Personal Development Support

About this Role

We are seeking an enthusiastic and resilient member of staff to join our small but dedicated team.

The Personal Development Support role will focus on the safeguarding of all pupils. As a key member of staff, the role will involve pastoral support and interactions. You will work with teachers, parents and pupils, building positive relationships that encourage attendance, participation and progress.

The role will involve supervision of pupils during transition of lessons, pastoral support if pupils become dysregulated, 1-1 mentoring of pupils as well as supporting teaching staff.

This role is ideal for someone who can think creatively, is flexible and can adapt their approach to meet the individual needs of the vulnerable and often challenging pupils at Westwood Academy. You will be able to use your skills, knowledge and initiative to work closely with pupils, families and colleagues to support successful outcomes.

The role is varied and will involve working both within and beyond the classroom environment. Each day is different and will start with welcoming pupils into the school as part of the team. You will be expected to be available to support in and out of classrooms as well as being able to think on your feet.

You will support small group sessions to work towards their GCSE's, assist in the delivery of enrichment and outdoor activities, and facilitate learning experiences. You will be confident in building rapport, maintaining high expectations, and creating positive relationships that help pupils develop confidence, resilience and a renewed engagement with education.

This is a new role at the school and an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about supporting vulnerable young people and committed to helping them realise their potential.

This role is 39 weeks per year, 37 hours per week (term time plus 5 training days)

About Us

Westwood Academy is a secondary pupil referral unit in the heart of Scarborough.

At Westwood Academy, we believe that every young person deserves the chance to succeed, no matter their previous experiences or the barriers they have faced. As an accredited Nurture School serving our coastal community, we place relationships, understanding, and emotional wellbeing at the heart of everything we do.

Our approach is shaped by the Six Principles of Nurture, ensuring that pupils feel safe, valued, and supported as they rebuild confidence and re-engage with learning. We understand that behaviour is a form of communication, and we respond with empathy, consistency and curiosity - never judgement.

We aim to create a sense of value and belonging and work hard to create positive, lasting relationships with the pupils, parents and agencies we work alongside

We are part of Venn Academy Trust which is a group of inspirational and aspirational mainstream and specialist schools in North Yorkshire, Hull and South Yorkshire whose main objective is to ensure that all pupils make exceptional progress through the development of outstanding staff.

Key Responsibilities:

Ensure pupil welfare and safety

Provide pastoral support in and out of lessons

Manage resources and adapt strategies

Support behaviour plans and safeguarding

Encourage pupil engagement and independence

Attend meetings, follow policies, and contribute to school success

The successful applicant will have:

NVQ Level 3 Teaching Assistant Qualification or other relevant experience

Experience of working with or caring for children of relevant age

Understanding of National Curriculum, and other codes of practice eg SEN, Equalities

GCSE English and Maths Grade A-C (or equivalent - eg Certificate in Adult Literacy / Numeracy Level 2)

The ability to build strong relationships with children and a passion for seeing young people succeed

Resilience

We offer:

A supportive working environment

A commitment to professional development and a continued investment in your own professional development as part of the Trust

An opportunity to work with a dynamic team

Fantastic pupils who deserve the best education

Employee benefits as part of the Salary Extras scheme

Please refer to the Job Description & Person Specification for full details of this opening.

Venn Academy Trust is committed to achieving fairness and equality in employment and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Our Trust is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and expects all staff to share this commitment.

An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful applicants

Online searches will be carried out as part of Venn Academy Trust’s recruitment due diligence for all shortlisted candidates, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.