Pastoral Assistant

Full Job Description

We work smarter so that you can enjoy the things that matter outside of work

Position:  Pastoral Assistant 
Location:  New Barn School - River View House, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2PS
Salary:  £28,000.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours:  40 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Contract:  Fixed Term (until September 2027) | Term Time Only
Start:  November 2026

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

At New Barn School, part of the Options Autism family, we're looking for a dedicated Pastoral Assistant to join our welcoming and supportive team. This is an opportunity to make a genuine difference every day, helping students build confidence, develop positive relationships, and achieve success both inside and outside the classroom.

As a Pastoral Assistant, you'll be a trusted and consistent presence in the lives of our students. Working closely with teachers, pastoral leaders, and families, you'll help create a safe, nurturing environment where students feel secure, respected, and ready to learn. Whether you're offering emotional support, helping a student navigate a difficult day, or celebrating their achievements, your role will be central to their wellbeing and development.

What You'll Be Doing

• Providing pastoral and emotional support to students, helping them manage challenges and reach their full potential.
• Building positive, trusting relationships that encourage confidence, engagement, and personal growth.
• Working alongside Pastoral Managers and the Behaviour & Welfare Lead to promote a consistent and supportive approach to wellbeing and behaviour.
• Helping students develop resilience, self-esteem, and the skills they need to succeed.
• Supporting positive social interactions and reducing barriers to learning through encouragement, understanding, and structured support.

About You

We're looking for someone who is warm, approachable, and genuinely passionate about supporting young people. You'll understand the importance of building strong relationships and will be able to remain calm, patient, and encouraging, even during challenging situations.

You don't need to have all the answers, but you do need the commitment, resilience, and desire to help students believe in themselves and achieve more than they thought possible.

You'll Bring

• A full UK Driving Licence
• Experience working with students who may have social, emotional, behavioural, or additional support needs.
• A strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues.

Most importantly, you'll be someone who sees the potential in every student and is motivated by the opportunity to help them flourish. If you're looking for a rewarding role where your kindness, compassion, and dedication can make a lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you.

About Us

New Barn School, part of Options Autism, provides inclusive, nurturing education for autistic children and young people with complex needs across three sites. We deliver personalised learning, therapeutic support, and vocational opportunities tailored to each student’s Education, Health and Care Plan. Students learn in small, supportive settings that promote confidence, independence, and emotional wellbeing. Built on strong partnerships with families, New Barn empowers every learner to thrive and prepare for life beyond school.

For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place students and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
• Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
• Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

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.

#1