Acorn Care and Education • Riseley, Reading
About this role
At OFG we believe in creating a better work life balance
Job Title
Pastoral Lead
Location
Riseley Green School, Riseley, Reading, Berkshire RG7 1QF
Hours
37.5 per week | Monday to Friday | 8.30am – 4.30pm
Salary
£31,500.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract
Permanent | Term Time Only
Start
June 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available
About the Role
The Pastoral Lead plays a central role in promoting positive behaviour, wellbeing, and inclusion across the school. Working under the guidance of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), the role provides strategic and day‑to‑day leadership of pastoral provision, ensuring that pupils are supported to engage fully, safely, and successfully in school life. The post holder will model high professional standards, lead effective interventions, and work closely with staff, families, and external agencies to meet the individual needs of pupils.
Key Responsibilities
Work under the direction and guidance of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT).
Lead the development, coordination, and effectiveness of the pastoral team.
Support the welfare, personal development, and behaviour of all pupils.
Ensure accurate and consistent implementation of school policies, modelling high‑quality pastoral intervention.
Provide flexible support to staff and pupils throughout the school day.
Support staff in understanding and applying all school policies effectively.
Attend morning and afternoon briefings, providing feedback on pupil behaviour, attitudes, and planned interventions.
Contribute to, implement, and review Positive Support Plans (PSPs) and Risk Assessments (RAs), working directly with pupils to maximise their effectiveness.
Be on call to support pupils with specific needs, enabling access to and engagement with the curriculum.
Communicate effectively and promptly with parents, carers, social services, and other stakeholders.
Record and follow up behaviour incidents on Sleuth, completing weekly analysis and reporting patterns to the Assistant Headteacher to inform intervention.
Manage escalating behaviour, including the use of Restrictive Physical Intervention (RPI) where necessary and appropriate.
Lead student and staff debriefs following incidents involving RPI.
Identify pastoral resource needs and advise SLT on priorities for expenditure.
Maintain existing resources and explore opportunities to develop or introduce new resources from internal and external sources.
Essential Criteria
Proven experience working with students with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Special Educational Needs (SEN), and complex needs.
Demonstrated experience delivering targeted pastoral interventions and leading whole‑school initiatives to raise student achievement.
Strong pastoral leadership experience within a school setting.
Clear understanding of effective strategies to support students’ pastoral development, wellbeing, and emotional regulation.
About Us
Riseley Green School is an independent specialist school near Reading, Berkshire, for autistic young people aged 4–16, with a capacity of 60 pupils.
We provide a nurturing, structured environment tailored to each child’s needs, fostering academic, social, and emotional growth. Small classes, high staff-to-pupil ratios, and personalised programmes ensure every pupil can thrive and reach their full potential. Our dedicated team works closely with families to support wellbeing, independence, and the development of essential life skills.
For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.
We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.
Why Join Us?
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
Life Assurance
Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
“Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including
Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
Hundreds of UK and international discounts
Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
Critical illness cover
Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
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