Learning Mentor

East Midlands Shared Services; Wigston; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Leicestershire County Council’s Oakfield Short Stay School seeks an individual to support pupils with diverse learning needs, delivering targeted interventions and fostering engagement. You will work within small groups and tailor approaches to trauma-informed care, aiming to improve attendance and outcomes.

The role emphasizes empathetic, effective communication with pupils, families and staff, and requires a DBS enhanced check. Flexible working options may be discussed during recruitment.

Qualifications

• Experience of working with pupils with special educational needs in a school or equivalent setting.
• Experience of supporting pupils with low attendance or barriers to education.
• Ability to liaise with external agencies and professionals.
• Competence in using ICT for routine purposes.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse families and staff.

Responsibilities

• Teach and Inspire: assist with planning, delivery and evaluation of pupil interventions.
• Support Reintegration: run programmes to develop pupils' knowledge and confidence.
• Collaborate with Agencies: liaise with staff and parents to set targets and monitor achievement.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

SEND experience

ICT competence

Engagement with diverse families

Education

BTEC/NVQ Level 3

NVQ Level 2

Job description

Organisation: Leicestershire County Council

Work Location: Oakfield SLIP, Leicestershire County Council, Bassett St, South Wigston, Wigston LE18 4PE

Salary: £28,605 - £31,029 per annum (pro rata for part-time) (Pay Award pending)

Working Hours: 37 hours per week (39 weeks term time only)

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 25th August 2026

Interview Date(s): TBC

Oakfield Short Stay School is Leicestershire’s provision for primary and secondary school aged children who are at risk, or who have been permanently excluded from school. You will be part of a vital team in an exciting period of development, working with us to meet the needs of children and young people in the Secondary phase who struggle to manage in mainstream and need a different offer of education to secure their successful next steps

About the Role

In co-operation with the Behaviour, Attendance, Pastoral and Belonging Lead, to provide a complementary service to that given by existing teachers and pastoral staff in School in addressing the needs of pupils/students who need help to overcome barriers to learning both inside and outside the school, in order to achieve their full potential. Our students have a variety of learning needs and learn in small groups. We are looking for a person who is creative, flexible, holistic, and has trauma-informed approach, to raise engagement and inspire our children to achieve remarkable outcomes. You will be at the heart of our mission, supporting us to engage our pupils and achieve high rates of attendance. The role would suit someone with excellent communication and interpersonal skills who can inspire others. Many of our young people present with challenging behaviour, and we are looking for someone who can demonstrate strong empathy and ability to intrinsically connect with pupils.

Key Responsibilities:

• Teach and Inspire: To assist with the planning, delivery and evaluation of pupil interventions, including identifying how the pupils can best be supported.
• Support Reintegration: To run programmes for individuals or groups to help develop pupil’s knowledge and confidence.
• Collaborate with Agencies: To liaise with teaching staff to set targets of re-integration with pupils/students and the appropriate staff, keeping parents informed and evaluating achievement towards these goals.

A DBS enhanced check for a regulated activity is required for this post.

For information on our approach to the recruitment of ex-offenders, please see our policy statement.

About You

• BTEC National/NVQ Level 3 or equivalent relevant experience, or educated to NVQ Level 2 or equivalent
• Experience of working with pupils with special educational needs in a school, pupil referral unit or special school
• Experience of supporting pupils who have low attendance in school or delivering interventions that remove barriers to education
• Experience of working with external agencies
• Competence in using ICT for routine purposes
• The ability to work effectively with, relate to and command the confidence of a wide range of young people with families/carers with differing backgrounds
• The ability to work effectively, relate to and command the confidence of teaching staff and senior management within the School/College

In addition, we also expect you to share our commitment to our values and to delivering accessible and inclusive services which meet the needs of all of our residents. You will be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these commitments as part of the selection process.

Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants with a disability. We are a Disability Confident Employer.

Interested in Flexible Working?

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which may include part time working, job sharing, term-time working, flexible start and finish times, and hybrid working, depending on the requirements of the role and the service. If you would like to discuss the possible flexible working options that might be applicable to this role, please contact the person named below.

For more information or an informal discussion, please contact:

Kevin Curtis - Assistant Headteacher

Telephone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

By applying for this post, you agree to our Terms and Conditions.

About Leicestershire County Council

At Leicestershire County Council, we're committed to making a real difference in people's lives. Our aim is to work with communities and partners to deliver public services that make Leicestershire the best possible place to live and work for everyone.

Our employees play a key role in supporting this goal and helping us deliver the vital services we provide to the people of Leicestershire. Whether you're starting your career or looking for your next challenge, you'll find a place with us where your ideas are valued, and your work has purpose.

For further information on what it’s like to work for us and the benefits we offer, please refer to the following:

Our Recruitment Process
Our Organisational Values
Our Employee Benefits
Working for Us