How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four?
At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance and were putting wellbeing first.
Thats why were proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay.
Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So, whether its already in place or just around the corner, nows the perfect time to join #teamOFG.
Job Title: Pastoral Manager
Location: Groveside School, Reading, RG2 7AY
Salary: Up to 31,500 per annum depending on experience (not pro rata)
Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start January 2026
UK Applicants only this role does not offer sponsorship.
Groveside School is growing and so is our passionate, dedicated team. Were looking for an inspiring Pastoral Manager to help shape a nurturing, empowering, and inclusive environment where every young person feels safe, valued, and supported to thrive.
About the Role
As Pastoral Manager, you will play a pivotal role in safeguarding, wellbeing, and pupil support across the school. You will lead on safeguarding strategy, champion the emotional and social development of young people, and work closely with senior leaders to strengthen our pastoral systems. This includes providing direct support to students during moments of challenge, guiding staff in effective support approaches, and promoting a positive, inclusive culture rooted in the principles of the Equality Act 2010.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and coordinate safeguarding and pastoral care across the school
* Provide direct support to pupils, including crisis intervention and restorative work
* Guide and coach staff to implement effective support strategies
* Promote an inclusive and nurturing culture that values every learner
* Champion anti-bullying and anti-discrimination initiatives
* Collaborate with senior leaders to continually develop pastoral systems
* Maintain accurate records, reports and administrative processes relating to pupil wellbeing
Who Were Looking For
You will thrive in this role if you are:
* Energised by working in a fun, busy, and rewarding environment
* An excellent administrator with strong attention to detail
* Skilled at building strong, restorative relationships with young people
* Resilient, approachable, and calm under pressure with a good sense of humour
* A confident communicator who can motivate and inspire pupils and staff
* Creative, compassionate, and committed to helping pupils and families flourish
Essential Requirements
* Previous experience in pastoral management within a school setting
* Experience working with pupils with SEN, emotional, social, or behavioural needs
* Willingness to undertake further training where required (e.g., DSL, CPI)
* Strong organisational, interpersonal, and communication skills
* GCSEs in Maths and English (desirable)
About the school
Groveside School is a Brand-New Special Educational Needs School for Pupils 7 - 16 years old with Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs. Our school opened in September 2024 and will cater for 60 pupils.
To the ideal candidate, Groveside School offers the following opportunities:
* To work in a school that is passionate about all achievement for all pupils.
* To work with fantastic pupils who enjoy a dynamic and engaging curriculum.
* To begin your journey with a strong induction programme tailored to your experience and needs.
* To engage collaboratively within a very supportive environment where professional development is an essential aspect of our daily practice.
* To develop your career.
* To be committed to creating exceptional pupil experiences and learning for all.
We are part of Acorn Educationand can offer plenty of challenges along with a wide range of opportunities to develop your career. Acorn Education is the UKs leading provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in creating and delivering innovative approaches that achieve measurable outcomes for those in our care.
We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a Great Place to Work for the fifth year running.
Why join Acorn Education?
We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so youll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.
We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
Benefits
Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so youll get an exceptional reward package including:
* Life Assurance
* Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
* Your Wellbeing Matters access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package thats right for you, including:
* A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
* 100s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
* Cycle to Work Schemes
* Electric Car Purchase Scheme
* Critical illness cover
* Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
*Youll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit
Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
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