Location: Reading Central, Berkshire
Job Title: Behaviour Mentor
School Setting: Secondary School (KS3–KS5)
Pay Rate: £95–£125 per day (depending on experience)
Contract Type: Full-time, long-term, term-time only
Start Date: Immediate or by agreement
Role Overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dedicated, empathetic, and proactive Behaviour Mentor to join a centrally located secondary school in Reading Central. This role is designed for individuals who are passionate about supporting students with behavioural, emotional, and social challenges, helping them achieve their full potential both academically and personally.
As a Behaviour Mentor, you will work with students who find it challenging to engage consistently with learning due to emotional or behavioural difficulties. Many students you will support may struggle with anxiety, low self-esteem, ADHD, or SEMH needs, and may present with disruptive or withdrawn behaviour.
This is a highly rewarding role for someone who thrives on building relationships, fostering inclusion, and supporting students to develop coping strategies and self-confidence.
Purpose of the Behaviour Mentor Role
The Behaviour Mentor’s main purpose is to support students’ behavioural and emotional development, ensuring they can engage fully in their education. You will play a pivotal role in preventing behavioural issues, responding effectively to incidents, and promoting positive choices.
The school emphasises restorative practices and a trauma-informed approach. Behaviour Mentors are essential in helping students understand the consequences of their actions, develop self-regulation strategies, and rebuild trust in themselves and the school community.
Key Responsibilities
As a Behaviour Mentor in Reading Central, your responsibilities will include:
* Providing 1:1 mentoring to students with behavioural or emotional needs
* Delivering small group interventions focused on resilience, social skills, and emotional regulation
* Supporting students during lessons to maintain engagement and manage behaviour
* Assisting students during breaks, lunch, and transitions to reduce conflict and disengagement
* De-escalating challenging situations calmly and professionally
* Supporting pupils after behavioural incidents or following fixed-term exclusions
* Collaborating with teachers, pastoral staff, SENCOs, and senior leaders to implement behaviour support plans
* Maintaining detailed records of behaviour, interventions, and outcomes
* Participating in restorative conversations and reflective practice sessions
* Promoting a positive, inclusive school culture and acting as a role model
The School Environment
Located in the heart of Reading, this secondary school serves a diverse student population and is known for its strong pastoral care, inclusion strategies, and high expectations. The school provides a structured and supportive learning environment, recognising that students thrive when they feel safe, understood, and motivated.
The leadership team values the contribution of Behaviour Mentors and provides regular guidance, supervision, and professional development opportunities. Staff wellbeing is a priority, and Behaviour Mentors are recognised as key members of the pastoral and inclusion teams.
The school integrates trauma-informed practice with traditional behaviour management, promoting long-term positive change rather than relying on punitive measures alone.
Students You Will Support
Students requiring Behaviour Mentor support may:
* Display persistent challenging behaviour or withdrawal
* Struggle with emotional regulation or anxiety
* Have SEMH needs, ADHD, or attachment-related difficulties
* Experience difficulties with peer relationships or authority
* Be at risk of exclusion or disengagement from education
Your role will help these students build self-confidence, emotional resilience, and the skills needed to succeed academically and socially.
Who This Role Is Suitable For
This role is ideal for individuals who:
* Have experience working with children or young people in education, care, or youth work
* Are patient, empathetic, and resilient
* Can build trusting and professional relationships with students
* Are confident managing challenging behaviour in a supportive way
* Are motivated to make a meaningful difference in students’ lives
Graduates in psychology, education, youth work, social sciences, or related fields are encouraged to apply, as are experienced Behaviour Mentors seeking a rewarding school-based role.
Essential Requirements
* Experience supporting children or young people with behavioural or emotional challenges
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills
* Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure
* Commitment to safeguarding and inclusion
* Willingness to engage in ongoing professional development
Desirable Experience
* Previous Behaviour Mentor or Teaching Assistant experience
* Knowledge of SEMH, ADHD, or alternative provision
* Experience with trauma-informed and restorative approaches
* Relevant qualifications in education, mental health, or pastoral care
What the School Offers
* Competitive daily pay with long-term stability
* Comprehensive induction and ongoing training opportunities
* Supportive pastoral and leadership teams
* Opportunities for career progression within education and inclusion
* A positive, inclusive, and professional working culture
Why This Role Is Important
As a Behaviour Mentor in Reading Central, your role will have a direct and meaningful impact on students’ lives. By providing consistent support, guidance, and empathy, you will help students build resilience, develop emotional regulation skills, and re-engage positively with education.
If you are passionate about inclusion, motivated by challenge, and committed to helping students succeed, this Behaviour Mentor role in Reading Central offers a fulfilling and highly impactful opportunity.