Learning Mentor

Make a difference every day – join our fantastic team at Halfpenny Lane! 

A rewarding role at the heart of our school community 

Join our friendly team at Halfpenny Lane! We’re looking for a caring, enthusiastic and dedicated Learning Mentor to support pupils and help create a positive, inclusive and nurturing learning environment. 

This rewarding role is at the heart of our school community and offers the opportunity to truly make a difference to pupils who may need additional support to overcome barriers to learning. 

What you’ll do: 

• Support pupils individually or in small groups to help them engage with learning 

• Work alongside teachers to deliver targeted activities and interventions 

• Provide pastoral support to promote pupils’ emotional wellbeing and resilience 

• Encourage positive behaviour, self-confidence and active participation in school life 

• Help create a supportive, inclusive environment where every pupil can thrive 

This role is perfect for someone who enjoys working with children, is patient and supportive, and wants to play a key role in helping pupils reach their full potential.  

We are looking for someone who: 

• Has a passion for supporting children’s learning and wellbeing  

• Has a friendly and approachable manner and communicates well with pupils and staff 

• Can work effectively as apart of a team while also using their own initiative 

• Has experience of working in a similar role or with children who may need additional support (training and ongoing support will be provided).  

A role where you can truly make a difference 

This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of a compassionate and dedicated team who work together to ensure that learning is engaging and rewarding for all pupils.  If you are enthusiastic, reliable and committed to helping pupils achieve their best, we would love to hear from you.    

Contract details: 

• Permanent  

• Term-time plus 5 days 

• 22 hours per week 

• Working pattern: 22 hours per week to be worked over 5 days, Monday - Friday between 08:00 - 17:00. Final daily hours to be agreed to mutually suit the needs of the school and successful candidate.  

Ready to apply? 

To apply, complete an application form via our website.  

About Halfpenny Lane Junior, Infant & Nursery School 

At Halfpenny Lane Junior, Infant & Nursery School, we don’t just strive for excellence - we live it every day. Recently judged ‘Outstanding in all areas’, our school is ranked in the top 5% nationally for pupil achievement. But what truly sets us apart is our culture: a supportive, ambitious environment where staff feel valued and empowered to make a real difference.  

As part of Pontefract Academies Trust, one of the top-performing trusts in the country, we offer fantastic opportunities for professional growth. 88% of our staff recommend us as a great place to work, and 98% would recommend our school to parents - a testament to our positive, collaborative ethos. 

If you’re passionate about helping children thrive and want to work in a school where your contribution is celebrated, Halfpenny Lane is the place for you. 

For further information about our school, please visit our website. 

What can we offer you? 

Be part of a team that values your wellbeing, development and work–life balance. As a member of our school community, you’ll benefit from: 

• Exciting career and leadership pathways supported by outstanding CPD opportunities,  

• Everyday Development (EDD) Framework: A simple, personal and flexible goal-based approach to continuous learning, career growth and wellbeing.  

• For the 2025/26 academic year, we have provided staff with three Everyday Development (EDD) days, the next is on Monday 20 July 2026. These development days will offer you self-directed time away from the workplace to recharge and reflect on your personal and career goals.    

• Generous employer pension- West Yorkshire Pension Fund - LGPS,  

• Generous annual leave entitlements paid as part of your annual salary (starting from 29 days annual leave, increasing to 31 days after 5 years' service and 32 days after 10 years’ service – plus 8 statutory bank holidays),  

• Fantastic family friendly policies with a focus on employee work/life balance,  

• Cycle to work scheme Blue Light Card  

• Discounted gym membership    

• Free eyecare via Specsavers   

• Childcare vouchers   

• Employee wellbeing programme (including physiotherapy, personal or professional concerns on legal, health, finance, wellbeing, and other matters),  

• Discounts at numerous retailers including O2   

• Free flu vaccinations. 

You can find more information about staff benefits and what it’s like to work with us in the ‘Working for Us’ booklet and on our website. 

About Pontefract Academies Trust   

Pontefract Academies Trust is a cross-phase multi-academy trust comprising of nine local schools: seven primary and two secondary, committed to providing the very best education for our children.   

We are also excited to be merging with Ark Schools on 1 September 2026. This partnership will strengthen the support we offer our pupils and staff, while creating new opportunities for collaboration and professional development across both trusts. Please click here to find out more about the Pontefract Academies Trust and Ark Schools merger. 

We are proud of the positive culture across our schools. In the 2025 Edurio Staff Survey, we were ranked in the top 10 trusts nationally for staff satisfaction and received several awards recognising our supportive and values‑driven working environment. Our staff tell us they feel valued, listened to and part of a team that makes a real difference every day. 

We’re excited for the future and hope you’ll consider joining us as we continue to grow.  

Further information

Contact us on 01977 703270 or email recruitment@halfpenny.patrust.org.uk  

We are an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from everyone. 

Pontefract Academies Trust is wholly committed to ensuring children and young people are fully supported and safe. We are dedicated to the safeguarding of all children and young people whilst promoting their welfare. Any offer of employment will be subject to receipt of a satisfactory DBS Enhanced Disclosure and pre-employment checks (including online checks). Shortlisted applicants will also be asked to provide a self-declaration form.