Learning Mentor

Alton Park Junior School; Tendring; On-site; GBP 8,400 - 12,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Cash Plan

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounted gym memberships

Cinema tickets

Blue Light Card

Competitive salary

Excellent pension scheme

Job summary

Alton Park Junior School in Tendring is seeking a Learning Mentor to champion pupil welfare and learning. You will work directly with pupils, families and staff to promote emotional well‑being, attendance and safeguarding in a supportive setting.

The role involves 1:1 and small‑group mentoring, building trusted relationships with carers, and guiding Early Help assessments. Term‑time focused, 21 hours per week.

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths and English at Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent).
• NVQ Level 2 in Learning Support or Early Years is an advantage.
• Experience working with children, families and external agencies is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) and support child protection procedures.
• Deliver 1:1 and small-group mentoring focused on emotional literacy and resilience.
• Build trusting relationships with parents/carers and guide Early Help processes.
• Monitor attendance and run targeted interventions and reward schemes.
• Support teaching staff in recognising early indicators of vulnerability.

Skills

GCSE Maths

GCSE English

NVQ Level 2 in Learning Support

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Learning Support or Early Years (advantage)

Job description

Join a Community Where Everyone Matters at Alton Park Junior School

Are you a caring individual who believes in the importance of safety and responsibility? Do you want to be part of a team dedicated to helping children feel safe, happy, and valued?

At Alton Park Junior School, we believe that every child deserves a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where they are empowered to thrive - academically, socially, and emotionally.

We are seeking a dedicated, empathetic, and proactive Learning Mentor to join our compassionate team. In this pivotal role, you will act as a champion for our pupils, helping to break down non‑academic barriers to learning, foster resilience, and ensure every child feels valued, safe, and capable of achieving their full potential.

• Start date: 23rd November 2026 or ASAP thereafter (following completion of pre‑employment checks)
• Contract type: Permanent
• Working hours: Part time - 21 hours per week, 39 weeks per year (term time plus INSET/non‑pupil days). Exact working pattern to be confirmed.

About the Role

As a Learning Mentor, no two days are the same. You will work directly with pupils, families, and staff to support emotional well‑being, promote attendance, and embed robust safeguarding practices.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Acting as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), working alongside the DSL to ensure robust child protection procedures, managing concerns, and contributing to multi‑agency meetings (CP, CIN, and Early Help).
• Delivering structured 1:1 and small‑group mentoring sessions focused on emotional literacy, resilience, self‑esteem, anger management, and social skills.
• Building trusting, non‑judgemental relationships with parents/carers, guiding families through Early Help Assessments, conducting home visits when necessary, and connecting them with community resources.
• Monitoring daily attendance and punctuality data, running targeted interventions and reward schemes, and addressing underlying causes of absence.
• Supporting teaching and support staff in recognising early indicators of vulnerability, abuse, or neglect.

About You

We are looking for an approachable, self‑motivated, and resilient individual to join our team.

You will have:

• GCSE Maths and English at Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent); an NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent) in Learning Support or Early Years is an advantage, but not essential.
• A strong background working directly with children, parents, and external agencies (experience with ASC or EAL is desirable).
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trusting relationships with pupils, families, and colleagues.
• The ability to plan, deliver, and adapt tailored support programs (such as social skills or emotional literacy) independently or collaboratively.
• Good IT skills and the organisational capacity to manage tight deadlines and record‑keeping under pressure.
• A deep commitment to equality, inclusion, and the highest standards of integrity and safeguarding.

Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

Why Choose The Sigma Trust?

We believe in investing in our staff and fostering a culture of collaboration. We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive package designed to support your professional and personal life.

Professional Development:

• A robust CPD training program that empowers you to flourish.
• Unrivalled opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across the Trust, sharing ideas and building strong professional relationships.

Employee Benefits:

• A competitive salary and excellent pension scheme.
• A Health Cash Plan and Employee Assistance Programme for your well‑being.
• Exclusive perks like the Cycle to Work scheme, discounted gym memberships, cinema tickets, and eligibility for a Blue Light Card.

Commitment to Safeguarding & Diversity

The Sigma Trust is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children and young people that we work with. As such, all posts are subject to safer recruitment processes, including the disclosure of criminal records, online checks and other vetting checks. We ensure that we have a range of policies in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practice across our schools.

The Sigma Trust is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of any protected characteristics. This is embedded in our vision ‘To Be Greater Than The Sum Of Its Parts’, where we believe we are strong and more successful working together, creating a workplace which celebrates diversity.

by 9am on Monday 2nd November 2026.

Interviews are expected to take place on Wednesday 11th November 2026.