Highfields CollegeEssex RoadStockportSK5 8DR0161 406 7922
Job Title: Pastoral Mentor Engagement and De-escalation
Salary: Scale 5 point 12 -£21,485.84 pro rata actual salary
Hours: 32.5 hours per week
Working Pattern: Contract type: Permanent
Closing date: 30th June 2026
Interview Date: TBC
Start Date: As soon as possible
Highfields College is an alternative education provision dedicated to supporting young people when they need it most. As part of Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, we provide a safe, structured, and nurturing environment for students facing challenges with school engagement and emotional well‑being. We are a team driven by energy, positivity, and a shared commitment to making a difference. Working here is fast‑paced and incredibly rewarding – we laugh, collaborate, and support one another every single day. If you want to be part of a team that never gives up on a young person, you belong here.
The Role
We are seeking a Pastoral Mentor for De‑Escalation & Engagement to act as a champion for emotional well‑being and mental health across our school. You will be a visible, grounding presence for our students, working day‑to‑day to defuse high‑agitation, navigate disruptive behaviours, and provide practical guidance to both students and staff. This role isn’t about sitting in an office; it’s about being on the frontline of student engagement, building deep, trusting relationships with young people and their families to help them succeed.
Who We Are Looking For
- Empathetic & Understanding: You can see past defiant behaviour to the root cause, providing a supportive anchor when a young person is struggling with school.
- Energetic & Positive: You bring infectious enthusiasm and resilience to the school day, keeping morale high even during challenging situations.
- Reliable & Team‑Oriented: You are a rock for your colleagues. You understand that pastoral care is a team sport and are ready to support, collaborate, and step up when needed.
- Utterly Professional: You maintain naturally high standards of safeguarding, professional boundaries, and confidentiality at all times.
Key Responsibilities
- De‑Escalation & Mentoring: Use specialized verbal techniques (primarily based on the Team Teach model) to lower agitation, manage disruptive behaviours, and guide students toward positive choices.
- Staff Support: Act as an “on‑call” contact for behavioural support, model effective management techniques, and deliver Team Teach training (training will be provided to help you achieve tutor status).
- Leadership & Deputising: Step up to deputise for the Pastoral Manager when they are off‑site, leading on higher‑level incidents, deploying staff, and consulting with the Senior Leadership Team.
- Family & Community Liaison: Build honest, diplomatic, and supportive relationships with parents and carers, celebrating successes and navigating difficult conversations with tact.
- Enrichment & Intervention: Plan, cost, and lead reward trips, as well as specialized interventions like Forest Schools and group mentoring sessions.
Skills & Requirements
- Natural ability to build mutual respect and rapport with vulnerable or disaffected young people.
- Excellent diplomatic and communication skills to advise teaching staff on strategies and communicate effectively with families.
- Analytical skills to observe behavioural triggers and contribute accurately to individual risk assessments, positive handling plans, and SIMS logging.
- Unwavering commitment to safeguarding, child protection, and data privacy.
- Willingness to train as a certified Team Teach tutor (fully funded by the school).
Why Join Highfields College?
In return for your dedication and reliability, we offer an incredibly supportive work environment where your voice is valued. You will work alongside a passionate Senior Leadership Team focused on creating a culture of belonging for both staff and students. Furthermore, as part of Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, you will have access to excellent professional development opportunities and local government benefits.
This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Stockport Council Valuing Diversity.
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