Learning Mentor with Cover Supervisor Responsibilities

Ref: 18-19/POA/39531

Are you interested in supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities? This is an exciting opportunity to become a Learning Mentor with Cover Supervisor Responsibilities.

The successful post holder will provide cover for both planned and unplanned absence across the academy as well as working as a Learning Mentor, supporting students to overcome barriers to learning, such as supporting them to improve their emotional regulation and behaviour so that they are better able to engage with learning activities.

To be successful you must be able to demonstrate:

• excellent communication skills and the ability support students who are struggling to manage their own emotions by remaining calm and using a wide range of de-escalation strategies

• the ability to relate to and engage with a wide range of pupils

• great organisational skills

• high levels of personal resilience

• high standards in terms of achievement and behaviour.

• the ability to plan lessons in line with schemes of work in order to cover classes

About us:

Our purpose built building opened in January 2018 and will provide 100 places for students (3-18) with a diagnosis of autism and/or Severe Learning Difficulties. The academy currently has 61 students and will grow each year until it reaches full capacity.

In return:

You will join a team of committed staff who are dedicated to ensuring students are prepared for the years beyond education and are supported to pursue their dreams.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an individual who wishes to work in a unique environment. The role will expose you to challenging situations involving students with significant special educational needs; therefore experience of working with children with autism would be advantageous.  The Trust also value continuing professional development, giving you access to a variety of learning opportunities including training courses via the Learning Alliance and opportunities for sharing best practice. This role offers the opportunity for a great work-life balance. 37 hours a week, term time (39 weeks per year)

Visits to the academy are warmly welcomed and encouraged, please contact Angela Highley on 01604 434471 or email ahighley@purpleoaksacademy.org  to arrange a visit

If this post attracts sufficient interest before the closing date, we may decide to close this vacancy at an earlier date, so an early application is advised.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff to share this commitment and undergo appropriate checks, therefore, all posts within the Trust are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

All adults employed by the Trust have a responsibility for data protection and have a duty to observe and follow the principles of the GDPR Regulations.

The Trust welcomes applications from all, irrespective of gender, marital status, disability, race, age or sexual orientation.