Graduate Pastoral and Learning Support Assistant

📍 Location: Reading
💼 Contract: Full-time, term-time only
🕓 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–3:30pm
📅 Start Date: ASAP
💰 Pay: £88–£115 per day
 
❓ Do you want to make a real difference for young people who are disengaged from learning and are at risk of exclusion?
 
🏫 About the School

A welcoming and inclusive specialist secondary school near Reading is seeking a caring and resilient Pastoral and Learning Support Assistant to join their dedicated learning support team.

The school is committed to supporting young people with a range of additional needs, including social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, as well as ADHD and Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). Many pupils face significant SEMH needs, challenging behaviours, and have experienced trauma or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), so may also be disengaged from learning or at risk of exclusion. Relationship-building and consistency are key parts of the role.
 
🎯 Your Role
As Pastoral and Learning Support Assistant, you will:

• 🤝 Provide 1:1 and small-group supportfor students with additional or complex needs.
• 💬 Help disengaged young peoplere-engage with learning and feel valued in school life.
• 🌈 Build positive, trusting relationshipsto encourage confidence, resilience, and motivation.
• 📘 Support teachers in adapting lessons and classroom environments to meet individual needs.
• 🧠 Model positive behaviour and help students understand the value of education.
• 🛡️ Promote wellbeing, inclusion, and safeguarding at all times.

 
This role is ideal for someone passionate about supporting young people who need encouragement and understanding to succeed in education.
 
👩‍🏫 About You
We’re looking for someone who is:

• ❤️ Empathetic, calm, and committed to helping students overcome barriers to learning.
• 💡 Able to inspire disengaged learnersand help them see their potential.
• 🎓 Experienced or interested in working with young people with SEN or SEMH needs (training provided).
• 🗣️ A strong communicator and positive role model.
• ✅ Able to work full-time during term time and collaborate with staff across the school.

 
🌟 What We Offer

• Ongoing training and CPDin behaviour management and SEN strategies.
• A supportive, forward-thinking teamthat values wellbeing and development.
• Opportunities to work with teachers, SEN professionals, and external agencies.
• Progression routes into teaching, pastoral work, mentoring, or educational psychology.
• A rewarding role where you can truly change young lives for the better.

 
💬 Apply Now – contact Eleanor Chessun-Lawrence at Pertemps Education on Eleanor.chessun-lawrence@pertempseducation.co.uk or 07484 906662