Youth Mentor

Prospero Teaching; Preston; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist educational recruitment agency is seeking a Youth Mentor to provide 1:1 and small group support for pupils in a Pupil Referral Unit in Preston. This role will involve managing challenging behaviours and building trust with students. Candidates should have experience with young people in similar settings, be calm and patient, and possess strong communication skills. The position is full-time and term-time only, with a pay rate of £105.00 - £115.00 per day.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children or young people with challenging behaviour, SEMH, SEN or youth settings (desirable).
• Calm, patient and resilient approach with the ability to remain composed under pressure.
• Confidence in setting boundaries and following behaviour management plans.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small group mentoring to support emotional regulation and positive behaviour.
• Assist in managing challenging behaviour using positive behaviour strategies.
• Work closely with staff to support pupil progress and wellbeing.

Skills

Experience working with children or young people

Calm, patient and resilient approach

Strong communication skills

Confidence in setting boundaries

Job description

Overview

Position: Youth Mentor (Pupil Referral Unit) – Location: Preston

Contract Type: Full Time, Term-time only
Rate of Pay: £105.00 - £115.00 per day
Working Hours: 08:30 - 15:30 (Monday to Friday)
Start: February 2026

About the School

We are working with a specialist secondary Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) in Preston that supports young people who are unable to access mainstream education due to behavioural, emotional and social needs.

The school provides a structured, nurturing and relationship-driven environment, offering clear routines, consistent boundaries and high levels of pastoral support to help pupils re-engage with learning, develop emotional regulation and improve long-term outcomes.

Youth Mentor

We are seeking a dedicated and resilient Youth Mentor to support pupils on both a 1:1 and small-group basis. This role is ideal for someone confident in managing challenging behaviour and committed to building trusting, professional relationships with young people.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small group mentoring to support emotional regulation, engagement and positive behaviour, including during periods of heightened distress.
• Assist in managing challenging and, at times, high-risk behaviour using positive behaviour strategies and de-escalation techniques.
• Build strong, consistent relationships with pupils who may struggle with authority, boundaries or emotional regulation.
• Support teachers in delivering structured lessons within a highly controlled classroom environment.
• Work closely with pastoral teams, SEN staff and external professionals to support pupil progress and wellbeing.
• Liaise appropriately with parents and carers, alongside pastoral staff, to support consistent approaches and positive outcomes.

Requirements

• Experience working with children or young people with challenging behaviour, SEMH, SEN or youth settings (desirable)
• Calm, patient and resilient approach with the ability to remain composed under pressure
• Confidence in setting boundaries and following behaviour management plans
• Strong communication skills and commitment to safeguarding

Eligibility

• Right to Work in the UK
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service or willingness to apply
• Two professional, child-related references covering the last two years

How to Apply

If you would like to be considered, please apply with an up-to-date CV. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Prospero Teaching is acting as an employment business/education recruitment agency in relation to this vacancy. All successful candidates will be required to complete safeguarding and vetting checks. Safeguarding the welfare of children and young people is everyone's responsibility.

IND-SEN • IND-TA