Specialist Support Mentor (Term time only)

Summary of role:

The Specialist Support Mentor should see their role in the context of support for pupils who require provision beyond that which is routinely available in classrooms by teachers. This includes support for those who have a modified curriculum to enhance their academic outcomes. The Specialist Support Mentor should also take a clear role in managing the day to day work they undertake with pupils assigned to them more broadly, including ensuring appropriate communications with staff, pupils and parents are maintained. The Specialist Support Mentor also needs to coordinate the approach of those staff involved in supporting the pupils concerned and proactively responding to emerging needs by developing and adjusting the day-to-day practice of their activities.

Main duties and responsibilities:

·        Providing specialist support for SEND (Special Education Needs and Disabilities) and EAL (English as an Additional Language) needs in different curriculum contexts

·        Collaborating with teaching colleagues to ensure pupils have appropriately accessible learning environments and learning resources

·        Maintaining pupil records and carrying out admin tasks relating to specialist provision.

·        Assisting with annual reviews procedures

·        Contributing to annual reviews where appropriate

·        Support the collection of evidence for access arrangements

·        To maintain an up to date understanding of access arrangements and key related processes

·        Carrying out individual reviews with pupils

·        Providing 1:1 and small group support outside the classroom

·        Supporting and developing pupils’ independent study skills

·        Where appropriate, using fact sheet information to take account of and support the SEND and EAL needs of pupils

·        Conducting and producing written reports of monitoring appointments, including advice on use of access arrangements

·        Regularly reviewing pupils in the classroom

·        Undertaking regular professional development to keep informed of best practice and innovation in your area of specialism.

·        Providing specialist in-class support for pupils with SEND and/or EAL

·        Referring pupils on for baseline assessment or alternative support (e.g. executive functions support, school counsellor) as appropriate.

·        Assisting in the educational and social development of pupils under the direction and guidance of the Headmaster, Head of Learning Support

·        Assisting in the implementation and monitoring of support programmes

·        Setting and regularly reviewing specific, measurable targets with pupils that relate to learning and study goals.

·        Setting up and maintaining structured communications with teachers regarding specific pupils

·        Providing written feedback, when requested, as part of reporting systems

·        Providing feedback to tutors ahead of parents’ evenings

·        Support the aims and ethos of the school

·        Setting a good example in terms of dress, punctuality, and attendance

·        Attending team and staff meetings

·        Undertaking professional duties that may be reasonably assigned by the Headmaster.

Coordination tasks

•                   For pupils with timetabled support, provide a half-termly update to tutors, Head of Learning Support and Head of Section, with interim white notes as appropriate.

•                   Contact and where appropriate, meet with a pupil’s teachers to understand subject aims, subject specific ways of working and set individual subject targets.

For more details please visit the school website: https://www.mtsn.org.uk/vacancies

Hours:

Monday to Friday - 08.30am – 4.40pm (35 hours and 50 minutes per week)

Term-time only

Other benefits:

15% employer contribution to a defined contribution pension scheme (Contributory)

Life cover 4 x annual salary and income protection.

Access to a cash flexible benefit in lieu of pension contribution

Access to a number of lifestyle benefits including Cycle to Work, ULEV cars, health screening, medical cover and retail discount vouchers via our benefit provider

 (all of the above subject to eligibility criteria)

Use of School leisure facilities, including pool, gym and lake.

Lunch provided free of charge when the School Catering Department is open

Free parking on site.

Merchant Taylors’ School is an equal opportunities employer committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. As this role will bring you into contact with children you are expected to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).