Pastoral Specialist

Pastoral Specialist

Salary: Up to £30,000 depending on experience.

Location: Henslow and Evolution School – Middletown, Shropshire, SY21 8FF.

Purpose of the Post

To champion a therapeutic, relationship-based culture across the school, supporting children and young people to develop emotional regulation, resilience and readiness to learn. The postholder will work proactively to reduce barriers to learning, strengthen students' sense of safety and belonging, and ensure that wellbeing and safeguarding remain at the heart of practice.

About the Role

We are seeking a compassionate, skilled and resilient Specialist to join our therapeutic school community. This role is focused on supporting young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs to feel safe, connected and ready to engage in learning.

Many of our students have experienced adversity, trauma, disrupted education and challenges within relationships. As a key member of the wider therapeutic team, you will support young people to understand and manage their emotions, develop self-regulation skills and build positive relationships. Through a consistent, nurturing and trauma-informed approach, you will help create the conditions in which students can feel secure, develop resilience and achieve positive educational outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Build trusting, therapeutic relationships that promote a sense of safety, belonging and emotional wellbeing.
• Support students to identify, understand and communicate their emotions in healthy and constructive ways.
• Help young people develop emotional regulation skills, resilience and strategies for managing stress, anxiety, frustration and dysregulation.
• Provide timely support during periods of emotional distress, using co-regulation, de-escalation and restorative approaches.
• Work collaboratively with teaching staff, families and external professionals to understand the underlying causes of presenting needs and barriers to learning.
• Contribute to the development of individual support plans that promote emotional wellbeing, regulation and engagement.
• Support staff in adopting consistent, trauma-informed and emotionally responsive approaches across the school.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to multi-agency planning and review processes.
• Use physical intervention only when necessary to maintain safety and always within a therapeutic and trauma-informed framework.
• Develop the skills to delivery our therapeutic intervention training to school teams.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a strong understanding of child development, attachment, trauma and the impact these can have on emotional regulation in an educational environment.
• Can confidently support young people who experience periods of distress, dysregulation or emotional overwhelm.
• Is skilled in co-regulation and able to help young people develop their own self-regulation strategies over time.
• Understands that behaviour is a form of communication and is able to respond with curiosity, empathy and professional reflection, whilst remaining resilient.
• Is committed to restorative, relational and trauma-informed practice.
• Can remain calm, attuned and emotionally available during challenging situations.
• Values collaboration and can build positive relationships with the school and professional team.

Safeguarding, Confidentiality and Professional Conduct

The postholder will demonstrate an unwavering commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. They will maintain a strong understanding of safeguarding responsibilities, statutory guidance and school policies, ensuring that any concerns regarding a child's safety, wellbeing or welfare are recognised, recorded and reported promptly and appropriately.

The successful candidate will be expected to maintain the highest standards of professional integrity, discretion and confidentiality. They will handle sensitive information with care and in accordance with data protection requirements. The postholder will act as a positive role model at all times. They will also contribute to a culture of vigilance, transparency and reflective practice, working collaboratively with colleagues, families and partner agencies to ensure that young people feel safe, respected, valued and supported to achieve their full potential.

This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and all safer recruitment requirements.