SEND Learning Support Mentor (LSM)

Unity Schools Partnership; Bury St Edmunds; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 19,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive training

Ongoing mentoring

Level 5/6 quals

Job summary

Unity Schools Partnership is seeking a Learning Support Mentor at Sir Peter Hall SEMH School to support pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs. The role includes exposure to therapeutic approaches, safeguarding and relationship-based practice, with strong emphasis on professional growth.

No prior experience required; comprehensive training, mentoring, and access to SEMH/SEN qualifications are provided to support career development in education and youth work.

Qualifications

• No prior experience required; training and mentoring provided.
• Role supports pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs.
• Opportunity to gain qualifications related to SEMH and SEN practice.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with SEMH needs in a school setting.
• Assist with behaviour support, safeguarding and relationship-based practice.
• Participate in training and professional development opportunities.

Job description

Contract: Permanent, Part-time - 37.85 hours per week, 38 weeks per year

This is an exciting opportunity to join Sir Peter Hall social emotional mental health (SEMH) school, part of the Unity Schools Partnership multi‑academy trust. You will join our specialist team as a Learning Support Mentor having the privilege of shaping the lives of the young people you work with.

Joining us as a Learning Support Mentor in our SEMH school is an excellent first step for anyone considering a future career in youth work, education, psychology, social care or wider SEN roles. You will gain hands on experience supporting young people with social, emotional and mental health needs, working alongside experienced practitioners who are passionate about positive outcomes.

This role offers meaningful exposure to therapeutic approaches, behaviour support, safeguarding, and relationship based practice, all highly valued pathways into further professional training and long term career progression.

We are deeply committed to investing in our staff. You do not need previous experience, just the right mindset. We provide comprehensive training, ongoing mentoring, and access to recognised qualifications relevant to SEMH and SEN practice.

We are looking for people who are patient, resilient, reflective, emotionally intelligent and able to build trusting relationships with pupils who may have had challenging experiences of education. If you are calm under pressure, willing to learn, and passionate about young people with SEMH needs having the very best life chances then we would love to hear from you.

Sir Peter Hall School is a growing school, educating young people between the ages of 9 - 16 who have a wide range of social, emotional and mental health needs all of whom have an Education Health and Care Plan. The school is part of a collaborative, forward thinking Academy Trust with a strong network of special schools who work together.

You will be supported in your role by an experienced leadership team and strong SEND Directors from Unity Schools Partnership. Significant training and development opportunities such as; apprenticeships and Level 5 and 6 qualifications are on offer. We actively encourage professional growth and are keen to support staff to further themselves in areas they are interested in and want to pursue further careers in.

For more information, to arrange a visit or an informal discussion about the role please contact the school office by emailing [e-mail] or telephone [phone]

Closing Date: 9:00am, Monday 05 October 2026

Interviews: 08 October 2026

Unity Schools Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils. All successful candidates will be subject to rigorous pre‑employment checks, including an enhanced DBS. We are also committed to equality, diversity and fair recruitment practices, and we oppose all forms of unlawful discrimination.

We value inclusive working practices and diverse teams. If you wish to work part‑time or as a job‑share, we will accommodate this wherever possible. We particularly welcome applications from under‑represented groups.