Pastoral Support Manager

What skills and experience we're looking for

We are seeking an exceptional Pastoral Support Manager to join the senior management team within River Dart Academy, playing a pivotal role in safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing, attendance and personal development of our pupils. This is a highly visible, hands‑on role working closely with pupils, families, academies and a wide range of statutory and voluntary agencies to deliver effective, child‑centred support.

The post holder will be the Designated Safeguarding Lead for River Dart Academy and take a hands‑on, whole‑family approach, acting as a key advocate for pupils and leading safeguarding practice, early help and pastoral support within their assigned academy.

This role requires strong professional judgement, resilience and the ability to build effective relationships with pupils, families and partner agencies, a willingness to work flexibly and travel as required.

For a full list of duties, please see the job description below.

Wave is dedicated to the safeguarding of children and Safer Recruitment Procedures will be followed. The position requires a satisfactory enhanced DBS check and online check.

We may close this vacancy early as we review applications as they are received, to ensure you are considered for this role please do not wait for the deadline to submit your application.

What the school offers its staff

Health & Wellbeing

Pension

Training & Development

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Free Parking

Further details about the role

Wave are an established and successful Multi Academy Trust, comprising of Alternative Provision Academies (APAs), Medical Academies (including Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s child and adolescent mental health unit ‘Sowenna’) and a Special Academy.

We provide education for vulnerable pupils aged 4 – 19 across Devon and Cornwall. The Trust has a national reputation for the delivery of outstanding pupil outcomes including enabling pupils to access the most appropriate education setting and transition to employment, training and higher or further education. The Trust educates over 1000 pupils and employs over 350 members of staff.

We Aim To

• Provide a balanced and broad curriculum that promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils and prepares them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life.
• Give access to the National Curriculum; provide opportunities for external accreditation, and, for those pupils with specific learning difficulties, effective and personalised programmes.
• Ensure all pupils are supported to develop positive attitudes towards themselves and others. Promoting emotional well-being and self-esteem; helping our pupils to recognise their potential and work positively within their community.
• We will respect all pupils and encourage them to become active participants in their own learning, develop confidence, independence, self-esteem and express their needs and desires.
• Seek effective and positive working relationships with pupils’ families, schools and other agencies.
• Enable effective outcomes for our pupils.

Commitment to safeguarding

Wave is dedicated to the safeguarding of children and Safer Recruitment Procedures will be followed. The position requires a satisfactory enhanced DBS check and we may carry out an online check.