Overview
The Sallygate School is an Independent Special School catering to the unique needs of pupils with SEMH. Located in Alkham Valley, near Dover, the school is part of Channels & Choices Therapeutic Community, comprising therapeutic residential children’s homes, an independent therapeutic fostering agency and a multi-disciplinary therapy service, including SaLT & OT.
Job Summary: As a Learning Mentor, you will support the social, emotional and academic development of children and young people with SEMH. You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team, building trusting relationships with pupils, helping them overcome barriers to learning, develop resilience, and thrive in a safe, nurturing, and aspirational school environment. You will provide structured mentoring in and outside the classroom, contribute to behaviour regulation strategies, promote positive engagement in learning, and act as a key adult for pupils requiring individualised interventions. Using trauma-informed, attachment-aware and therapeutic approaches, you will guide pupils in managing their emotions, building self-esteem and developing personal and interpersonal skills for success in education and life.
Our core values are Respect, Kindness, Resilience and Tolerance. As a Learning Mentor, you will model these values in all interactions and promote restorative relationships, perseverance, and an inclusive environment where difference is celebrated.
Role context: This role requires compassion, creativity and the ability to remain calm and consistent in challenging situations. It is ideal for someone who believes in restorative practices, co-regulation and the power of strong, respectful relationships to transform outcomes for vulnerable learners.
Responsibilities
* Support the personal, social and educational development of pupils who may face barriers to engagement.
* Provide consistent support across the school day as a caring adult, contributing to a positive, safe and inclusive learning environment.
* Build strong, trusting relationships with pupils as a key adult, using empathy, consistency and clear boundaries.
* Provide individual and small group mentoring to support emotional regulation, confidence and readiness to learn.
* Use restorative approaches and trauma-informed strategies to help pupils reflect on behaviour, rebuild relationships and develop coping skills.
* Support pupil transitions throughout the day to help access learning successfully.
* Encourage pupil voice and participation in school life, upholding the school values in all interactions.
* Collaborate with teaching and support staff to maintain engagement and reduce disruption in the classroom.
* Identify potential barriers to participation and use pre-emptive strategies to maintain a calm, inclusive environment.
* Supervise and engage pupils during unstructured times (breaks, lunch, transitions) to promote social skills and reduce dysregulation.
* Monitor safeguarding concerns in line with policies and guidance, and contribute to safeguarding culture through training and vigilance.
* Provide emotional support to pupils in moments of crisis using co-regulation and reflective practices.
* Maintain accurate records of interventions and pupil progress as directed.
* Engage in professional development, reflective practice and trauma-informed approaches; model the school ethos to pupils and colleagues.
* Carry out other duties commensurate with the post as directed by the senior leadership team.
Skills and Experience
Essential Skills and Qualities
* Understanding of social, emotional and behavioural needs of children and young people, particularly those with SEMH, trauma histories or SEND.
* Ability to build positive, trusting relationships with pupils, including in challenging situations.
* Experience with de-escalation, restorative approaches and co-regulation techniques.
* Excellent communication skills, with ability to listen empathetically and communicate clearly with pupils and professionals.
* Highly organised, proactive and reliable; flexible in a fast-paced environment.
* Commitment to modelling core values (Respect, Kindness, Resilience, Tolerance) in all interactions.
* Confidence to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
* Ability to remain calm, emotionally available and solution-focused in stressful moments.
Desirable Experience
* Experience mentoring or key-working with vulnerable young people, especially with attachment difficulties, ACEs or safeguarding concerns.
* Understanding of safeguarding practices and experience responding to concerns.
* Experience supporting pupils with additional needs including ASD, ADHD and communication difficulties.
* Experience facilitating group work, therapeutic activities or structured play/engagement sessions.
Qualifications and Other Requirements
* GCSE English grade C or above; good numeracy skills (Level 2).
* HLTA qualification or equivalent and relevant Level 3 qualification in an education setting; good ICT skills.
* Experience of effective work with young people with complex needs; promoting equality of opportunity and fair treatment; working in challenging environments.
* Strong behaviours: resilience, adaptability, initiative, communication, teamwork, reliability and ability to meet deadlines.
* Knowledge of Special Educational Needs and safeguarding requirements; ability to record information clearly and understanding differences between facts and opinions.
Safeguarding and Recruitment
Channels and Choices are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. This post requires an Enhanced DBS disclosure, employment background checks, satisfactory references and verification of right to work in the UK. CVs cannot be considered without a completed application form. We actively promote diversity and inclusion and reserve the right to conduct background social media checks on all new applicants.
Additional Details
Salary: £24,387 FTE + SEN Allowance £2,679 – 41 weeks out of 52. Position: Full Time (37.5 hours per week). Closing date: Today. Positions available: 5.
Job title: Learning Mentor
Location: Sallygate School, Alkham Valley, near Dover
#J-18808-Ljbffr