Pastoral Support Assistant – West of England Youth Orchestra (WEYO)
Freelance Role | £95 per day
Dates: 24 – 30 Aug (see schedule below)
Location: Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford on Avon
The West of England Youth Orchestra (WEYO) is a regional full-size symphony orchestra for talented young musicians aged 12–21 from across Wiltshire and the South West. Led by Tim Redmond (Professor of Conducting, Guildhall School, London), the orchestra meets three times a year for intensive courses, working with top-class tutors, guest artists and conductors.
We are looking for a caring, enthusiastic and confident Pastoral Support Assistant to join us for the WEYO Summer Course 2026. You will help create a warm, safe and inclusive environment where approximately 60–70 young musicians can thrive musically and socially.
About the Role
This project sees the young players of the West of England Youth Orchestra (WEYO) come together to rehearse and perform a thrilling summer showcase. This course will feature Vaughan Williams’ A London Symphony, one of the great youth orchestra showpieces of the 20th century; Matthew Aucoin’s evocative tone poem inspired by King Lear; and Brahms’ sumptuous Double Concerto for Violin and Cello, performed by WEYO favourite soloists Alice Neary and David Adams. The orchestra spends five days rehearsing before performing to up to 300 people per show over two performances; one evening show and one matinee show.
As part of the pastoral team, you will support the health, safety and wellbeing of all participants, helping young people to feel welcome, happy and confident. Working closely with the Creative Learning team, you will foster a positive, supportive atmosphere and ensure young people can be themselves and reach their full potential.
Please note: Applicants must be age 20+, not related to a current WEYO member, and if previously in WEYO, must have left 2+ years ago.
Key Responsibilities
- Build a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for young people
- Be aware of individual medical, access and wellbeing needs
- Plan and lead informal social activities and games
- Be a positive role model and champion young people’s voices
- Manage pastoral issues, incidents or concerns calmly and appropriately
- Support daily delivery of the course
- Ensure safe practice and adherence to WEYO safeguarding policy
Person Specification
- Experience working with young people
- Friendly, caring and approachable, with strong communication skills
- Reliable, organised, and able to use initiative and work in a team
- Positive, non-judgemental and committed to inclusion
- Strong commitment to safeguarding, wellbeing and safe arts practice
- Enhanced DBS check (on the Update Service)
Dates
- Monday 24 August: 9am–5.30pm
- Tuesday 25 August: 9am–5.30pm
- Thursday 27 August: 9am–5.30pm
- Friday 28 August: 9am–5.30pm
- Saturday 29 August: 1.30pm–9.30pm
- Sunday 30 August: 11.30am–5.30pm
Plus one planning meeting in advance with the Creative Learning team (up to 2 hours).
Fee
Total fee, including planning meeting and VAT = £665
Safeguarding
This role involves regular contact with young people and adults at risk. Appointment is subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and suitability declarations. For Safeguarding information: www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk/safeguarding
Applications
To apply, please email Cassie Tait, Head of Creative Learning (cassie.tait@wiltshiremusic.org.uk) a short covering email explaining your interest and suitability (max 150 words), and an up-to-date CV including full contact details, relevant experience and 2 references
Apply now