Job Overview
Are you passionate about shaping young people's lives, breaking down barriers to learning, and creating a school culture where every pupil feels safe, supported and inspired to thrive? Meadowcroft School is seeking a dedicated Pastoral Manager to join our leadership team and drive forward our commitment to exceptional pastoral care and personal development. As our Pastoral Manager, you will play a central role in ensuring pupils experience a positive, enriching and safe school life.
Responsibilities
* Lead the pastoral provision across the Centre, ensuring high standards of behaviour, wellbeing, safeguarding and personal development; oversee attendance, manage transitions, coordinate individual support plans, and embed the school's ethos of independence, resilience, respect, aspiration, enjoyment and community unity.
* Work directly with pupils to remove barriers to learning, identify strategies for behaviour, social and emotional needs, monitor targeted interventions, supervise lunchtime/after‑school clubs and transport, set and review wellbeing targets.
* Drive high expectations for behaviour and conduct, ensuring consistent implementation of the behaviour policy, modelling professionalism, fairness and respect; investigate incidents, apply transparent consequences, and promote routines that support exemplary learning and social behaviours.
* Collaborate with staff across the school, ensuring all colleagues understand and apply pastoral systems; liaise with teachers, SENCO, safeguarding and senior leaders to monitor behaviour, attendance and personal development; provide specialist advice, coaching and staff training, and contribute to whole‑school pastoral policies and action plans.
* Act as the lead point of contact for parents/carers, maintaining regular communication regarding behaviour, progress and attendance; build positive relationships to encourage family involvement; support parents with information and guidance.
* Work in partnership with external agencies, maintaining up‑to‑date knowledge of available support; liaise with professionals to meet individual needs; complete required documentation; attend multi‑disciplinary meetings; and facilitate the transfer of relevant pupil information internally and externally.
* Maintain high‑quality pastoral administration, ensuring accurate records of interventions, behaviour, attendance, medical needs, risk assessments, behaviour plans, return‑to‑school meetings and personal development documentation.
* Contribute to leadership responsibilities within the Centre, being visible at key times of the day, supporting safe and effective learning environments, participating in SLT and Health & Safety meetings, leading staff training, and supporting the delivery of the School Development Plan.
* Develop and monitor whole‑school personal development, planning and reviewing strategies that promote SMSC, British Values, citizenship, independence and life skills; provide data analysis and reports; introduce innovative approaches; and ensure pupils are well prepared for their next stage of education, training or employment.
* Promote a culture of safety, wellbeing and professional excellence, supporting safe working practices, modelling high standards of dress, punctuality and attendance, building strong relationships with pupils, staff, parents and agencies, and taking responsibility for personal health, safety and welfare.
Qualifications & Skills
* Passionate about pastoral care and improving life chances for young people.
* Strong leadership skills and thrives in a collaborative, fast‑paced environment.
* Communicates confidently with pupils, staff, parents and external partners.
* Highly organised, emotionally intelligent and solution‑focused.
* Can model high expectations, fairness, professionalism and integrity.
* Brings creativity and innovation to personal development and wellbeing initiatives.
About Meadowcroft School
Meadowcroft School is an independent specialist day school across four sites in Wakefield, supporting pupils with complex SEMH needs and additional learning difficulties. We provide a safe, nurturing environment with personalised support, small classes, and a broad, balanced curriculum. Our dedicated team works with families, therapists and external professionals to remove barriers and celebrate progress. We prepare every pupil to build confidence, essential life skills and a pathway to future success.
About Acorn Education
Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges, making a real difference in young people's lives. As part of the Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence‑based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.
EEO Statement
All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants will receive a fully enhanced DBS.
Benefits
* 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, enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
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