Job Overview
Downland School is a co-educational maintained community special school for pupils aged between 10 and 16 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
Our pupils have varying aptitudes and abilities; we are extremely proud of all their achievements and progress. Our pupils have a range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) including: Autism (ASC); attachment disorders and Social, Emotional Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties. We seek to ensure that, by the time they leave us, our pupils emerge as self-confident individuals able to manage their own learning; equipped with the skills and competencies to successfully take the next steps in their lives.
We are a friendly, happy and caring school, providing a positive, inclusive and enriching educational experience for our young people. We view each of our pupils as unique and shape our provision to meet their individual needs and accelerate their progress in a variety of areas e.g. personal, social, academic and well-being. Our commitment to supporting the ‘whole’ child and their development is underpinned by our strong pastoral systems and our committed and trained staff. At Downland we promote inclusion and equality and celebrate diversity.
Our mission statement is ‘Aspire, Achieve and Thrive’.
We are now looking to appoint the role of Advanced Pastoral and Intervention support, who is an excellent practitioner with a proven track record.
The postholder’s job purpose will be the effective administration of all aspects of pastoral care provided by the Pupil Support Team.
This is an exciting opportunity to join our enthusiastic, committed and professional team and to support pupils from age 10 to 16.
* Key duties and responsibilities
* Contribute to, develop and train the staff in the Pastoral Support Team, this is under the leadership of our Pastoral Leads
* Contribute to the evaluation of the quality of support provided by the Pastoral Support Team
* Be aware of the latest developments, legislation and research on pastoral care and disseminate them as appropriate
* Ensure that all statutory requirements with regard to pastoral support and pupil reporting are fulfilled
* Collect and analyse data as required, e.g. attendance and exclusion data
* Work with the Pastoral Leaders (under the SLT Links guidance) in developing strategies and policies for the development of the pastoral systems and programmes within the school
* Design intervention programmes to support additional bespoke provision and targeted pupil intervention(s)
* Promote the work of the Pastoral Support Team to secure positive relationships with parents/carers and all stakeholders e.g. outside agencies and other professionals
* Administer and record medication including anaphylaxis, asthma and diabetes (other medical issues as they arise)
* Contribute to the overall development of the school; support the implementation of school policies; support school events and extra curricular activities
* Exemplify being an ‘emotionally available, professional adult’ to support pupils to re-regulate and return to learning. Lead all staff to also demonstrate this approach at all times.
* Participating in training and other learning activities as required.
* Comply with policies and procedures relating to Child Protection, Health & Safety and security, personal safety, confidentiality and data protection, reporting concerns to an appropriate person. Contribute to overall ethos/work/aims of the school.
Enthusiasm and commitment to working with pupils with SEND is paramount to us; you will be expected to actively demonstrate the school’s core values and embrace ‘The Downland Way’.
To apply, you should submit a letter addressed to Mrs Keily-Theobald (Headteacher) of no more than two sides of A4 with your application form addressing the requirements of the post, as outlined in the Job Description and the Person Specification provided. We are particularly interested in how you would undertake this role at Downland School and about your relevant skills, qualities and experience to date. Applications received without a supporting letter will not be considered and CVs will not be accepted.
Please email completed application forms and your covering letter to Tanya Rhodes, HR, Admin Lead and Deputy Finance & Estate Manager, at tanyarhodes@downland.wilts.sch.uk
We welcome visits to the school. Please contact Tanya Rhodes if you would like to arrange a visit in advance of applying.
Applications must be received by 9.00am on Friday 18th July 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by e-mail. If you do not hear from us by end of Friday 18th July 2025, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion. Interview date Monday 21st July 2025. Start date as soon as possible.
Downland School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Please note that this appointment is subject to enhanced DBS, medical and reference checks before appointment is confirmed. #J-18808-Ljbffr