What Skills and Experience We're Looking For
* 4 GCSEs Grade C+/4+ (or equivalent) including Maths and English
* NVQ Level 3 DfE recognised Teaching Assistant / SEND Assistant, EYFS or Childcare qualification or higher qualification with relevant experience
* Willingness to participate in relevant training and development opportunities
* Good ICT skills and the proven ability to use them effectively to support learning
What the School Offers Its Staff
* The Trust matches the Real Living Wage
* A friendly and supportive team of staff who are willing to share expertise and learn from one another
* Opportunities for career development and support with development through Trust-wide Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes
* Access to an Employee Assistance Programme and support from the Trust's Wellbeing Network Group
* Access to either Teacher's Pension or Local Government Pension Scheme, each with favourable employer contribution rates
* Employee-centred policies that support you in and beyond the workplace
* Funded eye tests for DSE users (subject to T/Cs)
* Bike 2 Work scheme
Role Details
Gilbert Ward Academy is seeking to appoint Pastoral Support Officers. We are looking for committed and experienced individuals to support the school in the lead‑up to our Ofsted inspection.
Responsibilities
* Develop and maintain effective relationships with pupils, most of whom struggle with formal education
* Play a key role in an on‑call support network available to pupils throughout the working day
* Be responsible for pastoral support, re‑engagement and interventions for pupils within a particular pathway
* Act as a role model to other teaching assistants and support staff with behaviour interventions
About Gilbert Ward Academy
Gilbert Ward Academy is a new, purpose‑built Department for Education (DfE) special free school designed to provide a tailored education for pupils aged 11‑16 with SEMH needs and ASC. Opened recently to meet a growing demand in the region, the academy offers a modern, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment. Our facilities have been specifically designed to support the unique needs of our pupils, with specialist spaces to encourage personal growth, learning, and well‑being. Located in Blyth, Northumberland, we are deeply committed to fostering resilience, independence, and aspiration in every pupil we serve.
About Prosper Learning Trust
As part of Prosper Learning Trust, which supports five specialist schools in the North East, we share a commitment to empowering vulnerable young people to succeed. The Trust currently has five schools in the region:
* Newcastle Bridges School – Alternative Provision academy offering education to pupils unable to access mainstream school due to medical needs including hospitalised children and young people (3‑19 years)
* Mary Astell Academy – Alternative Provision academy offering education to permanently excluded pupils and pupils who are struggling in mainstream school (11‑16 years)
* Thomas Bewick Special School – Special School academy for pupils with a diagnosis of autism (3‑19 years)
* Harry Watts Academy – Special School academy for pupils with a diagnosis of autism (5‑16 years)
* Gilbert Ward Academy – Special School academy for pupils with SEMH or a diagnosis of autism (11‑16 years)
The Trust was also recently named as the lead partner in the opening of a new Free School in Jarrow, South Tyneside, which will be a Special School academy for pupils with SEMH (4‑11 years).
Deployment and Working Arrangements
The successful candidate will be deployed initially at Gilbert Ward Academy but will be expected to work at any Prosper Learning Trust site should the need arise. All successful candidates will be required to complete an online pre‑employment medical questionnaire.
Commitment to Safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical, online and social media checks, prohibition from teaching, right to work satisfactory references, suitability to work with children.
You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
How to Apply
If this sounds like the right role for you, please apply promptly. The successful candidate will be welcomed into the Trust, and we look forward to your application.
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