Inclusion Mentor

Sunderland College; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday allowance

Flexible working

Pensions – LGPS/Teacher

Lifestyle benefits platform

Health plans (dental, eye care)

Wellbeing support

Free parking

Gym access

Job summary

Hartlepool Sixth Form is seeking an SEND Support Mentor to help students with learning difficulties or disabilities succeed within our college community. You will provide personalised mentoring and contribute to creating an inclusive learning environment.

You will work with curriculum teams and student services to develop strategies, support plans, and ensure compliance with SEND guidance, improving student confidence and progression.

Qualifications

• Experience of supporting individuals with SEND or additional learning needs
• Knowledge of Educational Health Care Plans and assessment and support plans
• Awareness of responsibilities under SEND Code of Practice and the Equality Act
• Good written and verbal communication skills

Responsibilities

• Provide mentor support to students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities to integrate into the College environment
• Assist in the implementation of detailed assessments and monitoring and review of support strategies
• Devise and implement support strategies with senior staff to help individual students overcome barriers to learning
• Identify potential problems early and communicate this to teaching staff and management

Skills

SEND experience

Education Health Care Plans

SEND Code of Practice

Communication skills

Education

NVQ level 2 or equivalent

GCSE Maths and English

Job description

About the College

Hartlepool Sixth Form is the top performing Sixth Form college in the North East for student achievement, with 100% pass rate for over 30 courses and 98% of our student progressing to either College or employment.

Here in Hartlepool, we have been delivering highly successful courses for more than 50 years as the only dedicated sixth form college in the area. Situated on the outskirts of the town centre, we have excellent facilities for both academic and vocational study with excellent sports facilities, fully equipped science labs, and have recently invested in a new digital academy and a health simulation ward.

Please see the following link to our 2024 Ofsted Report, in which we were graded as being Outstanding across all areas - Ofsted-Report-Outstanding

Our Journey & Values

As an employer, we prioritise cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.

Taking Teaching Further & Additional Incentives

If you're making the move into further education teaching, you may be eligible for the Taking Teaching Further (TTF) programme a funded route to help industry professionals retrain as FE teachers.

In addition, for roles in high-need subjects or regions you may also benefit from the government's targeted retention incentive (formerly "levelling-up premium") payments, worth up to £6,000 for eligible teachers in their first five years and teaching certain shortage subjects.

Please note eligibility for both TTF and the Targeted Retention Incentive varies by role, subject area and provider, they do not apply to every vacancy.

Find out more about both initiatives through the links below.

• Taking Teaching Further - Taking Teaching Further
• Targeted Retention Incentive - Targeted Retention Incentive

About the Candidate

This position offers a genuine opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting difference in students' lives .By supporting learners with special educational needs (SEND), you help break down barriers, build confidence, and empower each individual to reach their full potential. Your work creates an inclusive, supportive environment where every student feels valued and capable, making a lasting impact not only on their education but on their future and sense of belonging in the world.

About the Role

In this role, you'll be a key collaborator, working closely with the curriculum teams within Hartlepool Sixth Form along with student support services to develop personalised strategies that will empower students with SEND to overcome obstacles and thrive within our College community. Your creativity and dedication will play a vital role in continuously improving our provision and realising our ambitious vision for excellence.

Role Responsibilities

• To provide mentor support to students with learning difficulties and or disabilities, emotional and behaviour needs who are on mainstream or discrete College courses to integrate into the College environment.
• To assist in the implementation of detailed assessments and monitoring and review of support strategies.
• To devise and implement support strategies with senior departmental staff and other college professionals around individual students and groups to overcome their barriers to learning
• To identify possible sources of problems at early stage and to communicate this to teaching staff and departmental manage

Qualifications

• Relevant care, learning support, or youth qualification, ideally at least at NVQ level 2 (or equivalent).
• GCSE Maths and English

Essential Skills & Experience

• Experience of supporting individuals with SEND or additional learning needs
• Knowledge of Educational Health Care Plans and assessment and support plans
• Awareness of responsibilities under SEND Code of Practice and the Equality Act
• Good written and verbal communication skills

What's in it for you?

Join EPNE and you'll be part of a culture that prioritises your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.

• Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays - (Excluding Term Time Only contracts)
• Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
• LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme - depending on role
• Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
• We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
• Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
• Free parking on most campuses.
• Free Gym access available at Bede Campus

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

At Education Partnership North East (EPNE), we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We know that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams to enhance the education and support we provide to our learners and communities.

We recognise that talented individuals may not always follow a traditional career path and may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you are excited about the role and believe you can make a positive contribution, we encourage you to apply.

As a Disability Confident Employer and Armed Forces Covenant Member, and with Ofsted Outstanding status across all campuses, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing environment where everyone can thrive.

Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.

We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.

Please contact ([e-mail]) should you wish to have an informal chat about the role.