About The Role
Compass Community School Willow Dean is an independent specialist school providing high-quality, therapeutic, child-centred education to boys and girls from 6 to 17 years of age in Halifax, West Yorkshire. Our children come from a wide range of backgrounds, all with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH). Many also have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) such as Autism, ADHD, and communication difficulties.
The work we do is varied and challenging. As a trauma and attachment informed organisation, all staff are provided with extensive therapeutic training and support. Our triangulated approach places the child at the centre of decision-making, ensuring collaboration between education and therapy professionals, parents/carers, local authority teams, and the students to secure outstanding outcomes.
The Role
We are a therapeutic school and believe in a healing approach to supporting and modifying challenging behaviour. The Therapeutic Pastoral Lead will embody, lead, and facilitate this approach by working holistically within the school’s leadership group as a key member of the local leadership team. The role is co‑managed by Regional SENCOs and the Therapeutic Development Manager and is integral to the school community.
The successful candidate will be calm and sensitive at times of potential dysregulation, experienced in de‑escalation, and possess practical knowledge of key theories and frameworks of interventions that emotionally support children. You will receive Continued Professional Development (CPD) training in our Assessing and Healing Childhood Trauma (AHCT) approach and promote its use among education staff.
Please note that this is a fixed‑term contract for 12 months, with the option of part‑time work.
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
* The pastoral, SMSC, socio‑emotional resilience and personal development of students.
* Assessment, monitoring, reporting on, and supporting the overall holistic progress and personal development of students.
* Ensuring safeguarding is paramount and safeguarding policies are adhered to.
* Contributing to the annual School Improvement Plan and School Evaluation Form.
* Maintaining knowledge of and taking shared responsibility for the SMSC and Personal Development elements of the Independent School Standards and the Ofsted Inspection framework, promoting these daily.
Benefits and Rewards
* Training – Ongoing free training and therapeutic workshops providing high levels of CPD hours.
* Career Progression – Strong career pathways within our team and across Compass.
* Peer Group Supervision – Therapeutic & clinical support to enhance CPD growth.
* Inclusion – Membership of GRACE (Group and Regional Ambassadors Committed to Equality) inclusion weekly group.
* Wellbeing – Confidential therapeutic wellbeing sessions with the Therapeutic Services team.
* Engagement Conferences – Two per year with the national Therapeutic Services team; accommodation & DBB provided.
* Awards – Chance to win up to £150 in vouchers monthly through REACH Awards.
* Medicash – Cashback for various medical and wellbeing appointments and treatments.
* Annual Leave – 8 weeks annual leave.
* Length of Service bonus – £200 (2 yrs), £400 (5 yrs), £600 (10 yrs) and up to £500 special recognition award for outstanding practice.
Safeguarding
Compass Community Schools are highly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to hold or obtain Enhanced DBS/Check for Regulated Activity and undergo due diligence checks on social media use. All school staff have responsibility for promoting safeguarding and welfare, should be aware of the school’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and work in accordance with it at all times.
Equal Opportunity
Compass is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We continue to grow and recognise the need for talented employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences to support our children and young people.
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