Pastoral and Learning Support Worker

About the Role

Due to an increase in pupil numbers, we are seeking dedicated and compassionate Pastoral and Learning Support Workers (PALS) to join our team, supporting children and young people with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. We have vacancies for 5 permanent posts and five temporary, one-year contracts.

You will play a vital role in promoting pupils’ emotional wellbeing, personal development and learning, working closely with teaching staff, parents/carers and external agencies. This role requires resilience, creativity, flexibility and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for pupils with complex needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Promote and safeguard the welfare of all pupils in line with safeguarding policies
• Provide pastoral, emotional and mentoring support, particularly during times of crisis
• Act as Key Worker for designated pupils
• Establish warm, professional relationships that support pupils’ social, emotional and mental health development
• Support pupils during daily routines, lessons, break and lunchtime activities
• Assist with learning activities, homework and individual or small-group interventions
• Support the assessment, recording and reporting of pupil progress, including IEPs and behaviour plans
• Contribute to reports, case reviews, annual reviews and multi-agency meetings
• Lead and organise activities that promote positive use of leisure time, which occasionally may include after school provision
• Maintain accurate records and support administration as required
• Liaise effectively with parents/carers and external agencies
• Uphold school behaviour, safeguarding, health and safety and equality policies
• Be flexible in working hours, supporting the wider 24-hour curriculum where required

What We Are Looking For

We welcome applications from individuals who can demonstrate:

Essential Qualifications

• GCSEs (or equivalent) at Grade C/4 or above in English and Mathematics
• A relevant NVQ Level 3 qualification (or equivalent)
• A commitment to undertake relevant training

Experience

• Experience working with children or young people with special educational needs, ideally SEMH
• Experience supporting pupils on a one-to-one basis
• Experience delivering small-group interventions to support academic, behavioural or social progress

Skills & Attributes

• Strong understanding of safeguarding, health and safety and the SEN Code of Practice
• Ability to build positive, trusting relationships with pupils and families
• Confident written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to mentor and support pupils with complex needs
• Effective behaviour management skills
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• A flexible, proactive and self-motivated approach
• Ability to act as a positive role model at all times
• Ability to fulfil spoken aspects of the role in line with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016

Why Join Us?

• Make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and young people
• Be part of a supportive and inclusive school community
• Access ongoing training and professional development
• A workplace culture that values diversity and wellbeing
• Free access to our on-site gym as part of our staff wellbeing programme
• On site parking

About Lindsworth School - “One size fits NONE”

Lindsworth School is a provision in which all staff work together to support students in developing their academic and social skills whilst encouraging growth in their emotional and mental health wellbeing. The school had a very successful Ofsted inspection in December 2024 and we encourage all candidates to read the report prior to applying https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/25/1036322.

Lindsworth School is a mixed special school meeting the needs of 151 students and rising, from Year 4 to Year 11 who have been assessed as having social, emotional, and mental health difficulties. Many of the students have medical diagnoses including ADHD, ASC, PTSD, PDA, ODD and Attachment Disorder. They have also experienced significant disruption to their education due to multiple school moves, fixed-term and permanent exclusions and extended periods of part-time or no placement in a school.

This is a school where you can make a real and lasting difference to the young people in our care. We are highly ambitious to provide our students with the best education and preparation for a happy and successful life in the adult world.

Candidates are expected to make an informal visit prior to applying. Please email Vanessa Wilson at recruitment@lindsworth.bham.sch.uk to arrange a convenient time.

Closing Date: Midday on Friday, 1 May 2026

We reserve the right to bring the closing date forward and to interview suitable candidates as and when they apply.

Candidates completing an online application form must also submit a signed copy of their application either at the point of being called for interview or as soon as possible after the closing date.

Lindsworth School - Safeguarding Commitment

In line with our safeguarding procedures, an online search will be carried out as part of due diligence on all shortlisted candidates. Any incidents or issues identified from the search will be explored with the candidate at interview.

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to all necessary pre-employment checks, including: an enhanced DBS; Prohibition check; Childcare Disqualification (where applicable); qualifications (where applicable); medical fitness; identity and right to work.

All candidates will be required to provide two suitable references.

Rehabilitation of offenders: this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected,’ so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account.

Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/dbs-filtering-guidance).

This post is covered by Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) and therefore the ability to speak fluent spoken English is an essential requirement for the role.