Assistant Head of Pastoral (Senior School)
Teachers at Beech Hall School will be responsible for delivering a bespoke approach to learning through a new lens, with emphasis placed on growing minds, hearts, eco responsibility, digital, innovation and being part of a global community.
Our school is proudly inclusive and innovative, supporting all pupils to reach and unleash their potential, through the delivery of a powerful curriculum and in the care of nurturing and inspiring teaching staff.
The Beech Hall Tapestry frames our curriculum, our approach and our educational footprint. One core strand is that of mental health and wellbeing. Pastoral support forms a key part of that provision, and the school seeks a leader who can add structure, strategy and support to the care and wellbeing of all children in the school. The Pastoral Leader plays a pivotal role in overseeing the pastoral care and wellbeing of students across the Primary (excluding Kindergarten) and Secondary sections of the school. The Pastoral Leader will provide guidance to homeroom teachers and Heads of House, ensuring the effective implementation of pastoral strategies that promote a positive and inclusive school environment. This position requires considerable pastoral experience, strong leadership skills, and confidence in handling sensitive issues and engaging with parents
ACCOUNTABILITY
Line managed by the Head of Pastoral/Head of Senior School
Core Responsibilities:
(In addition to a teaching role and therefore to be read in accordance with a teaching role JD)
Leadership and Management
- Manage and support the Senior School Heads of House in their roles, ensuring consistency in pastoral care and the development of the house system.
- Oversee the pastoral aspects of homeroom teachers in the Senior school, providing advice, training, and resources to address student welfare issues.
- Serve as a key member of the pastoral team, contributing to strategic planning and decision-making for student wellbeing.
Pastoral Care
- Act as a senior point of contact for significant student welfare concerns in the Senior school, ensuring timely and effective resolution in collaboration with staff and parents.
- Provide support and mentoring to students in the Senior school, addressing behavioural, emotional, and social issues with sensitivity and professionalism.
- Lead and coordinate efforts to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all students.
- Maintain comprehensive records of pastoral interventions and student progress, adhering to confidentiality and data protection guidelines.
Communication and Collaboration
- Liaise effectively with Senior school parents, addressing their concerns with empathy and clarity while fostering positive relationships.
- Facilitate communication between homeroom teachers, Heads of House, and senior leadership to ensure a cohesive approach to student welfare.
Training and Development
- Support ongoing professional development opportunities for homeroom teachers and Heads of House in pastoral care and student management.
- Deliver training sessions for staff on relevant topics such as mental health issues, dealing with parents and behaviour management.
House System Support
- Collaborate with Head of Pastoral and Heads of House to plan and oversee inter-house events and initiatives that promote school spirit and student engagement.
- Monitor the effectiveness and participation rates of house activities, offering guidance to enhance the program.
Collaboration and Community
- Be open minded to coaching and appraisal, taking on board praise and dialogue around development.
- Collaborate with colleagues across the team to develop best practice, share ideas and work cohesively to bring out the best in every member of the community.
- Share expertise through Professional Learning and Development (PLD).
- Engage in Action Research and be willing to experiment with approaches that could positively impact the wellbeing and development of students and subjects.
- Show tolerance of and respect for the rights of others.
- Support and encouraging fundamental values such as the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.
- Have proper and professional regard for the ethos, policies and practices of the School and maintain high standards in personal attendance and punctuality.
- Present a positive image of the School to all other stakeholders.
- Anything else reasonably requested by the Senior Leadership Team.
Safeguarding, Inclusion and Wellbeing
- Taking a proactive approach to safeguard all children and members of the School community.
- Commit to upholding all school policies and procedures.
- Be part of a fully inclusive school where all members of staff work together to provide a fully inclusive environment and working practices, free of bias and prejudice.
- Promote the general progress and well-being of all students and report concerns to a staff member.
- Provide an effective role model for students in terms of your own professional practice.
Key Skills and Attributes
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with students, parents, and staff.
- Strong organizational and leadership abilities to manage teams and oversee complex pastoral issues.
- Empathy, resilience, and discretion in dealing with sensitive matters.
- Proactive problem-solving skills and a solution-focused approach.
- Commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive school community.
Qualifications and Experience
- Already held a similar role successfully
- A relevant teaching qualification and experience in pastoral care.
- Proven ability to manage and resolve complex student welfare concerns.
- Experience in leading teams or managing staff is highly desirable.
Performance Indicators
- Effective resolution of significant student welfare issues with positive outcomes for students and families.
- Successful collaboration with Heads of House and homeroom teachers to enhance pastoral care across the school.
- Increased engagement and participation in house system activities.
- Positive feedback from students, parents, and staff regarding pastoral support and initiatives.
Beech Hall School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We execute rigorous recruitment procedures that ensure all employees and volunteers are of sound moral character and are suitable people to work with children and young adults. The School expects all teaching staff, non-teaching staff and volunteers to share and uphold our commitment to safeguarding;
Whilst every effort has been made to explain the main duties and responsibilities of the post, each individual task undertaken may not be identified.
The responsibilities as listed above will be subject to review and may be amended following consultation with the Senior Leadership Team.