opportunity for someone to support and engage with our pupils and their families. The successful applicant will be able to form strong, positive relationships with our pupils and community, have a desire to improve outcomes for learners with SEND and be tenacious in pursuing the best opportunities for our pupils, sometimes dealing with sensitive matters with empathy and understanding. 

 The successful candidate will join our dedicated and lively Welfare Team, who play a crucial role in both the day to day and strategic operations of school life. We would like our Pastoral Support Worker to undertake training appropriate to the role, such as training to be a Designated Senior Leader (deputy) for Safeguarding. Therefore, experience is less important than a positive attitude and willingness to learn! 

Role and responsibilities will include:

• To act as a deputy Designated Senior Leader (DSL) for safeguarding, liaising with early help and DAS as needed

• To Support staff in all pupil welfare, medical and care related needs in school 

• First point of contact for families during teaching time

• First point of contact for professional organising times and dates of visits liaising with colleagues to ensure its appropriate

• Ensure accurate records are kept of all incidents, input, and interventions

• First aider

• Regular phone calls home to parents covering sensitive/upsetting topics

• Transport – supporting new applications, undertaking staff call outs for arrival and dismissal

• Managing the family room/medical room in conjunction with Parent Link Worker

• Parent support, sign posting, coffee mornings and newsletters

• Support transitions into school with families

• Home visits

• Home tuition support for pupils who are temporarily unable to attend school and have your own car and willing to have business insurance is essential  

• Supporting parent with training offered by school e.g. PES/Communication and sign posting them on to external agency e.g. LCI team

• Attending appointments with families on occasion transporting them

• Organisation and delivery of summer school – 1 week per summer holiday

• Social media and online safety support for pupils and families in conjunction with Parent Link Worker

• Seeking and applying for grants and subsidies to support pupils

• Mental health first aider (pupils)

• Completing applications for DLA/PIPs, MARFs, family fund and housing support

• Making referrals to the school nurse and organising the dates for them to attend school

• 1:1 support for struggling pupils

• Phone calls to vulnerable/struggling families during closure time

• Team Teach trained and willing to support in stressful/crisis situations for pupils

• Willing to occasionally work out of usual hours

• Willing to train in basic therapeutic techniques such as Drawing and Talking or Lego therapy. 

Hours: 37 hours per week (40 weeks per year)

Closing Date: 25th August 2026

Interview: 15th September 2026

Start Date: Monday 26th October 2026

How to apply: Please apply using the online form and outline in the supporting statement section why you are the right person for this post. You are more than welcome to arrange a visit to the school prior to the closing date. Please contact Baljit Sahota.

West Gate School is committed to safeguarding children and young people and promoting their welfare. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Should you be successful you will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

If you have not had any contact from the school within a fortnight after the closing date please assume that, on this occasion, your application has been unsuccessful.