Learning Mentor - Permanent

Somerset Council; Taunton; On-site; Full time

Job summary

Somerset Council is seeking a Learning Mentor to support the Virtual School team across Somerset, focusing on removing barriers to education for Key Stage 4 and NEET risk reduction. You will monitor progress, attend reviews, and work with education settings and families to promote positive educational outcomes.

The role involves safeguarding, data management, and coordinating with EHCP reviews and PEP/TAC/TAF meetings. Requires NVQ4/5 with English and Maths and Careers Advice training.

Qualifications

• Holds an NVQ Level 4/5 (or equivalent) with English and Maths qualifications.
• Level 4 or 6 in Careers Advice or willingness to receive training in this area.
• Understands the challenges faced by children and young people, particularly vulnerable learners.
• Has experience in education, children's services or a related setting.
• Communicates effectively and manages information accurately and confidentially.
• Is organised, proactive and able to prioritise a varied workload.
• Builds strong relationships and works collaboratively with professionals and families.
• Champions inclusion and equal access to learning opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Work with education settings, families and professionals to improve attendance, engagement and outcomes for children and young people.
• Collaborate with settings, local teams and professionals to develop and deliver effective support and remove barriers to learning.
• Support education providers to meet the educational and vocational needs of young people, ensuring young people are aware of, and can access, wider learning and development opportunities.
• Attend and contribute to EHCP Annual Reviews, PEP, TAC and TAF meetings, providing clear reports on progress, needs and next steps.
• Monitor, record and track attendance, progress and outcomes using council systems, producing reports and highlighting risks or concerns.
• Contribute to projects and initiatives that improve education outcomes for children and young people.
• Work in line with statutory guidance, council policies and values, including safeguarding, health and safety, equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Take part in team meetings, training and relevant administrative activity as required.

Skills

NVQ Level 4/5

English and Maths qualifications

Excellent communication

Organisation and prioritisation

Education

NVQ Level 4/5 (or equivalent) with English and Maths

Level 4 or 6 in Careers Advice

Job description

Salary

Grade 12, Ranging from ranging from £28,598 - £32,061 per annum.

Contract

Permanent.

Hours

37 Hours a week.

Closing date

16 August 2026

About The Role

Are you ready to make a real difference in Somerset? Join us on a mission to transform lives! The Virtual School team in Somerset supports children and young people with the most complex education situations birth to adulthood across Somerset localities. The Virtual School is committed to ensuring all Somerset Children and Young People with acute needs and additional vulnerability enjoy education and achieve good outcomes that prepares them well for adulthood. We are not a virtual or online school. As a Learning Mentor, you will work directly with existing education settings, playing a key role in promoting positive educational outcomes and supporting post-16 transitions. This role is to join the Preparation for Adulthood team in the wider Virtual School, focused on removing barriers to education in Key Stage 4 advising and supporting those that are NEET or at risk of NEET. Your role is central to fostering engagement, removing barriers, and helping each young person reach their full potential and prepare for adulthood. Working under the guidance of the Inclusion Lead, the role involves monitoring progress and attendance, managing key information, and supporting effective transitions into education settings. The Learning Mentor also contributes to statutory and non-statutory processes, including EHCP Annual Reviews, PEP and TAC meetings, ensuring pupils can access appropriate learning and future opportunities and develop the skills they need to thrive.

How You'll Make a Difference

• Work with education settings, families and professionals to improve attendance, engagement and outcomes for children and young people. This role focus on Key Stage 4, ensuring Section 19 duties are met and reducing the risk of young people becoming NEET, or post-16 and supporting young people who are NEET/at risk of NEET reach education, employment or training.
• Collaborate with settings, local teams and professionals to develop and deliver effective support and remove barriers to learning.
• Support education providers to meet the educational and vocational needs of young people, ensuring young people are aware of, and can access, wider learning and development opportunities.
• Attend and contribute to EHCP Annual Reviews, PEP, TAC and TAF meetings, providing clear reports on progress, needs and next steps.
• Monitor, record and track attendance, progress and outcomes using council systems, producing reports and highlighting risks or concerns.
• Contribute to projects and initiatives that improve education outcomes for children and young people.
• Work in line with statutory guidance, council policies and values, including safeguarding, health and safety, equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Take part in team meetings, training and relevant administrative activity as required.

What You'll Bring

• Holds an NVQ Level 4/5 (or equivalent) with English and Maths qualifications
• Level 4 or 6 in Careers Advice or willingness to receive training in this area.
• Understands the challenges faced by children and young people, particularly vulnerable learners
• Has experience in education, children's services or a related setting
• Communicates effectively and manages information accurately and confidentially
• Is organised, proactive and able to prioritise a varied workload
• Builds strong relationships and works collaboratively with professionals and families
• Champions inclusion and equal access to learning opportunities

Why Join Us?

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• Generous annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.

Find Out More About Working At Somerset Council

https://www.somerset.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/working-at-somerset-council/

Further Information

• 28 days annual leave (additional to bank holidays).
• This is a frontline, caseload-based role working directly with education settings and families.
• You will need to travel across Somerset to support children and young people where needed.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship.

For an informal discussion about the role, Kathryn Wharton-Darke, Senior Inclusion Lead at [e-mail]

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.

A full job description can be found here: AG0503 Learning Mentor - Job Description - 1142AB.pdf