Job Description

We are seeking to appoint a full time Pastoral Care and Lunchtime Manger (37 hours per week). This post could be a September start or could start earlier which would give the successful candidate time to work alongside the person currently in post.

Dunmow St Mary's places a high emphasis on supporting pupils' wellbeing and emotional needs. If children feel safe and are not anxious then they can learn. Nurture is one of our core values and we believe in listening to and understanding children in order to support them best. This is an exciting job opportunity for somebody who has excellent listening skills and is able to use restorative techniques to support children in resolving issues.

The post is varied and interesting: it encompasses mentoring children who are finding an aspect of their school life difficult, talking to parents and supporting staff with children who struggle to regulate their emotions and behaviour. It also involves taking responsibility for the lunchtime team and overseeing an environment where the children can have happy and successful lunchtimes.

All behaviour is a form of communication or represents an unmet need. Children can struggle to verbalise their feelings or their needs and this sometimes presents as challenging behaviour. We are looking for someone who can support children to manage their behaviour to ensure they are fully included in school life.The successful candidate will have extensive experience of working with children and relevant qualifications will be looked upon favourably. They will be able to respond to the individual needs of a child using a wide range of behavioural strategies to guide children to making more positive choices. They will look to build trusted relationships and be able to help develop the self-esteem and confidence of the children they work with.They will be able to build relationships across the school community working closely with classroom teachers and senior leaders. They will be confident in contacting parents and providing feedback and have exceptional communication and listening skills. In return they will be joining a friendly, supportive and dynamic team of education professionals determined to achieve the best outcomes for every child in the school.

Dunmow St. Mary's Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. This appointment will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and supportive references.

Visits to the school are encouraged. Please contact the school office if you would like to arrange this.

Information about the School

Based in Great Dunmow, Essex, Dunmow St Mary's Primary School is a 2FE Foundation primary school with extensive grounds, including our own woodland area and outdoor classroom. As a Church of England voluntary controlled school we have a strong commitment to Christian principles and values that recognise and celebrate the uniqueness of each individual. Every child from any background is welcome in our school and our school life is strengthened by our visits to the local church and by the contribution it makes to our school.

Judged "Good" in our recent Section 5 graded Ofsted inspection, our learning is based around our unique curriculum model designed in a series of cross curricular themes. By making connections between subjects we deepen and enhance our children's learning meaning our children are active, enthusiastic and happy learners. We are committed to our curriculum model and want to see it develop further.

We believe that good learning requires good teachers. Our teaching and support staff are a committed and talented team of people. Together in the classrooms and across the school they make Dunmow St Mary's the wonderful school it is.

Inclusiveness and caring are at the heart of our school. We have invested in supporting our children in the classroom and beyond with a dedicated family liaison officer and SENCO team who help everyone to engage and learn.