Downland School is a co-educational maintained community special school for pupils aged between 10 and 16 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
Our pupils have varying aptitudes and abilities; we are extremely proud of all their achievements and progress. Our pupils have a range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) including: Autism (ASC); attachment disorders and Social, Emotional Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties. We seek to ensure that, by the time they leave us, our pupils emerge as self-confident individuals able to manage their own learning; equipped with the skills and competencies to successfully take the next steps in their lives.
We are a friendly, happy and caring school, providing a positive, inclusive and enriching educational experience for our young people. We view each of our pupils as unique and shape our provision to meet their individual needs and accelerate their progress in a variety of areas e.g. personal, social, academic and well-being. Our commitment to supporting the ‘whole’ child and their development is underpinned by our strong pastoral systems and our committed and trained staff. At Downland we promote inclusion and equality and celebrate diversity.
Our mission statement is ‘ Aspire, Achieve and Thrive’ .
We are now looking to appoint a Pastoral and Behaviour Support Practitioner, who is an excellent practitioner with a proven track record. You should possess the vision and passion to work in partnership with our pastoral managers, and to support the pastoral managers with all aspects of pastoral care, pupil welfare and guidance for pupils.
This is an exciting opportunity to join our enthusiastic, committed and professional team and to support pupils from age 10 to 16.
Key areas of work will include:
· Organise and prioritise pastoral issues and initiate appropriate action.
· Oversee under the leadership of the pastoral managers:
o Internal systems to reward and improve engagement
o Organisation and overall responsibility of Pastoral Management support
o Organisation and management of the school BehaviourWatch systemFocusing strongly on raising levels of progress and attainment through accurate assessment.
· Monitor and re-engage pupils who have disengaged from learning, ensuring effective behaviour support plans are in place, including individual risk assessments. Co-ordinate the implementation and assess the impact of these plans through regular reviews. Additionally, organise pupil engagement initiatives and a variety of pastoral support services.
· Support induction programmes and new pupils to school who arrive mid-term and at key transitions throughout the year e.g Year 11 leavers.
· Be involved in and maintain a comprehensive and up to date record of intervention and strategies for identified pupils. To implement and analyse the use of data for engagement and rewards.
· Coordinate support for pupils facing social, emotional, and mental health challenges, whether on a long term or short-term basis, by connecting with relevant support resources or services. Collaborate with external agencies concerning these pupils and actively engage with professionals in a multi – agency approach.
· To participate in a range of different forms e.g.:
o Debrief (daily)
o Internal MDT and safeguarding meetings
o Pupil Council
o Parental/carer meetings
· Develop, manage and facilitate pastoral support groups within school, e.g.:
o Peer listening
o Pupil Voice
o Anger Management
o Self-esteem development
o Restorative Justice conferencing
· Prepare documentation and take minutes of meetings (parental, outside agencies within school).
· Inform, consult and liaise with the Headteacher, senior team and tutors regarding pupil concerns and recommend interventions as appropriate. Develop strategies with the teaching staff to promote pupil inclusion.
Enthusiasm and commitment to working with pupils with SEND is paramount to us; you will be expected to actively demonstrate the school’s core values and embrace ‘The Downland Way’.
To apply, you should submit a letter addressed to Mrs Keily-Theobald (Headteacher) of no more than two sides of A4 with your application form addressing the requirements of the post, as outlined in the and the Person Specification provided. We are particularly interested in how you would undertake this role at Downland School and about your relevant skills, qualities and experience to date. Applications received without a supporting letter will not be considered and CVs will not be accepted.
Please email completed application forms and your covering letter to Tanya Rhodes, HR, Admin Lead and Deputy Finance & Estate Manager, at tanyarhodes@downland.wilts.sch.uk
We welcome visits to the school. Please contact Tanya Rhodes if you would like to arrange a visit in advance of applying.
Applications must be received by 9.00am on 03 March 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by e-mail. If you do not hear from us by end of 05 March 2025, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion. Interview date w/b 10 March 2025. Start date tbc.
Downland School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Please note that this appointment is subject to enhanced DBS, medical and reference checks before appointment is confirmed.