Job Description

We are seeking to appoint a Pastoral Care Assistant. Monday to Friday 11.45-3.45pm (20 hours per week). Term time only plus INSET days (39 weeks per year). This post is for September 2026 but we would consider an earlier start.

Dunmow St Mary's places a high emphasis on supporting pupils' wellbeing and emotional needs. We believe in listening to and understanding children in order to support them best. All behaviour is a form of communication or represents an unmet need.

This is an exciting job opportunity for somebody who has compassion, resilience to make a difference and seeks to champion every child. You will be joining a friendly, supportive and dynamic team of education professionals determined to achieve the best outcomes for every child in the school.

The successful candidate for this position will provide dedicated social, emotional and behavioural support to pupils by working proactively with staff and families. They will provide targeted pastoral care to remove barriers to learning, ensuring pupils feel safe, valued, and emotionally equipped to succeed in their learning.

We are looking for someone who:

Can support children to manage their emotions and behaviour to ensure they are fully included in school life.
Is able to respond to the individual needs of a child using a wide range of behavioural strategies to guide children to reflect and work collaboratively to put strategies in place.
Is pro-active and has initiative to adapt in the moment.
Can build trusted relationships and be able to help develop the self-esteem and confidence of the children they work with.
Is able to build relationships across the school community working with all members of staff and families.
Is confident in communicating with parents and providing feedback with exceptional communication and listening skills.
Has experience of working with children and relevant qualifications which will be looked upon favourably.
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.

We reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date for applications.

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.