Pastoral Support Assistant - Prep School

THE SCHOOL

St Helen’s is an academically selective independent girls’ day school of more than 1200 students aged 3-18, set in beautiful green space in Northwood, Middlesex. 

THE PREP SCHOOL

The Prep School caters for approximately 490 girls aged 3-11years. 

Structure:

The Head of Prep School is supported by a Deputy and Assistant Head and there are leaders with responsibility for each Phase of the Prep School: EYFS (Nursery & Reception), KS1 (Years 1 & 2), LKS2 (Years 3 & 4), UKS2 (Years 5 & 6). 

There are separate Subject Leaders in English and Mathematics with other Subject Leaders having responsibility across the Primary Phase.

The teaching of Music, PE and Speech & Drama is undertaken by specialist staff across the Phases and under the leadership of the Directors of these subjects in Senior School. Our Prep curriculum is constantly reviewed and updated in order to ensure that the girls receive learning which is progressive, stimulating and bespoke to them. Our formative and summative assessment systems have recently been updated to provide a more holistic picture of each individual’s abilities. This means that teachers, parents and pupils know exactly where each girl is in terms of her learning and what her next steps are. All of the girls enjoy the advantages of being part of a large School and have access to a wide range of sporting facilities including an indoor swimming pool which is used from Nursery onwards.

Our girls are taught by well-qualified primary specialists with additional contributions from some Senior School staff in KS2. Staff are kept up to date with current initiatives through inset meetings and outside educational specialists. All members of staff in the Prep School meet regularly and plan collaboratively, to ensure the best possible learning experience for the pupils. Phase Leaders work with teachers across year groups for this purpose and to promote best practice. Subject Leaders in Prep work with all colleagues to keep teaching programmes up-to-date and develop pupils appropriately. Subject coordinators liaise with their counterparts in Senior School to ensure progression and continuity.

The girls’ educational experience is enhanced by Educational Visits for every year group, and by visiting speakers, complementing school- based activities. In Years 4, 5 and 6 there are residential courses, which are highly popular and very beneficial.

The tradition of daily assembly is developed as a key element in the girls’ moral education and to promote British Values. An awareness of the ethics of community life, the environment and tolerance are celebrated through stories, speech, and drama.

Staff report formally to parents in writing once a year and hold Consultation Evenings during which parents are able to discuss their daughter’s progress. Parents are encouraged to visit the school frequently, attending assemblies, presentations, concerts, Christmas productions, Dance Shows and Sports Day. The school values strong partnerships with parents. Throughout the year there are various workshops and curriculum / Meet the Teacher evenings for parents to attend.

THE POST

The post holder will work directly with Prep school children (Nursery to Year 6) and their families, alongside other professionals, to manage and develop targeted support to maximise each child’s personal wellbeing.

The post holder will work closely with all Prep staff, ensuring that they are fully supported in dealing with a range of pastoral issues on a day-to-day basis. This, in turn, will support academic achievement by helping to remove barriers to learning and personal development.

Reporting to:  Assistant Head Pastoral – Prep School

Start date:      September 2023

Hours:            08:00 – 16:30, Monday to Friday, term time only

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Please read a full list of responsibilities on the attached applicant information pack.

THE PERSON

Essential:

• A good standard of secondary education (minimum of 5 GCSE’s grade 4 and above or equivalent including English and Maths)
• Pastoral experience within a primary/prep school
• Experience of working with children of prep school age
• Experience of working with parents and carers
• Experience of drawing & talking therapy, social stories, bereavement support
• Mental Health First Aid
• Knowledge of child protection procedures and an understanding of the need for compliance with these procedures
• Ability to engage and motivate children and young people
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team, as well as independently
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to build instant rapport with pupils, parents, colleagues, and external professionals
• Competent and effective user of IT, including Excel and Word, and having the ability to learn to use school IT systems and packages relatively quickly 
• Commitment to student welfare and passion for making a difference in the lives of young people.
• Caring, compassionate and professional disposition
• Willingness to participate in training and development
• Organised and an eye for detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and remain calm
• Ability to work confidentially and record information accurately
• Energy, enthusiasm, commitment, and perseverance
• Commitment to safeguarding, equal opportunities and the equal value of all members of the school community.
• Tenacious
• Creative

Desirable:

• Safeguarding training Level 1-3
• Psychology or counselling qualification
• Mediation qualification
• CBT
• Experience of a similar role
• Administrative experience
• Trauma informed practice
• Protective Behaviours training and experience
• TAF/CAF Lead Professional experience 
• Presentation skills
• Understanding of the needs of students with SEND/Individual Needs

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Closing date: 8.00am Monday 12th June 2023

Please apply as soon as possible as shortlisting/interviews will progress up until the closing date. Should a suitable candidate be appointed, we reserve the right to close the advert early. 

Due to the high volume of applicants, we receive, if you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume we will not be progressing your application further on this occasion.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to the school where they will be interviewed by members of the Prep Leadership team, carry out a skills test, have a tour of the school and meet other members of the Pastoral faculty.

St Helen’s school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, as detailed in Part 3 (Safer Recruitment) of the KCSIE 2022 guidance document. Applicants will be asked for proof of right to work in the UK and undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the disclosure and barring service.

If you have any queries about this position, please contact the school at recruitment@sthelens.london