Community Support Partner - Term Time

Woodlands; Harbledown; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A mixed special school is seeking a compassionate Community Support Partner to support pupils with social and emotional needs. This role involves creating safe environments, building consistent relationships, and providing trauma-informed support. The ideal candidate should have GCSEs in English and Maths, along with an understanding of trauma-informed methodologies. This position offers a competitive salary and the chance to make a meaningful difference in pupils' lives.

Qualifications

• Minimum of GCSE in English and Maths required.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed approaches.
• Commitment to working therapeutically with pupils.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils in class and during unstructured times.
• Create calm, safe environments for learning.
• Contribute to team briefings and debriefs.

Skills

Understanding of trauma-informed approaches

Resilience

Reflective practice

Ability to work as part of a team

Education

GCSE in English and Maths, Grade A*–C

Job description

Community Support Partner (CSP)

The Orchard School

The Orchard School is seeking a compassionate, resilient and proactive Community Support Partner to join our dedicated and expanding support team.

This is a key role, offering a unique opportunity to make a daily difference to the lives of pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs. You will work closely with class teams, SEND colleagues and leaders to provide trauma-informed, relational support that helps pupils feel safe, valued and ready to learn.

The Orchard School is a mixed special school for pupils with emotional, social, mental health and associated learning difficulties. Our school is guided by the belief that Everyone Matters, Everyone Cares. The Orchard Way ensures that we respond to behaviour as communication, prioritise relationships and meet the SEMH needs of our pupils through skilled, therapeutic practice.

We are proud of our committed staff team and our pupils’ courage, curiosity and progress.

Post details

• 37 hours per week – Term time only plus 5 CPD days
• Working hours: 8.30am – 3.30pm
• Salary: KSCPro-rata £21,911.16 (FTE £25,252.00) + SEN Allowance £1,484.97
• Fixed term or permanent contract depending on experience and deployment

Essential Requirements

• A minimum of GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Maths, Grade A*–C
• A strong understanding of trauma-informed and relational approaches
• A commitment to working therapeutically with pupils who have high levels of emotional need
• Confidence working both independently and as part of a wider team
• Personal resilience, reflective practice and a sense of humour

About the Role

• You will support pupils throughout the day in class, in unstructured times and during key transitions
• You will help create calm, safe environments and build consistent relationships that enable pupils to feel secure
• You will contribute to daily team briefings and debriefs to share insight, review impact and agree next steps
• You will model The Orchard Way through calm, kind and clear adult behaviour
• You will reinforce our school rules: Ready – Respectful – Safe
• You will be supported through tailored CPD and supervision as part of the Community Support Team (CST)

If you believe that connection builds safety, that behaviour is communication, and that every child deserves to be seen, heard and supported—this is your opportunity to be part of a school where your work matters every day.

Apply via Kent Teach or contact the school for an informal conversation.