Are you a compassionate and creative individual with a passion for supporting young people with additional needs? Do you believe in the power of nature and positive relationships to help students thrive? St Martins School is seeking a Learning Mentor with experience in outdoor learning and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) support to join our dedicated team at a specialist secondary school. They will work dynamically and collaboratively with the school’s senior leadership team, class teams, and families as we work together to Shape Successful Futures.
The Role:
As a Learning Mentor, you will play a key role in supporting students’ emotional wellbeing, engagement, and progress both in and out of the classroom. You will:
1. Work closely with individual students, small groups, and class groups to promote positive behaviour, emotional regulation, and resilience.
2. Use outdoor learning and nature-based activities to engage students who may struggle in traditional classroom settings.
3. Deliver targeted interventions and mentoring sessions tailored to students’ social and emotional needs.
4. Be a consistent and trusted adult presence for pupils who need strong, stable relationships to succeed.
5. Collaborate with teachers, SENCOs, therapists, and families to create holistic support plans.
6. At times, cover lessons where needed.
What We’re Looking For:
1. Experience supporting young people with SEMH needs, ideally in a special school or alternative provision setting.
2. A strong belief in inclusive education and trauma-informed practice.
3. Knowledge or training in outdoor learning approaches (e.g., Forest School, bushcraft, gardening, therapeutic play).
4. A calm, empathetic, and proactive approach to supporting challenging behaviour.
5. A team player who is flexible, reflective, and committed to making a difference.
The hours for this post are: Monday and Thursday – 8:15am-4:00pm, Tuesday and Wednesday – 8:15am-4:45pm, Friday – 8:15am-2:45pm.
We encourage visits to the school prior to application. To arrange a visit or for questions regarding the role, please contact Victoria Theobald (contact details in the advert attachment). We look forward to meeting you.
St Martins School and Horizons 6th Form is an 11-19 Special School in Derby, with a diverse student profile. We received our fourth consecutive 'Outstanding' OFSTED in October 2024 and aspire to the highest standards for students and staff.
Shaw Education Trust is a thriving group of diverse schools working together to improve young people's lives. We are sponsored by Shaw Trust, a charity focused on transforming lives. Our schools support children and young people with a wide range of Special Educational Needs, providing a 'family' feel where children, young people, and their families are at the heart of what we do.
Our settings support students with various needs, from profound medical needs to social, emotional, and mental health needs requiring understanding and support.
Whether you are a teacher, teaching assistant, healthcare professional, or work in facilities, admin, or operations, our schools offer a rewarding environment that prioritizes the well-being of children and young people.
All pupils have individualized education in small classes with enhanced support to meet their needs. Supporting a child or young person with Special Educational Needs to reach their goals is highly rewarding. You will make a real difference to their lives and families.
Our schools span from Birmingham to Bury, supporting students from all backgrounds, ensuring equal access to high-quality education.
Employee Benefits:
* Generous holiday entitlement (37 days rising to 39 after 5 years, including Bank Holidays)
* Electric Car Scheme
* Medisash Health & Wellbeing Plan
* Discount schemes for teachers and support staff
* Free Eye Tests
* Cycle to work scheme
* Access to the Institute of Education and professional development opportunities
We are committed to rewarding employment experiences and provide various training and development opportunities, including NPQ qualifications and access to the Trust’s Institute of Education and SCITT.
Working hours: 37 hours per week, 38 term-time weeks + 5 INSET days.
St Martins School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers must share this commitment. The position is subject to vetting procedures, including an online check and criminal record check via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). All shortlisted candidates will undergo an online search as part of safer recruitment.
We reserve the right to appoint before the closing date as applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Early applications are encouraged.
We are an Equal Opportunities employer. CVs alone will not be accepted. Successful candidates will be subject to a fully Enhanced DBS check and other relevant employment checks.
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