Pastoral Support Worker (Maternity Cover)

Overview

An opportunity has opened for a committed and enthusiastic Pastoral Support Worker to join a successful and well-regarded secondary school in East London. The role is a maternity cover position within a creative, inclusive, and forward-thinking school setting. It is best suited to someone who wants to make a meaningful difference to students’ behaviour, attendance, wellbeing, and academic progress.

The post is based in Hackney, East London, and begins on Monday 1 July 2026. It is a fixed-term assignment running until March 2027. The position is term-time only, with a working pattern of 36 hours per week.

Pay is listed at GBP 28,550 to GBP 33,529 per year.

Role summary

The school is looking for someone who is proactive, resilient, and highly motivated to support students in Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. The successful candidate will work alongside Heads of Year, senior leaders, teachers, parents/carers, and outside agencies to provide both academic and emotional support.

This is a hands-on pastoral role for someone who builds strong relationships easily and enjoys helping young people reach their potential.

Key duties

• Assist in running the school’s reset room with pastoral staff.
• Work closely with students who show challenging behaviour or low engagement with learning.
• Provide mentoring and targeted pastoral support to specific students.
• Deliver small-group interventions and behaviour-focused support programmes.
• Help maintain high standards around conduct, attendance, attitudes, and school culture.
• Look into behavioural incidents, gather statements, and support restorative practices.
• Develop effective working relationships with parents/carers and external support services.
• Supervise students at break, lunchtime, detentions, and enrichment activities.
• Keep detailed pastoral records and contribute to safeguarding procedures.
• Support reintegration, attendance improvement, wellbeing, and academic re-engagement.

What the school is looking for

The ideal applicant will have previous experience in a similar setting, such as a Pastoral Support Worker, Behaviour Mentor, Youth Worker, or another student support role in a secondary school. Strong behaviour management, clear communication, and a calm, empathetic manner are essential.

Applicants should be organised, detail-oriented, and comfortable working with vulnerable or disengaged students. A proactive approach to safeguarding and a genuine commitment to helping young people succeed are important.

Why this role may suit you

• Join a respected and oversubscribed secondary school in East London.
• Work with an experienced and supportive pastoral team.
• Be part of a school that values inclusion, anti-racism, and student achievement.
• Access good opportunities for training, development, and career progression.
• Work in a lively, creative environment with strong leadership support.
• Make a daily impact on the lives of young people.

Safeguarding and compliance

The school places safeguarding at the centre of its work and expects all staff to support the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will need to complete an enhanced DBS check along with all other pre-employment safeguarding checks required under Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.

Agency support

• Guidance from experienced education consultants.
• Support throughout the placement.
• Access to CPD and training opportunities.
• Priority consideration for future pastoral and behaviour support roles.