Learning Support Mentor

Job Title -Learning Support Mentor

Business Area - Alternative Provision/College (Community-based)

Contract Type -Permanent

Working Pattern - Full Time, Term Time Only

Pay Scale -£23,000 - £27,000 (already pro-rata’d)

Essential Requirements – Please Read Before Applying

To be considered, candidates must meet all of the following criteria:

• Hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a reliable vehicle for work purposes

• Level 2 qualifications or above in both English and Maths (e.g., GCSE grade C/4 or equivalent)

Please note: Applications that do not meet these essential requirements will not be considered.

Role Purpose

The Learning Support Mentor plays a vital role in supporting and empowering students across both Alternative Provision (AP) and College settings. The role focuses on helping young people build confidence, overcome barriers to learning, develop essential life and employability skills, and achieve personal growth. By providing tailored mentoring and guidance, the Mentor ensures students are prepared for their next steps in education, training, or employment.
Aligned with Navigators’ vision and values, the Mentor creates a safe and inclusive environment that fosters resilience, social development, and academic progress through personalised sessions in core subjects, personal development, and enrichment activities.

Role responsibilities

• Student Support 

  • Build positive, trusting relationships with students to foster engagement and resilience.

  • Understand each student’s background, needs, and support plans by reviewing referral information, EHCPs,  behaviour logs, and professional reports.

  • Act as a motivational figure, helping students develop confidence and self-esteem.

Academic Support

• Deliver 1:1 and group sessions in core subjects such as English and Maths, tailored to individual learning needs.

• Collaborate with teaching staff to support academic progress and address barriers to learning.

• Monitor and report on student progress in academic areas.

Enrichment & Development

• Plan and deliver enrichment activities that promote positive behaviour, social skills, and well-being.

• Facilitate sessions in personal development, employability, and vocational/non-vocational courses aligned to student interests and aspirations.

• Support students in developing life skills and preparing for transitions into further education, training, or employment.

Administration & Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of student attendance, engagement, progress, and impact of interventions.

• Complete student risk assessments and update student passports regularly.

• Provide timely updates to team leaders, teachers, and senior management.

• Attend team meetings and participate in CPD and training opportunities.

• Commit to completing all required CPD training and actively apply learning to improve practice and student outcomes.

Safeguarding

• Ensure the safety and well-being of students at all times.

• Be alert to student whereabouts, especially during unstructured times.

• Report safeguarding concerns immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead using CPOMS.

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to child protection and adhere to all safeguarding policies and procedures.

Skills and abilities 

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive, trusting relationships with young people. 

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to engage students and liaise effectively   with colleagues and external professionals. 

• Ability to motivate and inspire students to overcome barriers and achieve their goals. 

• Strong organisational and time-management skills to plan sessions, manage records, and meet deadlines. 

• Adaptability and resilience to work in dynamic environments and respond to changing student needs. 

• Problem-solving skills to identify challenges and implement practical solutions. 

• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team. 

• Commitment to continuous professional development (CPD) and applying new learning to improve practice. 

• Competence in using IT systems for record-keeping, reporting, and communication.

Experience and Qualifications

• Experience working with young people in education, training, residential or community settings.

• Experience of supporting/delivering with English and Maths sessions

• Strong understanding of SEND/SEMH and barriers to learning.

• GCSE Maths and English at Grade C/4 or Level 2 functional skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skill 

• Functional IT skills 

• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding processes

• Valid UK driving licence and access to a well-maintained car for travel between sites.

• Willingness to obtain business car insurance for work-related travel.

Desirable

• Relevant qualification in education, youth work, or mentoring.

• Knowledge of vocational pathways and employability skills.

• Experience in Alternative Provision or post-16 education settings.

• Familiarity with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and their significance in      supporting young people with additional needs

Behaviours and attitude

• Empathy: Foster a supportive environment that encourages understanding and compassion among learners and staff.

• Integrity: Uphold honesty and strong moral principles in all interactions and decisions.

• Resilience: Encourage learners to develop coping strategies and the ability to bounce back from challenges.

• Trust: Build a culture of trust where learners feel safe to express themselves and take risks in their learning.

• Authenticity: Encourage learners to be true to themselves and embrace their individuality.

• Commitment: Instil a sense of dedication to personal growth and the learning process.

• Honesty: Promote transparency and truthfulness in all communications and assessments.

• Enjoyment: Create a joyful learning environment where learners find pleasure in their educational experiences.

• Learning: Encourage a lifelong love of learning and curiosity about the world.

• Respect: Cultivate an atmosphere of mutual respect among learners, staff, and the wider community.

Declarations

We aim to create and maintain a safe environment and community where all young people and adults feel safe, secure and valued. We work hard to create strong relationships and show a commitment to safeguarding all young people.

Our work is classified as Regulated Activity as defined in the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 (SVGA). This role will include regular contact with Children 121 or group setting. This includes those that could be classified as vulnerable and both an understanding of and experience in adhering to UK safeguarding legislation is required.

Further information relating to our Safeguarding, Child Protection, Ex-offender or Safer Recruitment policies are available upon request.

All applications are assessed on an individual basis in relation to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.

This post will require the successful candidate to complete our Disclosure Barring Service, Vulnerable Child and Adult register checks as well as reference checks. We may also carry out additional online searches such as social media as part of the selection process.