Learning Mentor Level 2 (previously Teaching Assistant)

Manchester City Council; Manchester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Manchester Secondary PRU provides full time education for pupils aged 11-16 who are excluded or at risk. The school seeks a committed Learning Mentor to support pupils in classrooms and community settings across Manchester, with most time in school and some travel between sites. Driving licence is preferred, and 3 GCSEs are required.

The role emphasises safeguarding, equal opportunities and helping pupils overcome barriers to learning, with a supportive team and varied day-to-day duties.

Qualifications

• GCSEs in English and Maths or equivalent.
• Commitment to safeguarding and pupil welfare.
• Ability to build positive relationships with pupils, staff and parents.

Responsibilities

• Provide learning support for pupils in classrooms and other settings.
• Assist pupils with additional needs and manage behaviour constructively.
• Support progress and remove barriers to learning for individuals and groups.
• Be willing to travel between Manchester sites as required by the headteacher.

Skills

ICT skills

Communication

Patience

Flexibility

Driving Licence

Education

GCSEs

Job description

About The Role

Contract Type: Permanent, Term Time Only (39 weeks)
Working Hours: Full Time, Monday to Friday 8.45 am to 3.45 pm
Number of Positions: 1
Qualifications Required: 3 GCSE's
Applicant Requirements: Driving Licence
Start Date: 2nd November 2026
Salary: Grade 5 FTE £29,064 - £32,061, actual salary £25,001 - £28,200 (dependent on experience and length of service)

We have a vacancy at our Mersey Valley site although all our employees can be asked to work at any site across the PRU at the discretion of the headteacher.

Manchester Secondary PRU provides full time education for pupils between 11-16 who are permanently excluded, at risk of permanent exclusion or are otherwise unable to access a mainstream curriculum for a period of time.

Our aim is to match provision closely to the needs of individual children and young people referred to the PRU by schools, academies or the local authority. We see the needs of all our pupils as centring on their capacity to learn and make progress and seek to address the barriers to success that they face.

The school is looking to appoint a committed and enthusiastic individual to undertake the role of Learning Mentor at sites across Manchester. You will be required to provide support for pupils in a variety of situations, with most of the time supporting learning in the classroom.

A large percentage of our pupils have additional needs which may present as a barrier to their learning. All our pupils have additional needs, with behaviour the most significant barrier to learning. A proportion of our student have Educational Health Care Plans.

All staff at the PRU are expected to be flexible about where in Manchester they are based and may be asked to work at any centre across the city and in the community.

About the Candidate

We are looking for someone who:

• is positive, flexible and patient
• is committed to helping every student to achieve their potential
• can build and maintain good relationships with teachers, students and parents
• has good GCSEs or equivalent in English and mathematics
• has strong ICT skills
• is committed to promoting equal opportunities and ensuring the safety of all students
• has a willingness to learn
• is willing and able to drive across the city

About Us

Closing date for applications: 9.00 am on Monday 6th November 2023

We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, younger learners and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. The above post will be subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references and will be exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. DBS Code of Practice which can be viewed here.

This post is also subject to satisfactory references, proof of right to work in the UK in accordance with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 and other pre-employment checks where applicable.

We strive to create a fair and inclusive workplace that is as diverse as the communities we serve. We positively welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation