Learning & Pastoral Support
Location: Minerva May School, Horley, Surrey, RH6 9UU
Salary: £19,000 – £24,000 (dependent on experience and qualifications)
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
Help Shape the Future of Young People
At Minerva May School, we believe every young person deserves to feel safe, valued and capable of achieving their potential. Our vision is simple:
"We nurture independent learners who are prepared for adult life."
As our school continues to grow and expand, we are creating several new opportunities for dedicated Learning and Pastoral Support professionals (Teaching Assistants) to join our specialist team. This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a developing school where collaboration, innovation and meaningful relationships are central to everything we do.
Working alongside colleagues, parents, carers, local authorities and external agencies, you will help create an environment where students are encouraged to develop aspiration, independence and confidence while feeling respected, understood and supported every step of the way.
About Minerva May School
Minerva May School is a specialist secondary provision for students aged 11–16 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, Autism (ASC), ADHD and associated additional needs.
Every student has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), and our personalised approach combines high-quality teaching with exceptional pastoral support. Through trauma-informed practice, restorative approaches and specialist facilities, we aim to provide an environment where young people can thrive academically, emotionally and socially.
The Role
As a Learning and Pastoral Support (LPS) professional, you will play a vital role in helping students access education while supporting their emotional wellbeing and personal development.
Working closely with teachers, therapists and senior leaders, you will help deliver a consistent, nurturing approach that enables students to develop confidence, resilience and independence.
Your Responsibilities
You will:
- Develop positive, trusting relationships with students using trauma-informed approaches, including PACE and the Zones of Regulation.
- Support students during lessons, adapting your approach to meet individual learning needs and ILP targets.
- Recognise signs of dysregulation and use co-regulation strategies to help students remain calm, engaged and ready to learn.
- Encourage emotional development by promoting resilience, self-regulation and positive attitudes towards learning.
- Deliver planned one-to-one and small group interventions, supporting academic progress, emotional literacy and social skills.
- Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists and senior leaders to implement strategies identified within EHCPs, ILPs and SEN Passports.
- Support students during transitions, breaktimes, enrichment activities and other less structured parts of the school day.
- Maintain accurate records relating to behaviour, learning, pastoral support and communication, ensuring information is shared professionally and promptly.
- Build positive relationships with parents, carers and colleagues through clear, compassionate communication.
- Promote the school's restorative culture, helping students reflect upon their choices and repair relationships where appropriate.
About You
We are looking for someone who is passionate about supporting young people with SEMH, Autism, ADHD and associated needs.
Successful applicants will demonstrate:
- A compassionate and relationship-centred approach to supporting young people.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed practice and an understanding of how this supports learning and emotional regulation.
- Flexibility and creativity when adapting support to meet individual EHCP and ILP targets.
- A commitment to helping students develop confidence, resilience, independence and positive learning habits.
- The ability to recognise early indicators of dysregulation and apply supportive strategies such as PACE and Zones of Regulation.
- Excellent teamwork skills and the ability to work effectively alongside teachers, therapists and senior leaders.
- A reflective and inclusive mindset, believing in the potential of every student.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to model respectful, restorative interactions.
- Professionalism, reliability and excellent record-keeping.
- A genuine commitment to our core values of Collaboration, Aspiration, Resilience and Empowerment.
Why Join Minerva May School?
We are committed to creating a workplace where staff feel valued, supported and empowered to develop professionally.
As part of our team, you will benefit from:
- Working in a purpose-built specialist school designed specifically for students with SEMH, ASC, ADHD and associated needs.
- A welcoming, collaborative staff team where your contribution is recognised and appreciated.
- A culture built around restorative and trauma-informed practice.
- High-quality professional development and specialist training in areas including emotional regulation, trauma-informed practice, communication strategies and inclusive education.
- The opportunity to make a lasting impact on young people's learning, wellbeing and future independence.
- A school community guided by our values of Collaboration, Aspiration, Resilience and Empowerment.
- Opportunities to contribute to whole-school improvement and help shape positive learning environments.
- A rewarding career supporting students to feel safe, understood, successful and ready to learn every day.
Applying
If you would like to arrange a confidential conversation or visit the school before applying, please contact our office on 01293 222502 or email [email protected].
Pay: £19,000.00-£24,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
