Learning Support Mentor

Randstad Education; Bury St Edmunds; On-site; GBP 13,000 - 18,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive daily rates

Dedicated local consultant

Flexible availability

Professional development opportunities

Potential for permanent contract

Job summary

Randstad Education is seeking a Learning Support Mentor to work with pupils in Bury St Edmunds and surrounding areas. You will provide 1:1 and small-group mentoring for students with SEMH, ASC, and learning difficulties, supporting their academic and personal development.

The role offers flexible day-to-day cover or long-term placements, with opportunities to build mentoring relationships, monitor growth, and contribute to a pupil's ongoing development in specialist settings.

Qualifications

• Experience mentoring or supporting young people, preferably in SEN settings.
• Empathetic, patient approach with non-judgemental attitude.
• Strong communication skills and ability to set clear boundaries.
• Willingness to assist with personal care as required by pupil needs.
• Training in de-escalation, trauma-informed practice, or MHFA is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group mentoring to pupils with SEMH, ASC, or learning difficulties.
• Help pupils manage frustration, build resilience, and develop social skills.
• Collaborate with teachers to adapt tasks into achievable goals.
• De-escalate challenging situations using positive behaviour strategies.
• Support outdoor learning, practical activities, and movement breaks.
• Assist with personal care and wellbeing to uphold dignity and independence.
• Track pupil engagement and report updates to SENCOs and teams.

Skills

Mentoring experience

Empathy

Excellent communication

Boundaries

Personal care support

Job description

Learning Support Mentor (SEN) - Bury St Edmunds & Surrounding Areas

Are you an approachable, resilient, and proactive individual skilled at building trust and re-engaging young people with complex needs? Whether you are seeking the total flexibility of day-to-day cover, or looking for the deep fulfilment and continuity of a long-term role, we have fantastic opportunities tailored to your schedule.

We are currently partnering with specialist SEN schools, alternative provisions, and nurture centres in Bury St Edmunds and across West Suffolk. We are experiencing high demand for empathetic Learning Support Mentors to work alongside pupils across primary, secondary, and post-16 age groups who require tailored pastoral, behavioural, and academic guidance.

Whether you have experience as an SEN Teaching Assistant, Learning Mentor, Youth Worker, Sports Coach, Residential Care Worker, or a background in psychology and social care, this role offers a powerful platform to help pupils overcome barriers to education.

Choose Your Ideal Way of Working:

• Day-to-Day Cover: Enjoy complete control over your schedule with total week-to-week flexibility. Pick the days you work to fit around personal commitments or studies while gaining broad experience across local specialist provisions.

• Long-Term Opportunities: For those seeking stability and the chance to make a lasting difference, we offer long-term placements spanning a term or full academic year. These roles allow you to build meaningful 1:1 mentoring relationships, monitor growth, and become a key figure in a young person's development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide dedicated 1:1 and small-group mentoring to pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Moderate/Severe Learning Difficulties (MLD/SLD), or challenging behaviours.

• Act as a positive role model, helping pupils manage frustration, build resilience, develop social skills, and regulate their emotions in and out of the classroom.

• Work collaboratively with class teachers to adapt learning tasks into manageable, achievable goals that boost student confidence.

• De-escalate challenging situations calmly and effectively using positive behaviour support techniques and nurture-based approaches.

• Assist with outdoor learning, practical activities, and movement breaks designed to keep pupils focused and engaged.

• Support personal care duties where applicable (including hygiene and well being support), upholding dignity and individual independence at all times.

• Track pupil engagement and emotional well being, providing constructive updates to SENCOs, teachers, and multidisciplinary teams.

What We Look For:

• Previous experience mentoring or supporting young people (in SEN schools, alternative provisions, youth groups, sports coaching, or residential care).

• A strong, patient, and empathetic personality with a non-judgemental approach to behaviour as a form of communication.

• Excellent communication skills and the confidence to establish clear boundaries while building positive rapport.

• Willingness and confidence to support personal care needs where required by pupil EHCPs.

• Training or knowledge in Team-Teach, de-escalation strategies, trauma-informed practice, or mental health first aid is highly desirable.

• A valid Enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service (or a willingness to complete one).

Benefits of Working With Us:

• Competitive daily rates of pay, processed weekly and reflective of your experience level.

• A dedicated local consultant with deep knowledge of the specialist education sector in West Suffolk.

• Total flexibility to set and manage your working availability on your terms.

• Access to specialised professional development, including safeguarding and de-escalation training.

• Direct exposure to top local specialist provisions, frequently leading to permanent contract offers.

Ready to empower and mentor young people in Bury St Edmunds?

Step into rewarding SEN support and mentoring opportunities today.

We are strictly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All candidates will be required to undergo comprehensive vetting, reference checks, and an enhanced DBS disclosure.