How to Become a Pastoral Support Officer

The Role of a Pastoral Support Officer

The role of the Pastoral Support Officer involves setting appropriate boundaries for students who have additional behavioural needs, and may exhibit complex barriers to learning. As a result of your strength of practice you will support other staff in their development in these areas.

Providing care to pupils, ensuring their safety and dealing with any problems the pupils may have
Liaising with other staff members, parents/guardians and professionals
Prepare letters and paperwork when needed
Following GDPR & Safeguarding protocol
Use behaviour management strategies effectively and be able to work using your own initiative while following policies and procedures
High level of flexibility and will welcome the opportunity to work in different settings with different approaches to engage learners

Pastoral Support Officer
Skills & Requirements

You can start a career as a Pastoral Support Officer by obtaining a relevant qualification such as a Level 2 SEN Teaching Assistant. Each course, qualification and provider will have their own entry requirements for these courses.

Excellent communication and listening skills
Ability to remain calm
Ability to work well under pressure
Ability to be able to build relationships
Be able to support students with their problems
Sensitivity and understanding

Pastoral Support Officer Salary

The average pastoral support officer salary in the United Kingdom is £23,609 per year or £12.11 per hour.

Entry level positions start at £21,364 per year while most experienced workers make up to £27,899 per year.

Pastoral Support Officer
Working Hours

As a Pastoral Support Officer, you will normally work 37-40 hours a week plus term time.

Pastoral Support Officers will often benefit from school holidays.

April - Mid July

The summer term stretches from the end of the Easter break to mid-July.

It includes a half term week long holiday in late May.

This is usually the busiest time, with later students sitting their GCSE’s.

September - December

The academic school year starts in early September, with the term stretching till Christmas.

The winter term is a half term holiday, usually a week long at the end of October.

Most schools have a 2 week end of term holiday stretching over New Year and Christmas.

January - March/April

This is the spring term and stretches from early January to Easter.

Easter usually falls on a different weekend each year, so the end of term two-week break can be either early April or late March.

This term also included a week-long half term break, usually in mid-February.

Pastoral Support Officer Career Progression

If you want to earn a higher salary as a Pastoral Support Officer, gaining additional skills and qualifications is essential. These can make you a more competitive candidate for higher-paying roles and open doors to senior positions.

A qualification in safeguarding is particularly valuable when working with children or vulnerable individuals. You might also consider courses in areas such as autism awareness or first aid. These credentials not only enhance your professional profile but also demonstrate your commitment to supporting others effectively.

Additionally, you could explore career pathways in social services, probation, youth work, or education welfare. Expanding your expertise in these fields can further boost your prospects for advancement.