At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with SEND, providing guidance and encouragement to help them thrive.
- Company: Specialist SEND secondary provision in Gateshead with a nurturing environment.
- Benefits: Rewarding role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment focused on individual needs and positive engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people and help them achieve their potential.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEND, patience, empathy, and a passion for supporting young learners.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 33483 £ per year.
Are you passionate about supporting young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)? Do you have the patience, empathy and commitment to help pupils overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential? We are currently recruiting for a dedicated Pastoral Support Mentor to join a specialist SEND secondary provision in Gateshead. This is a rewarding opportunity to support pupils who require consistent pastoral guidance, personalised support and positive role modelling to help them engage confidently with their education.
About the School: This specialist SEND setting supports young people with a wide range of additional needs, including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), ADHD, communication and interaction needs, learning difficulties, and sensory needs. Many pupils require additional support to access learning and develop social, emotional and independence skills. The school provides a structured, inclusive and supportive environment where individual needs are recognised and carefully supported. With smaller class sizes and a high staff-to-student ratio, staff are able to build strong relationships with pupils and provide tailored support both inside and outside the classroom. A strong pastoral and safeguarding framework ensures pupils feel safe, understood and supported throughout the school day. Staff work collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, therapists and external professionals to develop personalised support strategies that help pupils thrive academically, socially and emotionally. The leadership team promotes a nurturing and inclusive approach, focusing on developing communication, confidence, independence and positive engagement with learning.
The Role: As a Pastoral Support Mentor, you will:
- Provide 1:1 and small-group pastoral and wellbeing support
- Support pupils with SEND needs to access learning and develop independence
- Act as a positive role model, encouraging confidence and self-esteem
- Support pupils during lessons, transitions and unstructured times
- Help implement individual education and support plans
- Assist pupils with communication, emotional regulation and social interaction
- Work closely with teaching staff, SENCO and support teams
- Monitor pupil wellbeing, engagement and progress
The Ideal Candidate Will:
- Have experience working with young people with SEND
- Be patient, empathetic and supportive
- Have a good understanding of additional learning needs such as ASC, ADHD or communication needs
- Be confident supporting pupils who may require adapted learning approaches
- Have strong safeguarding awareness and understanding of child protection procedures
- Be passionate about helping pupils build confidence, independence and engagement in education
Experience in SEND schools, specialist provisions, youth work, care settings, support work or mentoring roles would be highly beneficial. Training in areas such as autism support, behaviour strategies or communication approaches is desirable but not essential. Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
Pastoral Mentor Gateshead employer: AMA Admin
Milk Education is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic environment for aspiring Behaviour, Pastoral, or Cover Specialists in Bradford. With a focus on professional development and valuable classroom experience, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students while enjoying consistent hours and a positive school culture. Join us to build your career in education and contribute to a thriving community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pastoral Mentor Gateshead
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at AMA Admin.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from AMA Admin!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like AMA Admin, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at AMA Admin or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Pastoral Mentor Gateshead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to AMA Admin:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to AMA Admin! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at AMA Admin
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
