School Counsellor

Sandroyd School is seeking to appoint a School Counsellor for September 2021, or possibly to start before this date if available. The counsellor will work closely with the Deputy Head (pastoral). This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic candidate to support the promotion of emotional resilience and wellbeing at Sandroyd. The role will build on the excellent work of our current school counsellor who is moving on to a full-time role in a different setting.

Although this is a part-time role, the position is an essential one in ensuring that Sandroyd provides exceptional pastoral care and psycho-education for our children. The psycho-education aspect of the role is particularly important as our vision is for all Sandroydians to develop their skills in communicating, managing and dealing with how they feel. We feel that this is one of the key skills that children should be learning at Prep School, arguably in the most formative stages of their lives.

Whilst we currently use a number of professional psychotherapists to provide expertise to the school, and where required, individual support and counselling to children. It is envisaged that initially the role will be for approximately 10 hours a week during the 33 weeks of term time. The school counsellor also helps to support staff in dealing with pastoral issues as well as being able to regularly meet with children in their role as a counsellor. 

The post holder will be qualified with a relevant qualification and have experience of working with children as well as knowledge of working with and supporting families through a range of issues. They will require excellent listening skills, clear empathy for and understanding of boys and girls’ development and needs. Experience in an educational/institutional environment is not a requirement but could be an advantage. For the right candidate, there is potentially an opportunity to combine this role with other roles in the school.

Salary will reflect the experience and expertise of the applicant.

Any offer of appointment will be subject to satisfactory references and criminal record checks via the Disclosure and Barring Service. Letters of application should state what particular skills and attributes you can bring to Sandroyd School, brief details of how you fit the position, including specific details of experience and achievements, and any interests and hobbies.

The completed application form and your brief letter of application should be addressed to the Headmaster and sent via Mrs Sarah Harding, Headmaster’s Secretary at Sandroyd School, Rushmore Park, Tollard Royal, Salisbury, Wiltshire. SP5 5QD or by email to sharding@sandroyd.com. Interested candidates should apply by 10am on Thursday 27th May 2021. Interviews will be held on Thursday 10th June 2021.