Job Introduction
40 hours per week term time with up to 5 days outside of term time (40 weeks per year)
Monday to Friday, 8.00am – 4.30pm
Permanent contract
To start September 2026
EHCC Grade D FTE £27,780 - £30,564
Actual salary £26,348 - £28,989
The Westgate School is a warm, vibrant and forward-thinking community where colleagues and pupils learn together. As an Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ school, we are proud of our culture of academic excellence.
We are seeking to recruit a Return to Learn Programme Manager to our fantastic school. Our vision for all pupils is to give them the skills and knowledge to become independent and successful, and able to contribute positively to wider society. We recognise that different pupils will experience different challenges, but our goal is always to support them in their pathway to independence. As part of an evidence based, time limited strategy the Return to Learn programme gives pupils the confidence to meet these challenges and recognise that they can access the education they deserve, alongside their peers.
Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) is recognised as an expression of need, and responses need to be relational, personalised, and trauma‑informed. Through early identification, strong partnerships with families and professionals, we aim to rebuild confidence, promote emotional wellbeing, and ensure every pupil feels a valued member of the school community.
Why join us?
Working at The Westgate School means becoming part of a friendly, skilled and supportive team invested in your success. With 1,620 pupils across our two phases, we are lucky to have excellent teaching facilities, including science laboratories, computing suites, and a purpose-built art and sculpture block. We take pride in a lovely environment for teaching and learning.
The Westgate School is the lead school for the Winchester Schools Training Alliance (WSTA), working with 21 other schools in the Winchester district to train the next generation of teachers. Support colleagues employed by The Westgate School wanting to go on to apply for the WSTA training programme will automatically be offered an interview providing the course requirements are met.
What Ofsted says:
“The Westgate School is a happy and vibrant community, where pupils are encouraged to aim for excellence” Ofsted, September 2022
“Outstanding” Ofsted, November 2023
“Staff are incredibly proud to work at this school” Ofsted 2024
Benefits of working at The Westgate School:
- Full induction programme including training and mentoring to ensure your success in the role
- Ongoing personal development in one of Hampshire’s top schools for progress and attainment
- A friendly and welcoming school community
- Automatic enrolment to a generous local government pension scheme
- Benefits of local government sick pay
- On-site parking and access to EV charging stations
- Free use of health and fitness facilities
- Preferential nursery places in the on-site nursery at a reduced price
- Preferential admission to The Westgate School for colleagues' children (after 2 years of employment)
What we’re looking for:
We are seeking individuals who can build positive, trusting relationships with children, bring empathy, patience and enthusiasm to their work and:
- View the role as a vocation and profession, demonstrating high levels of commitment and resilience
- Hold the belief that every child deserves to feel as if they belong
- Are able to build trusting relationships with children who are either externalising or internalising their social emotional wellbeing needs
- Are able to demonstrate compassionate authority and stay calm under pressure, moving children from their comfort zone into the growth zone
- Are keen to participate in professional learning and qualifications
- Enjoy working with children, building positive relationships in a calm, empathetic way with a minimum of 3 years’ relevant experience in a teaching/learning/child support working environment
- Have experience of or an interest in working with neurodiverse children
- Have obtained Maths and English qualifications to GCSE Grade 4 or above, or their equivalent
- Hold a UK driving licence and have the use of a car for work including business class insurance
- Are determined for the highest possible levels of achievement and inclusion for every pupil
- Are cheerful, flexible and approachable, with a good sense of humour
- Show initiative within the role and have good time management skills
- Are a hard-working team player, able to work closely with teachers and other adults (including within the classroom) to ensure the best for all our pupils
- Have the patience, resourcefulness and resilience to support and inspire our children with their learning, helping to unlock their potential
- Have a good understanding of child development from 4-16 years
- Have excellent communication skills
- Are excited about the opportunity to work with individuals both inside and beyond the classroom
Safeguarding:
The Westgate School and Hampshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
Pre-employment checks:
All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks, which will include an online search to identify any incidents or issues that have happened and are publicly available online, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education recommendations.
Child Protection Policy:
You can find The Westgate School’s Child Protection Policy document on our policies webpage.
Equal Opportunities:
In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.
AI:
We encourage applicants to avoid using AI for their application and if doing so, please state this in the application. Please ensure all information you provide is factually accurate, truthful, and original. This is so that your application is authentically and credibly your own as it forms part of the basis upon which future employment may be decided.
How to apply:
Job descriptions and application forms are available at www.westgate.hants.sch.uk/vacancies.
Please send completed application forms to the HR team recruitment@westgate.hants.sch.uk
Please note, only submissions on the Hampshire County Council application form will be accepted.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received and we may close the advert early, so we encourage early applications.
Closing date: noon Tuesday 19th May 2026
Interview date: Wednesday 3rd June 2026
