Reading Mentor

Astrea Academy Trust; Otley; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Cottenham Village College is seeking a Reading Mentor to support scholars in developing reading skills, confidence and a love of reading. You will work with students and staff to implement literacy strategies and track progress within a knowledge-rich, aspirational education setting.

The role is based at Cottenham Village College, part of Astrea Academy Trust, with a pro rata salary of £23,026–£23,767 and a full-time permanent contract.

Qualifications

• Experience in literacy support or mentoring is desirable.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to motivate and build rapport with diverse learners.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Deliver one-to-one and small-group reading interventions to improve fluency and comprehension.
• Promote a love of reading and positive reading habits.
• Monitor student progress and provide feedback to staff.
• Support literacy strategies across the school.
• Assist in assessing reading abilities and choosing interventions.

Skills

Literacy support

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

Patience

Education

GCSE English and Maths (Grade C/4 or above)

Job description

Reading Mentor

Cottenham Village College

Salary: £23,026 - £23,767 actual pro rata salary
Contract: Full Time, Permanent

Empower Scholars Through Reading

Cottenham Village College is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Reading Mentor to join our team. This is a rewarding opportunity to play a vital role in supporting scholars to develop their reading skills, confidence and enjoyment of reading, helping them to access the curriculum and achieve their full potential.

At Cottenham Village College, we are committed to providing a knowledge-rich education underpinned by a traditional approach to teaching, behaviour and culture. We believe that every child deserves access to powerful knowledge and an ambitious curriculum that opens doors to future success.

We are proud of our scholarly culture, which is both warm and disciplined, joyful and purposeful. We believe that excellent behaviour and clear routines create the conditions in which teachers can focus on teaching and students can focus on learning. As a values-driven school, we are unapologetically ambitious for every child, regardless of background, prior attainment or additional need. Our mission is to provide an inclusive, aspirational and academic education that empowers all students to learn, thrive and lead successful lives.

As a Reading Mentor, you will work closely with scholars and staff to promote literacy and support reading development, making a meaningful impact on students' educational journeys every day.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver one-to-one and small-group reading interventions to support students in improving their reading fluency, comprehension and confidence.
• Encourage a love of reading and help develop positive reading habits across the school.
• Monitor, track and record student progress, providing feedback to relevant staff.
• Support the implementation of the school's literacy and reading strategies.
• Work with identified students who require additional support to improve reading age and literacy outcomes.
• Assist in assessing students' reading abilities and identifying appropriate interventions.
• Build positive, supportive relationships with students that encourage engagement and progress.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, pastoral teams and families to support student success.
• Support the organisation and promotion of reading initiatives, events and enrichment opportunities.
• Uphold the academy's high expectations for behaviour, attendance and conduct.

What We're Looking For

• A passion for literacy, reading and supporting young people to succeed.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to motivate, engage and build rapport with students from a range of backgrounds.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• A patient, encouraging and positive approach to supporting learning.
• The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Confidence in monitoring progress and maintaining accurate records.
• A commitment to high standards and helping every student achieve their potential.
• Experience of working with children or young people in an educational, mentoring or support capacity would be advantageous.
• GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent) at Grade C/4 or above.

Why Join Us?

At Cottenham Village College, you'll be part of a supportive and ambitious team dedicated to transforming life chances through education. You'll have the opportunity to make a genuine difference to young people's lives while developing your own skills and experience within a successful and growing academy community.

Commitment to Safeguarding and EDI:

Astrea Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory background checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check. We value diversity and welcome applications from underrepresented groups. As a Disability Confident employer, we provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to ensure all candidates can fully demonstrate their abilities.

In line with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 and the statutory Code of Practice, the Trust requires all public-facing post holders to demonstrate fluent English. Within a school setting, this applies to all roles that involve direct or indirect interaction with pupils, parents, or members of the public.

Flexible Interview Dates:

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, so don't miss out on this exciting opportunity. Please note that interview dates are flexible, and the academy reserves the right to interview shortlisted candidates during the application window.