Job Description

School:

Bridge House SEMH School

Contract:

Full-time, term-time only (plus INSET days)

Reporting to:

Assistant Headteacher (Pastoral/Behaviour)

Location:

Bredbury, Stockport

Purpose of the Role

To support the social, emotional, and mental health development of pupils with complex SEMH needs, enabling them to access learning and thrive within a nurturing and therapeutic school environment. The Pastoral Assistant works closely with teaching staff, families, external agencies, and the wider pastoral team to promote positive behaviour, safeguard pupil wellbeing, and contribute to the development of whole-school pastoral provision.

Key Responsibilities

Pastoral Support

Build strong, trusting relationships with pupils to help them feel safe, valued, and understood. Provide targeted 1:1 and small-group SEMH interventions that promote emotional regulation, resilience, and positive behaviour. Support the implementation of pupils' individual behaviour support plans, risk assessments, and EHCP outcomes. Act as a key adult for identified pupils, offering daily check-ins and promoting consistent, trauma-informed approaches. Willingness to undertake THRIVE training and embed the approach across the school, with the support of the THRIVE practitioner.

Behaviour and Attendance

Support restorative conversations and conflict-resolution processes. Assist with the management of behaviour across the school, responding to incidents in line with policy and supporting de-escalation using trained strategies. Monitor pupil attendance, punctuality, emotional presentation, and behaviour patterns; report concerns promptly.

Safeguarding and Welfare

Serve as a trusted adult pupils can approach with concerns. Recognise signs of safeguarding risk and escalate immediately in accordance with school policy. Work with parents/carers to strengthen family engagement and support positive home-school relationships.

Collaboration and Communication

Work with teachers and support staff to ensure consistent pastoral approaches across the school. Liaise with external agencies such as CAMHS, social care, youth services, and therapists as required. Maintain accurate, confidential pastoral records and contribute to reports, reviews, and meetings (e.g., EHCP reviews).

Wider School Contribution

Support whole-school wellbeing events, behaviour initiatives, and enrichment activities. Promote the ethos, values, and therapeutic principles of Bridge House School. Participate in ongoing professional development, including trauma-informed practice and behaviour training.

Person Specification: Pastoral Assistant

Essential Criteria

Qualifications & Experience

Demonstrable substantial experience working with children or young people with SEMH needs in a school or specialist setting. Experience supporting behaviour using de-escalation and trauma-informed strategies. Experience providing mentoring, wellbeing, or pastoral support. Willingness to complete CPI training within school as per policy.

Knowledge & Skills

Strong understanding of SEMH needs, ACEs, and the impact of trauma on learning and behaviour. Ability to build positive relationships with pupils who may display challenging behaviours. Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and a commitment to pupil welfare. Ability to remain calm, resilient, and solution-focused in high-pressure situations. Good communication and interpersonal skills with pupils, staff, families, and professionals. Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality. To have good skills in keeping accurate records.

Personal Qualities

Empathy, patience, and a nurturing manner. A reflective and restorative approach to behaviour. Emotional resilience and the ability to manage challenging situations effectively. A commitment to inclusion, equality, and supporting pupils to overcome barriers. Reliable, proactive, and capable of working independently or as part of a team.

Desirable Criteria

Relevant qualification in education, youth work, counselling, or behaviour support. Training in Team Teach, CPI, MAPA, or another accredited behaviour support approach. Experience in an SEMH special school or alternative provision. Understanding of therapeutic approaches such as THRIVE, trauma-informed practice, or nurture principles.
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 24,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company events Company pension Employee discount Free parking Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking
Work Location: In person