Childcare jobs in United Kingdom

Please note: This role is to start in June 2026.

For children with complex, challenging needs, the level of care and education must go above and beyond. That’s what drives us, here at Witherslack Group. With our high staff‑to‑child ratio and in‑house clinical teams, we’re proud to have won a reputation for excellence and market‑leading OFSTED ratings.

As a Pastoral Support Assistant you’ll help us meet our young peoples’ emotional needs. Our young people have challenging complex emotional and behavioural needs (Autistic Spectrum Disorder/Social, Emotional and Mental Health) and need more support than most. You’ll make sure they get it by applying high standards of care. It means working with families and developing programmes for each individual young person. With careful assessment and planning, you’ll create a positive learning environment where every young person can thrive.

With experience working with young people with BESD or ASD in a school or care setting you will understand our young peoples developmental needs and what pastoral care entails. A good listener who can motivate and work in a team, you inspire young people to achieve. Flexibility and good organisational skills mean you’ll be an asset to the Witherslack Group.

Opening in September 2026, Ardenwood School is a purpose built, brand new, state‑of‑the‑art Primary school. The school will cater for up to 40 pupils with a wide range of needs including autism and social, emotional and mental health needs. This new exciting opportunity serves Coventry and the wider communities; you are at the heart of its development. Our aim is to ensure that every pupil has an outstanding educational experience with individual pupil progress and care at the heart of what is offered.

• Training: A full induction and on‑the‑job training
• Holiday: You’ll work hard at WG, so you’ll be rewarded with full school holidays
• Progression: If career development is your thing, most of our head teachers and leaders have been promoted from within our group
• Flexible benefits: meaning you can increase/decrease benefits such as life insurance – check out our benefits here
• Wellbeing: a host of wellbeing tools and advice including employee assistance
• Medical cover: so you can claim back the cost of things like an optician’s or dentist appointment and a host of high‑street discounts
• Beautiful working environments: with the very best facilities – check out our schools here
• Refer a friend scheme: that offers a £1,000 bonus every time
• Contributory pension scheme: – matched up to 5%
• Bring your whole‑self to work

• Previous experience with ASC, ADHD or SEMH pupils and with working with families in challenging circumstances and expertise to support and resolve difficulties
• Experience of multi‑agency work with an understanding of legislation, policies and guidance around safeguarding and child protection
• Ideally - NVQ 3 in Care/Level 2 Teaching Assistant Qualification

Our young people come from all walks of life, diverse backgrounds and with different needs – and our workforce reflects that diversity, so that our teams can engage, encourage and inspire our young people to be themselves. You’ll be more than a Pastoral Assistant; you’ll be able to connect with our pupils because of the experience and expertise outlined above.

The Witherslack Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check (we will cover the cost) and an online search. We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community.