Learning mentor

Lotus Rise Alternative Provision; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Mentor to provide 1-to-1 support for students facing social, emotional, or behavioral challenges. In this role, you will guide students through academic tasks, build essential life skills, and foster personal growth in a supportive environment. Your efforts will help create a nurturing atmosphere that encourages engagement, self-esteem, and resilience among students. If you have a passion for making a difference in young people's lives and possess strong interpersonal skills, this opportunity offers a chance to contribute meaningfully to their development and success.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children facing social, emotional, or behavioral challenges.
• Strong understanding of behavior management strategies and safeguarding policies.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1-to-1 mentoring and emotional support to students.
• Monitor academic progress and collaborate with instructors for tailored learning.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving

Conflict Resolution

Patience

Resilience

Education

Background in Education

Relevant Training in Mentoring

Tools

CPOMS

Job description

Lotus Rise Alternative Provision Nottingham, England, United Kingdom

Job Purpose

The Mentor at Lotus Rise Alternative Provision plays a pivotal role in providing tailored, 1-to-1 support for students who may face social, emotional, or behavioural challenges. The mentor works closely with students to guide them through academic tasks, build life skills, and foster personal growth. Mentors help create a supportive environment where students can succeed despite the challenges they face, encouraging engagement, self-esteem, and resilience.

Key Responsibilities

1. 1-to-1 Mentoring and Support
   • Individual Mentoring: Provide dedicated 1-to-1 mentoring for assigned students, supporting their academic progress and personal development.
   • Emotional Support: Act as a trusted adult, offering emotional support and guidance to students who may be dealing with personal or social challenges.
   • Behavioural Guidance: Help students manage their behaviour, teaching them strategies for self-regulation and positive decision-making.
   • Goal Setting: Work with students to set achievable goals for academic progress, behaviour, and personal development, regularly reviewing and celebrating their achievements.
2. Academic Support
   • Tailored Learning: Support students in completing academic tasks, adapting teaching strategies to meet their individual needs and learning styles.
   • Homework and Study Support: Assist students with homework and other learning activities, ensuring they have the tools and confidence to succeed.
   • Monitor Progress: Track students’ academic performance and behaviour, identifying areas where additional support or interventions may be needed.
   • Collaborate with Instructors: Work alongside teachers and instructors to align mentoring support with the student’s curriculum and learning goals.
3. Behaviour Management
   • Positive Behaviour Reinforcement: Promote positive behaviour through consistent reinforcement, rewards, and recognition of student achievements.
   • Crisis Intervention: Respond effectively to behavioural issues, employing de-escalation techniques and working with students to address the root causes of their behaviour.
   • Support Behaviour Plans: Implement and follow individual behaviour plans (IBPs) and work closely with the Behaviour Manager and other staff to address persistent behavioural challenges.
   • Restorative Practices: Use restorative practices to help students reflect on their actions and repair relationships when conflicts arise.
4. Building Relationships
   • Trust and Rapport: Build strong, positive relationships with students, fostering trust, respect, and open communication.
   • Parental Engagement: Liaise with parents/carers to provide updates on student progress, behaviour, and well-being. Encourage family involvement in supporting the student’s development.
   • Team Collaboration: Collaborate with other mentors, staff, and external agencies to ensure the holistic well-being and development of the students.
5. Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) Support
   • Emotional Well-being: Help students develop coping strategies for managing stress, anxiety, or other mental health concerns, and signpost them to additional support when needed.
   • SEMH Strategies: Work with students to develop social and emotional skills, such as communication, empathy, and problem-solving, to enhance their interactions with peers and staff.
   • Support Interventions: Participate in planning and delivering interventions that address the social, emotional, and behavioural needs of students.
6. Safeguarding and Welfare
   • Safeguarding: Be vigilant in identifying and reporting any safeguarding concerns, following the provision’s safeguarding policies and working closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
   • Pastoral Care: Provide additional pastoral care for students who require emotional support or are at risk of harm, working with the wider team to ensure their well-being.
   • Risk Management: Identify potential risks to students’ welfare and work with staff to develop strategies that reduce those risks, particularly in cases of challenging behaviour or social issues.
7. Personal Development and Life Skills
   • Life Skills Coaching: Support students in developing essential life skills, such as time management, organisation, communication, and emotional regulation.
   • Self-Esteem and Confidence: Help students build their confidence and self-esteem, encouraging them to believe in their abilities and make positive choices for their future.
   • Career and Future Planning: Offer guidance to students in setting long-term goals and aspirations, including support in exploring further education, training, or career opportunities.
8. Record Keeping and Reporting
   • Monitor Progress: Maintain accurate records of student progress, including behaviour, attendance, and achievement data, using the appropriate reporting systems (such as CPOMS).
   • Incident Reporting: Report any behavioural incidents, safeguarding concerns, or significant changes in the student’s behaviour or well-being.
   • Feedback and Evaluation: Provide regular feedback to staff, parents, and external agencies on student progress and development, contributing to multi-disciplinary meetings when necessary.

Key Requirements

1. Qualifications:
   • A background in education, youth work, counselling, or a related field is desirable.
   • Relevant training or qualifications in mentoring, behaviour management, or child development.
2. Experience:
   • Experience working with children or young people with social, emotional, or behavioural challenges, particularly in an alternative provision or similar environment.
   • Previous experience supporting students with special educational needs (SEN) or social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) difficulties is beneficial.
3. Knowledge:
   • A strong understanding of behaviour management strategies and techniques.
   • Familiarity with safeguarding policies and procedures.
4. Skills:
   • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and build rapport with students, staff, and parents.
   • Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution abilities.
   • Patience, resilience, and the ability to remain calm in challenging situations.
5. Commitment: A passion for helping young people overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential, with a commitment to fostering a safe, supportive learning environment.

Seniority level

Entry level

Employment type

Full-time