About Stepping Stones:
Stepping Stones is a nurturing and inclusive Alternative Provision dedicated to supporting young people who are struggling to thrive in mainstream education. Our learners, typically in upper Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 4, may present with SEN, SEMH needs, or have become disengaged from learning due to a range of complex challenges. We offer a flexible, trauma-informed environment focused on relationship-based practice, wellbeing, and personalised education pathways. At Stepping Stones, our mission is to re-engage and inspire students through the power of physical education. We believe that we can reignite a passion for learning, build self-confidence, foster a sense of belonging and pave the way for lifelong success.
Job Purpose:
We are seeking a dedicated and empathetic Mentor to join our team at Stepping Stones. You will work closely with individual students, providing targeted, person-centred support to help them re-engage with education, build self-worth, develop emotional literacy and make positive choices. This role is key to our mission of supporting young people to rediscover their potential in a safe, supportive and understanding setting. The majority of work may be undertaken on a 1:1 basis or small group sessions.
Key Responsibilities:
* Provide consistent, high-quality mentoring to young people with SEN, SEMH or behavioural challenges, either on-site or in community settings.
* Develop and deliver individualised support plans in collaboration with the wider team, families, and external agencies.
* Build trusting, professional relationships that enable young people to feel seen, heard, and supported.
* Support the development of emotional regulation, resilience, social skills, and self-confidence through structured and informal activities.
* Facilitate re-engagement with learning by motivating students, celebrating small successes, and encouraging a growth mind-set.
* Actively support students through transitions—whether returning to mainstream, moving into further education, or progressing within Stepping Stones.
* Maintain clear and accurate records of progress, concerns, incidents, and communications using the centre's systems.
* Promote and maintain a safe and positive environment in line with safeguarding procedures and behaviour policies.
* Work flexibly, sometimes off-site, to meet the needs of the students—including home visits, attending multi-agency meetings, or supporting in community spaces.
Essential Skills and Experience:
* Proven experience working with children and young people with SEND, SEMH, or those disengaged from education.
* A sound understanding of the barriers faced by vulnerable young people and knowledge of strategies to support engagement and development.
* Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to connect, listen, and motivate.
* Emotionally resilient with a calm, reflective, and non-judgemental approach.
* Confident in managing challenging behaviour using de-escalation and trauma-informed techniques.
* Strong communication and teamwork skills, able to collaborate effectively with staff, families, and professionals.
* Reliable and organised, with the ability to work independently and manage a varied caseload.
* Full, clean UK driving licence and access to a vehicle with appropriate business insurance – essential to fulfil off-site and outreach responsibilities.
Desirable:
* Relevant qualifications in youth work, education, psychology, or therapeutic disciplines.
* Training in safeguarding, trauma-informed practice or mental health.
* Experience working in an Alternative Provision or similar education setting.
* Familiarity with EHCPs, risk assessments and behaviour support planning
Additional Information:
* This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check and suitable references.
* Business mileage will be reimbursed in line with Stepping Stones' expenses policy.
* Ongoing CPD and reflective supervision are provided as part of our commitment to staff wellbeing and professional development.
* As part of this position, you may be required collect young people from their address. As a result of this you will need to purchase business insurance.
Stepping Stones is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people.
Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 11 months
Pay: £12.21-£15.00 per hour
Expected hours: No less than 30 per week
Benefits:
* Company pension
Work Location: In person