Pastoral Lead (Whittington Moor)

How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four?All candidates should make sure to read the following job description and information carefully before applying.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 LeadLocation: Bluebank School, Whittington Moor, Derbyshire, S41 8LQSalary: Up to 30,000 per annum dependent on experience (not pro rata)Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to FridayContract: Permanent, Term Time OnlyStart: January 2026UK Applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.Are you ready to make a real difference in the lives of young people? Bluebank School part of the Acorn Education family is opening its doors in January 2026, and were looking for a passionate, dynamic, and compassionate Pastoral Lead to help us shape this exciting new journey.Our brand-new co-educational school will support up to 60 pupils aged 1116 with complex needs, including Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties. Were building more than a school were creating a nurturing community where every young person feels safe, valued, and empowered to reach their potential.About the RoleAs our Pastoral Lead, youll be at the heart of everything we do to support the wellbeing and personal growth of our pupils. Youll lead the pastoral team, champion safeguarding and inclusion, and drive positive behaviour and emotional resilience across the school.From developing personalised care plans to coordinating support with families and external agencies, youll play a vital role in creating an environment where young people can thrive both emotionally and academically.Key responsibilities include:Lead & Safeguard: Take the lead as the schools Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO), ensuring every childs safety and wellbeing are at the forefront.Inspire & Guide: Develop and embed effective behaviour support and pastoral care strategies; mentor and empower staff to deliver best practice.Support & Empower Students: Provide direct support to pupils in crisis, promote emotional regulation, and coordinate multi-agency interventions.Drive Standards: Contribute to school policy, monitor pastoral data, and uphold high-quality assurance and compliance standards.Champion School Values: Be an active member of the Senior Leadership Team, promoting a trauma-informed, inclusive culture where every student matters.What Were Looking ForWere seeking someone who is:Experienced in pastoral care, safeguarding, or SEMH supportConfident in leading, coaching, and mentoring staff teamsKnowledgeable about safeguarding legislation and best practiceAnalytical, with the ability to interpret behaviour and attendance dataTrained (or willing to train) in trauma-informed or restorative approachesA strong communicator who builds trust and positive relationshipsCommitted to inclusion, compassion, and continuous improvementHolder of a full UK driving licenceSupporting Statement GuidanceAlong with your application, please include a short supporting statement telling us:A little about yourself and what excites you about this roleWhy you believe youre the right fit for Bluebank School, referring back to the job descriptionThe key skills and experiences youll bringHow youll make a difference to our students and community if appointed to the roleAbout usBluebank School is a brand-new Acorn Education provision set to open in January 2026 in Whittington Moor, Derbyshire. The co-educational school will cater for up to 60 pupils aged 11 - 16, offering specialist support for children and young people with complex needs, including Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties.We are part of Acorn Education and can promise you plenty of challenges, and a rich variety of opportunities to develop your career.Acorn Education is the UKs leading independent provider of specialist education for vulnerable pupils and young people. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide 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 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.BenefitsYour health and wellbeing are important to us, so youll get an exceptional reward package including:Life AssurancePension scheme with options to increase your contributionsYour Wellbeing Matters access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checksAnd 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 benefits100s of discount options valid in the UK and abroadCycle to Work SchemesElectric Car Purchase SchemeCritical illness coverFamily 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.4DWW will be rolled out within our school, when we have a full complement of staff so theres never been a more exciting time to join us #teamOFG! 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

Created: 2025-10-31