Pastoral Practitioner

Work Smarter. Live Better. Join the 4-Day Working Week!

Job title: Pastoral Practitioner
Location: Dibden Park School, Southampton SO45 5TD
Salary: £26,775.00 per annum ( not pro rata )
Hours: 40 hours per week Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent Term Time Only
Start: February 2026
UK applicants only; no sponsorship available

At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance - and we're putting wellbeing first. That's why we're proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, giving you 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your 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 it's already in place or just around the corner, now's the perfect time to join !

About the Role

The Pastoral Practitioner plays a key role in supporting pupils' academic, social, and emotional development. Working closely with teaching staff, parents/carers, and the Senior Leadership Team, you will deliver targeted 1:1 mentoring and support, helping pupils grow in confidence, resilience, and independence. Your work contributes to a safe, nurturing, and structured environment where pupils can thrive.

Key Responsibilities

• Safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils
• Provide 1:1 mentoring and tailored support to pupils
• Assist pupils during lessons, breaks, and lunchtimes, including behaviour management and facilitating activities
• Collaborate with the Senior Leadership Team to identify pupils in need and implement appropriate support
• Liaise with parents, carers, and external agencies to monitor progress and provide guidance
• Implement and maintain reward and sanction systems consistently

What We're Looking For

• Experience working with children or young people with additional needs, including SEN or SEMH
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with pupils, staff, and families
• Calm, consistent, and supportive approach in challenging situations
• Proactive, reflective approach to problem-solving and pupil support
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting pupils' wellbeing
• Full UK Driving Licence

Bring energy, creativity, and inspiration to a school that values curiosity, innovation, and the potential of every pupil.

About Us

Dibden Park School is an independent specialist school in Southampton, providing inclusive education within a safe, nurturing environment. We support pupils aged 8-16 with complex needs, including social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) challenges, communication and interaction difficulties, and associated behaviours.

Our mission is to help every child achieve the best possible outcomes. We provide a personalised, engaging, and balanced curriculum, covering formal lessons and broader learning experiences throughout the school day. Every pupil receives individualised support to develop academically, socially, and emotionally, ensuring they are ready to move on positively in their education.

Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people's lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.

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 pupils 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 pupils 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
  • 4-Day Working Week: Work 80% of your hours, get 100% pay

Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.

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.