Job Description
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Are you passionate about helping young people reach their full potential? Doucecroft School, part of Autism Anglia, is looking for a Pastoral Wellbeing Lead to join our friendly and dedicated team.
As a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), the postholder will develop a whole-school approach to mental health, behaviour, attendance, and inclusion, ensuring that all pupils-particularly those with complex needs-aresupportedto thrive.
Find out more about our school here:Doucecroft School
Location
Doucecroft School, Eight Ash Green, Colchester, CO6
Salary
Competitive salary based on experience, per annum (term-time only, plus additional training days)
Hours
38.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 39 weeks per year (term time only) plus 3 training days during school holidays
What the role involves
- Lead wellbeing and pastoral strategy, contributing to whole-school improvement as part of SLT and using data to inform decisions.
- Ensure safeguarding compliance (KCSIE) and act as Deputy DSL/DSL, embedding robust child protection processes.
- Oversee safeguarding practices and liaise effectively with external agencies (e.g. social care, CAMHS, local authority).
- Drive pupil wellbeing and behaviour, including trauma-informed and autism-informed approaches, attendance, and engagement strategies.
- Lead and develop staff, including line management of pastoral teams and delivery of training on safeguarding, wellbeing, and behaviour.
- Coordinate multi-agencysupport, representing the organisation in professional meetings and managing external partnerships
What we are looking for
- Degree-level qualification
- Relevant safeguarding training (DSL or willingness to complete)
- Significant experience working with children/young people with SEN and/or complex needs
- Experience in a pastoral, safeguarding, or wellbeing leadership role
- UK Manual Driving License highly desirable
Most importantly, we're looking for someone with patience,enthusiasm, and a genuine passion forsupportingyoung people.
Benefits &Support
At Doucecroft, we know our staff are at the heart of everything we do, so we make sure you're supported too. We provide:
- Staff wellbeing programmes and mental health support, including free counselling
- 24/7 GP access, bereavement counselling and a probate helpline
- Comprehensive training, supervision and career development opportunities
- Free on-site parking
- Blue Light Card discounts across major retailers and services
- Life cover, dental support and independent financial advice
- A supportive and accessible leadership team
Doucecroft School also offers an excellent work-life balance, supported by its ethos and small class sizes.
Commitmentto Diversity
We arecommittedto creating aninclusiveenvironment where everyone feels valued.We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.
Information about the School
Doucecroft School is a specialist co-educational school for children and young people with autism and additional complex needs, age 3 –19 years. Established in 1973, we are experienced and successful in meeting the needs of students with wide-ranging strengths and needs, providing a nurturing environment where students are able to thrive and grow in independence and self-esteem.
Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy are provided on-site by our experienced therapy team.
Doucecroft School is part of Autism Anglia, a regional charity working with children, adults and families affected by Autism.