Join Phoenix Bay School - where we are more than just a school.
Job Description
Reporting To: Senior Leadership Team
Start Date: Immediate (01/06/2026)
Please note: the confirmed school site will be communicated once finalised. All roles will be based within Plymouth.
About Phoenix Bay
Phoenix Bay is opening a new school in Plymouth. We work with children who need education to feel safe, relational and meaningful before it can be academic. Our approach is trauma-informed, restorative and rooted in high expectations, consistency and care.
This is a unique opportunity to join a school at an early stage and help shape its culture, curriculum and daily practice from the ground up.
Job Purpose
The Learning Manager (KS1/KS2) will combine classroom teaching responsibilities with year group pastoral leadership.
The role is central to ensuring that pupils feel safe, supported and ready to learn, while also delivering high-quality teaching that enables strong academic progress. The postholder will lead on behaviour, wellbeing, attendance and engagement for their year group, working closely with families, staff and external agencies to remove barriers to learning.
Key Responsibilities
Teaching & Learning (KS1/KS2)
• Teach a class within KS1 or KS2, planning and delivering high-quality, inclusive lessons.
• Create a calm, structured and nurturing classroom environment that supports emotional regulation and learning.
• Use assessment effectively to monitor progress and adapt teaching to meet individual needs.
• Ensure high expectations for behaviour, effort and achievement for all pupils.
• Work collaboratively with support staff to meet the needs of pupils with additional or complex needs.
Pastoral Leadership & Wellbeing
• Take overall responsibility for the pastoral care and wellbeing of pupils within the year group.
• Act as a consistent and trusted adult, modelling emotionally regulated and respectful behaviour.
• Lead the implementation of trauma-informed and restorative practices across the year group.
• Respond to pastoral concerns and incidents in line with school policy and safeguarding procedures.
• Promote positive behaviour, emotional literacy and a strong sense of belonging.
Attendance, Punctuality & Engagement
• Monitor daily attendance and punctuality across the year group.
• Log attendance concerns accurately and follow up on unexplained absences or non-attendance.
• Contact parents/carers promptly regarding absences, in line with safeguarding expectations.
• Identify barriers to attendance and work with families and staff to address these.
• Contribute to attendance action plans and Early Help processes where required.
• Promote a positive culture of attendance and engagement.
Academic Progress & Inclusion
• Monitor academic progress across the year group alongside class teachers and leaders.
• Identify pupils at risk of underachievement and co-ordinate appropriate interventions.
• Work closely with the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinator (SENDCo) to support pupils with additional needs.
• Ensure pastoral, academic and behavioural support are aligned.
Working with Parents, Carers & External Agencies
• Build strong, trusting relationships with parents and carers.
• Act as a key point of contact for families regarding wellbeing, behaviour and attendance.
• Lead and contribute to meetings with parents and external professionals.
• Liaise with agencies such as Early Help, social care and health services as required.
Safeguarding & Record Keeping
• Maintain accurate and confidential records relating to attendance, behaviour and interventions.
• Work closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead to safeguard pupils.
• Act in accordance with statutory guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Leadership & Wider School Contribution
• Lead year group meetings, briefings or assemblies.
• Contribute to Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE), Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development (SMSC) and wellbeing provision across the school.
• Support the development of school systems, routines and culture as part of a new school team.
• Model Phoenix Bay’s values and ethos at all times.
What We Can Offer You
• The opportunity to be part of a new and growing school community, with genuine influence over how the school develops and evolves.
• A strong, happy and experienced staff team.
• Access to high-quality Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and training, including but not limited to: Trauma-Informed Practice; Safeguarding (Level 3); Prevent Training; Emotion Literacy; Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs); Total Communication.
Person Specification
Essential
• Qualified Teacher Status (or equivalent).
• Experience teaching in KS1 and/or KS2.
• Strong classroom practice with high expectations for behaviour and learning.
• Experience in a pastoral, wellbeing or leadership role.
• Strong understanding of child development and barriers to learning.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Clear commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and trauma-informed practice.
Desirable
• Experience working in alternative provision or specialist settings.
• Experience leading on attendance, behaviour or pastoral systems.
• Experience liaising with external agencies or Early Help processes.
• Training in restorative practice, SEMH or mental health.