Director of Pastoral Care

More House School is a small, creative-thinking Catholic school for girls aged 11-18, located in the heart of Knightsbridge, London. Our mission is to nurture our pupils to become ethical leaders of tomorrow. We are committed to providing a supportive and nurturing environment where our students can flourish academically, socially, and emotionally.

Key Responsibilities:

Director of Pastoral Care:

• Act as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), ensuring the safety and protection of students.
• Coordinate counseling services and support for students facing challenges.
• Lead and manage student support teams to address individual needs.
• Lead Form Tutors in their pastoral roles and provide training and coaching.
• Develop and implement well-being programs and initiatives.
• Lead anti-bullying initiatives and foster a positive school climate.
• Monitor student attendance and punctuality and address concerns.
• Lead the use of CPOMS across the school.
• Monitor sanctions, appearance, and uniform.
• Lead formal and informal concerns and incidents.
• Ensure compliance with e-safety guidance through staff, student, and parent training.
• Plan the assembly and duty rota.
• Provide training and development opportunities for all staff in pastoral care.
• Ensure all staff are adequately trained in child protection.
• Offer mentoring and support to staff involved in pastoral care.
• Develop and review pastoral care policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and guidelines.
• Ensure effective reporting procedures and communication are in place for pastoral care data.
• Ensure compliance with relevant educational standards and regulations, especially ISI.
• Build strong relationships with parents and communicate effectively through regular digital publications.
• Collaborate with external agencies to support students and families.
• Contribute to the school’s strategic planning and decision-making via termly reports to SLT and Governing body.
• Lead the EDI committee.
• Line manage Head of PSHE and Pastoral Support Officer.

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead:

• Support the Designated Safeguarding Lead in managing referrals, working with others, raising awareness, and preventing radicalization.
• Be available for staff to discuss any safeguarding concerns during school hours.
• Work closely with the Head to make adequate and appropriate cover arrangements for out-of-hours/out-of-term activities.

General Responsibilities:

• As a member of the Leadership Team, contribute to the school’s strategic development, annual development plan, and inspection documentation.
• Be part of the interview team for new staff members.
• Contribute to the Admissions process.
• Manage and/or investigate processes under relevant school policies.
• Attend school events.
• Contribute to preparing for an ISI inspection.

Person Specification:

• Hold a good degree.
• Have proven experience of working as a Middle Leader or part of a Senior Management Team.
• Have some experience of safeguarding.
• Be completely IT literate and be willing to train in new systems (CPOMS).
• Be able to evidence leadership and development of staff.
• Show a strong commitment to the pastoral well-being of pupils and staff.
• Be an outstanding teacher in their relevant subject.
• Be an excellent communicator with the ability to hold difficult conversations with pupils, parents, and staff.
• Be a meticulous record keeper.
• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Be kind, empathetic, emotionally intelligent, and self-aware.
• Be willing to attend out-of-hours functions when necessary.
• Be resilient and able to work calmly under pressure.
• Be able to evidence knowledge of marketing the school.

Benefits:

• Generous CPD budget.
• Means-tested remission on school fees.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• School lunches and refreshments.
• Central London location.
• School laptop.
• Two-week October half-term.
• Support for staff attending important family events.
• Inclusive and supportive working environment.

Application Process:

Applications for this role are only accepted through the TES website. All applicants are required to complete an application form and a self-disclosure form. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend a formal interview, including an intray task, teaching a lesson, and delivering a short assembly.

The School may appoint before the deadline so early applications are welcome.