SEN Learning Mentor

The Graduate Network; Stafford; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 19,000; Part time

Job summary

The Graduate Network is seeking a SEN Learning Mentor for a Wolverhampton primary school to provide dedicated 1:1 support for a pupil with Down syndrome, helping participation in lessons and routines.

You will adapt activities, develop communication and language skills, and work with the SENCO and staff to target progress. Immediate start until July 2027, paying £90–£103 per day.

Qualifications

• Degree: a 2:2 or above in Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Educational Psychology or related field.
• GCSE English and Maths at grade 4/C or above.
• Enhanced DBS certificate with children's barred list check.
• SEN understanding and awareness of Down syndrome.
• Personal qualities: patient, encouraging, attentive.
• Relevant experience supporting children with additional needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 support throughout the school day in lessons and routines.
• Develop communication and language skills using visual resources and strategies.
• Adapt literacy and numeracy tasks to the pupil's developmental stage.
• Encourage positive relationships and participation in activities.
• Promote independence and emotional wellbeing through routines and transitions.
• Collaborate with the teacher, SENCO and professionals to meet targets.

Skills

Communication skills

Patience

Relationship building

Observational skills

Education

2:2 degree in Psychology / Educational Psychology

GCSE English & Maths (4/C or above)

Job description

SEN Learning Mentor

Could you help a primary school pupil with Down syndrome develop their communication, confidence and independence?

This SEN Learning Mentor role in Wolverhampton offers the opportunity to provide dedicated 1:1 support, adapting classroom activities, encouraging social interaction and helping a child achieve their individual learning and developmental targets.

SEN Learning Mentor

Immediate start until July 2027. Primary school based in Wolverhampton. £90 - £103 per day. 1:1 support for a pupil with Down syndrome.

Your Duties

• Provide dedicated 1:1 support throughout the school day, helping a pupil with Down syndrome participate in classroom lessons, practical activities and daily routines.
• Develop communication and language skills through visual resources, structured conversation, modelling and speech and language strategies recommended by relevant professionals.
• Adapt literacy and numeracy tasks to match the pupil's developmental stage, using repetition, practical activities and achievable learning steps to reinforce understanding.
• Encourage positive relationships with classmates by supporting cooperative activities, shared play, turn-taking and participation in wider school experiences.
• Promote independence and emotional wellbeing by establishing predictable routines, supporting transitions and gradually reducing assistance as the pupil develops confidence.
• Collaborate with the class teacher, SENCO and specialist professionals to implement individual learning targets, observe developmental progress and adjust support strategies.

The School

This primary school in Wolverhampton is seeking a committed SEN Learning Mentor to provide individual support for a pupil with Down syndrome. The position will involve helping the child access everyday classroom activities while strengthening important communication, academic and social skills. You will gain practical experience of personalised learning strategies, specialist intervention techniques and the relationship between cognitive development and educational progress. Working alongside classroom staff will also provide valuable insight into how mainstream schools accommodate different learning needs and encourage children with additional needs to develop independence. This opportunity is particularly relevant for graduates interested in Educational Psychology, speech and language therapy or specialist SEN education.

The Requirements

• Degree - A 2:2 or above in Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Educational Psychology or a closely related discipline involving child development and additional learning needs.
• GCSE Qualifications - GCSE English and Maths at grade 4/C or above, with the ability to support primary literacy, numeracy and communication activities.
• Enhanced DBS - An Enhanced DBS certificate with the appropriate children's barred list check is required. Applicants must hold one or be willing to obtain one before starting.
• SEN Understanding - An awareness of Down syndrome and how individual differences in communication, cognitive development and learning pace can influence classroom participation.
• Personal Qualities - A patient, encouraging and attentive approach, with the ability to recognise small achievements, maintain consistency and build a positive relationship with the pupil.
• Relevant Experience - Previous experience supporting children with additional needs through education, childcare, volunteering or specialist placements is desirable but not essential.