Pastoral Lead

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Job Title: Pastoral Lead
Location: Bluebank School, Whittington Moor, Derbyshire, S41 8LQ
Hours: 37.5 per week Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4.00pm
Salary: Up to £31,500.00 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent Term Time Only
Start: June 2026
UK applicants only - no sponsorship available

About the Role

As our Pastoral Lead, you'll be at the heart of everything we do to support the wellbeing and personal growth of our pupils. You'll lead the pastoral team, champion safeguarding and inclusion, and drive positive behaviour and emotional resilience across the school.

From developing personalised care plans to coordinating support with families and external agencies, you'll play a vital role in creating an environment where young people can thrive both emotionally and academically.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead & Safeguard: Take the lead as the school's Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO), ensuring every child's safety and wellbeing are at the forefront.
• Inspire & Guide: Develop and embed effective behaviour support and pastoral care strategies; mentor and empower staff to deliver best practice.
• Support & Empower Students: Provide direct support to pupils in crisis, promote emotional regulation, and coordinate multi-agency interventions.
• Drive Standards: Contribute to school policy, monitor pastoral data, and uphold high-quality assurance and compliance standards.
• Champion School Values: Be an active member of the Senior Leadership Team, promoting a trauma-informed, inclusive culture where every student matters.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking someone who is:

• Experienced in pastoral care, safeguarding, or SEMH support
• Confident in leading, coaching, and mentoring staff teams
• Knowledgeable about safeguarding legislation and best practice
• Analytical, with the ability to interpret behaviour and attendance data
• Trained (or willing to train) in trauma-informed or restorative approaches
• A strong communicator who builds trust and positive relationships
• Committed to inclusion, compassion, and continuous improvement
• Holder of a full UK driving licence

Supporting Statement Guidance

Along with your application, please include a short supporting statement telling us:

• A little about yourself and what excites you about this role
• Why you believe you're the right fit for Bluebank School, referring back to the job description
• The key skills and experiences you'll bring
• How you'll make a difference to our students and community if appointed to the role

About Us

Bluebank School is a brand-new Acorn Education provision set to open in January 2026 in Whittington Moor, Derbyshire. The co-educational school will cater for up to 60 pupils aged 11 - 16, offering specialist support for children and young people with complex needs, including Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties.

Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people's lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.

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.