Learning Mentor

New Barn School; Welford; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Wellbeing support

Discount platform

Cycle to Work

Electric Car Purchase

Critical illness cover

Family growth support

Job summary

New Barn School, part of Options Autism, is seeking a Learning Mentor to support pupils with SEMH needs at our Newbury site. You will work with teachers to deliver engaging activities and provide one-to-one and small group support in a safe, nurturing environment.

The role requires GCSE English and Maths and experience with children or SEND. We welcome applicants with SEN experience or those starting a career in specialist education and are committed to safeguarding and student wellbeing.

Qualifications

• GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent).
• Experience as Learning Mentor/Teaching Assistant or working with children and young people (SEN desirable).
• Interest in supporting pupils with SEMH, ASC and additional needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to pupils with SEMH and additional needs to help them engage positively in learning.
• Work with teaching staff to deliver engaging and personalised learning activities.
• Deliver one-to-one and small group support tailored to individual pupil needs.
• Contribute to creating a safe, nurturing and structured learning environment.
• Support pupils to develop confidence, resilience and independence.
• Promote emotional wellbeing and positive behaviour development.
• Prepare learning resources and assist with classroom activities.
• Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to support positive outcomes for pupils.

Skills

GCSE English & Maths

Learning Mentor experience

SEN experience desirable

Job description

At OFG we give you time to enjoy those special moments and hobbies outside of work. Job Title: Learning Mentor Location: New Barn School - River View House, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2PS Salary: £23,638.00 per annum (not pro rata) Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only Start: October 2026 UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship. At New Barn School, we support young people with complex Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs to achieve success, build confidence and reach their full potential. As part of our school community, you will work with pupils in a safe, structured and nurturing environment. We are looking for caring, enthusiastic and resilient Learning Mentors to join our dedicated team, whether you already have SEND experience or are looking to begin a career in specialist education.

What You'll Be Doing

• Provide support to pupils with SEMH and additional needs to help them engage positively in learning.
• Work alongside teaching staff to deliver learning activities that are engaging and personalised.
• Deliver one-to-one and small group support tailored to individual pupil needs.
• Contribute to creating a safe, nurturing and structured learning environment.
• Support pupils to develop confidence, resilience and independence.
• Promote emotional wellbeing and support positive behaviour development.
• Prepare learning resources and assist with classroom activities.
• Work collaboratively with a multi-disciplinary team to support the best outcomes for every pupil

About You

• Hold GCSE English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above) or equivalent.
• Have experience as a Learning Mentor, Teaching Assistant, or in working with children and young people (SEN experience desirable).
• Have an interest in supporting pupils with SEMH, Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and additional needs.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with young people.
• Be patient, adaptable and resilient when faced with challenges.
• Adopt a therapeutic and nurturing approach to supporting learning and behaviour.
• Work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

About Us

New Barn School, part of Options Autism, provides inclusive, nurturing education for autistic children and young people with complex needs across three sites. We deliver personalised learning, therapeutic support, and vocational opportunities tailored to each pupil's Education, Health and Care Plan. Pupils learn in small, supportive settings that promote confidence, independence, and emotional wellbeing. Built on strong partnerships with families, New Barn empowers every learner to thrive and prepare for life beyond school. For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care. We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the sixth year running.

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

Benefits

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• "Your Wellbeing Matters" - mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
• + Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
• + Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• + Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• + Critical illness cover
• + Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.