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Inspire Wellbeing – Build Relationships – Remove Barriers to Learning
Aberdare Community School is seeking to appoint a passionate, committed and reflective Pastoral Support Assistant – Hafan to join our vibrant and values driven pastoral team.
This is an exciting opportunity for a dedicated practitioner to support learners through high quality pastoral care — helping them to overcome barriers, develop emotional resilience and engage positively with school life. The role is central to our commitment to inclusion, restorative practice and ensuring that every learner feels valued, supported and able to succeed.
About Our School
Aberdare Community School sits at the heart of its community. We believe deeply in people — in our learners, our families and our staff. Our vision is clear and uncompromising: Every child matters, every day.
We are proud of our inclusive ethos, our strong relationships and our relentless focus on high expectations. We create an environment where learners feel safe, valued and encouraged to be ambitious, resilient and confident in themselves and their future.
Guided by our mission — Strive · Believe · Achieve — we challenge our learners and staff to Work Hard, Dream Big and Reach for the Stars.
Why Work at Aberdare Community School?
Working at Aberdare Community School is challenging, deeply meaningful and hugely rewarding. Staff are trusted, supported and encouraged to grow — professionally and personally. Every day, our staff make a genuine difference to learners’ wellbeing, engagement and life chances.
The Role
You will:
•Provide pastoral, emotional and behavioural support for learners
•Deliver restorative and trauma informed interventions to support wellbeing and engagement
•Support vulnerable, disengaged and at risk pupils to re engage with school life
•Work closely with Progress Leaders, staff, families and external agencies
•Facilitate restorative conversations to resolve conflict and rebuild relationships
•Contribute to the effective operation of Hafan provision and wider pastoral systems
•Monitor attendance, wellbeing and engagement, supporting targeted interventions
•Maintain accurate records and support administrative processes across the pastoral system
About You
You will be:
•Passionate about supporting young people, particularly those facing barriers to learning
•Committed to inclusion, restorative approaches and relationship focused practice
•Skilled in building positive, professional relationships with pupils, families and colleagues
•Calm, resilient and able to work effectively in challenging situations
•Organised, reflective and able to work both independently and as part of a team
•Committed to ongoing professional development
•Experience of working with young people in an educational or pastoral setting is essential.
•Experience of supporting pupils with social, emotional and behavioural needs, and familiarity with restorative or trauma informed approaches, would be advantageous.
What We Offer
•A modern 21st century school with excellent facilities
•A supportive, inclusive and ambitious staff culture
•Strong pastoral systems and a genuine commitment to staff wellbeing
•Professional development that is purposeful, supported and valued
•A role that is professionally rewarding and makes a real difference
Applications
The closing date for applications is 9.00 a.m. on Monday 22 June 2026. CVs are not accepted. Applications must be submitted using the official RCT application form via eTeach.
The Council and School values diversity in its workforce. We are committed to ensuring that no unlawful discrimination occurs in the recruitment and selection process on the grounds of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, transgender, including those with non-binary identities, religion or belief or pregnancy and maternity. We offer a number of staff networks for employees including the Allies Network, a Disability and Carers Network and Perthyn our LGBTQ+ Network.
An application submitted for this post in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application made in English.
In view of the large number of Application Forms which are currently being submitted individual applications are not acknowledged. Consequently, if you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application is unsuccessful on this occasion. In which case you are thanked for the interest you have shown in applying for a position within the Council.
Safeguarding Statement
Aberdare Community School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.