Alternative Provision Learning Support Assistant

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

Job summary

Educato Limited is seeking a confident SEN Learning Support Mentor to join an Alternative Provision in Bolton. You will transport pupils daily, support SEMH/SEN needs, and mentor pupils to build resilience and engagement with education.

Applicants must have a full UK driving licence with access to a vehicle and business insurance, plus an Enhanced DBS or willingness to obtain one. This is a full-time, long-term role with a 8:00am-4:00pm schedule.

Qualifications

• Full UK driving licence required.
• Access to a reliable vehicle and appropriate business insurance.
• DBS check (Enhanced) required or willingness to apply for one.

Responsibilities

• Transport pupils to and from the Alternative Provision each day.
• Support SEMH/SEN pupils and manage challenging behaviour.
• Build positive relationships with pupils and act as a mentor.
• Support pupils with academic learning in 1:1 and small groups.
• Work closely with teaching staff to maintain a structured learning environment.

Skills

Driving licence

Vehicle access

Behaviour management

Education

Enhanced DBS

Job description

Job Type: Full-Time, Long-Term

Working Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm

Pay: £120+ per day (dependent on experience)

Start Date: ASAP

Essential: Full UK Driving Licence, Access to a Car & Business Insurance

About the Role

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.

Key Responsibilities:

• Transport a pupil safely to and from the Alternative Provision each day.
• Transport a pupil safely to and from the Alternative Provision each day.
• Support secondary-aged pupils with SEMH, SEN and challenging behaviour.
• Support secondary-aged pupils with SEMH, SEN and challenging behaviour.
• Build positive relationships with pupils who may be disengaged from education.
• Build positive relationships with pupils who may be disengaged from education.
• 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.
• Support pupils with academic learning, both on a 1:1 basis and in small groups.
• Support pupils with academic learning, both on a 1:1 basis and in small groups.
• Manage challenging behaviour using de-escalation techniques, positive reinforcement and consistent boundaries.
• Manage challenging behaviour using de-escalation techniques, positive reinforcement and consistent boundaries.
• Encourage pupils to develop emotional regulation, social skills and independence.
• Encourage pupils to develop emotional regulation, social skills and independence.
• 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.
• Help pupils re-engage with education and work towards their individual goals.
• Help pupils re-engage with education and work towards their individual goals.

What We’re Looking For:

• 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.

Why Apply:

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.

Educato Limited acts as an employment business in relation to this vacancy.