Unlocking Potential Pastoral Assistant: Y7 & Transition; UPPA

What skills and experience we're looking for

Are you passionate about shaping greater futures for young people? Do you thrive in a dynamic, busy and supportive school environment? Cirencester Kingshill School is seeking a dedicated and engaging Unlocking Potential Pastoral Assistant (UPPA) to join our team, focusing on Year 7 students and their transition into secondary school life. You will play a vital role in shaping a positive culture and ethos within our school, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive.

The successful candidate will be the first point of contact for students and parents/carers, helping to identify and overcome barriers to learning, such as attendance, safeguarding, medical or behavioural concerns.

• Conduct primary school visits to meet incoming Year 7 students and assess transition needs
• Identify students with SEND requiring enhanced transition support
• Serve as the primary point of contact for Year 7 students and parents
• Undertake DDSL training and support safeguarding processes, including Early Help and multi‑agency liaison
• Assist the Head of Year and Finance team with the coordination of cultural capital opportunities
• Contribute to the identification of students suitable for targeted interventions through the Unlocking Potential strategy
• Deliver individual and group social–emotional interventions (e.g. ELSA, draw & talk, friendship development)

• Understanding of safeguarding and pastoral support needs
• Experience working with young people
• GCSE Grade 4/C or above in English and Maths
• IT skills (Microsoft Office)
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Experience in an educational or youth setting
• Experience in undertaking student intervention sessions and/or dealing with student attendance
• Exposure to supporting students in secondary or school‑to‑school transition
• ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) qualification
• Safeguarding Level 2 trained
• First Aid at Work qualification (or willingness to train)

• Attractive salary and pension schemes – Teachers Pension Scheme (Teaching Staff) or the Local Government Pension Scheme (Professional Support Staff)
• Family friendly polices
• A range of statutory benefits including sick pay, maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption leave
• Access to an employee assistance programme for all staff that offers services, including wellbeing, self‑referral counselling, information on stress, weight management, smoking cessation
• Access to Occupational Health services
• New staff induction and support programmes
• Long service awards
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Additional day of holiday per year ‘Me day.’ Conditions apply.
• Continuous service in other state funded schools will be honoured in relation to sick pay, holiday entitlement, pension rights
• Access to or provision of IT equipment (role specific)
• Access to CLPD and INSET, personalised for individuals through the schools’ Appraisal procedures, including access to role specific academic study and professional qualifications
• Onsite parking facilities and cycle storage
• Staff social, sporting and wellbeing activities throughout the year
• Access to join Blue Light discount card scheme (nominal fee applies)
• The dining room is open for staff to use before school for breakfast and at break and lunch times
• Staff room with facilities, including tea and coffee
• There is an optional staff social fund
• 10% discount on Adult Education at Cirencester College

Cirencester Kingshill School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. All posts are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. Candidates shortlisted for interview will be subject to an online check.