Alternative Provision Learning Support Assistant

Educato Limited; Bolton; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Educato Limited are seeking a confident SEN Learning Support Mentor to join an Alternative Provision in Bolton, supporting secondary-aged pupils who cannot access mainstream education. The role involves transporting pupils daily, acting as a positive mentor and building trusting relationships with learners with SEMH and SEN needs.

We require a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle with appropriate business insurance.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting young people with SEMH, SEN or challenging behaviour.
• Must have access to own vehicle and a valid UK driving licence with appropriate business insurance.
• Enhanced DBS check on Update Service or willingness to apply for a new one.

Responsibilities

• Transport pupils to and from the provision each day.
• Support pupils in learning and behaviour management, maintaining a structured environment.
• Collaborate with teaching staff to uphold a supportive learning atmosphere.
• Build rapport with pupils while maintaining clear professional boundaries.

Skills

Full UK driving licence

Own vehicle access

SEMH experience

SEN experience

Mentoring & role model

Behaviour management

Relationship building with pupils

Safeguarding DBS clearance

Job description

Educato are looking for a confident, resilient and engaging SEN Learning Support Mentor to join an Alternative Provision in Bolton, supporting secondary-aged pupils who are unable to access mainstream education.

The provision supports young people with a range of Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, Special Educational Needs (SEN), challenging behaviour and difficulties engaging in traditional classroom environments.

This is more than just a classroom support role. We are looking for someone who can act as a positive role model and mentor, building trusting relationships with pupils who may have experienced challenges within education.

An essential part of this role involves transporting a pupil to and from the provision each day. Candidates must have access to their own vehicle, hold a full UK driving licence and have appropriate business insurance that covers transporting pupils., Act as a mentor and positive role model, encouraging confidence, resilience and personal development.

Act as a mentor and positive role model, encouraging confidence, resilience and personal development., Work closely with teaching staff to maintain a structured and supportive learning environment.

Work closely with teaching staff to maintain a structured and supportive learning environment.

Previous experience supporting young people with SEMH, SEN or challenging behaviour.

Previous experience supporting young people with SEMH, SEN or challenging behaviour.

• Full UK driving licence, access to a reliable vehicle and appropriate business insurance - essential.
• Full UK driving licence, access to a reliable vehicle and appropriate business insurance - essential.
• Confidence transporting and supporting young people with additional needs.
• Confidence transporting and supporting young people with additional needs.
• Strong behaviour management skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Strong behaviour management skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Someone who can build rapport with young people while maintaining clear professional boundaries.
• Someone who can build rapport with young people while maintaining clear professional boundaries.
• Experience in Alternative Provisions, PRUs, SEN schools, youth work, sports coaching or mentoring would be highly desirable.
• Experience in Alternative Provisions, PRUs, SEN schools, youth work, sports coaching or mentoring would be highly desirable.
• A patient, proactive and resilient approach.
• A patient, proactive and resilient approach.
• An enhanced Child DBS on the Update Service or willingness to apply for a new one.
• An enhanced Child DBS on the Update Service or willingness to apply for a new one.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys working with young people who require more than traditional classroom support.

We are looking for someone who can connect with pupils, earn their trust and become a consistent, positive influence in their daily lives.

The role offers a long-term opportunity, competitive daily pay of £120+ and the chance to make a genuine difference within an Alternative Provision.

This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS (child and adult workforce), satisfactory references, and full compliance with KCSIE (2026) guidance and safer recruitment standards. Overseas police checks may be required where applicable.

Educato Limited is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.