At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with learning disabilities through tailored 1:1 and small-group mentoring.
- Company: Join Stable Futures, a therapeutic environment dedicated to empowering young people with additional needs.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, including weekends, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Engage in animal-assisted learning and outdoor activities to enhance educational experiences.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while working in a dynamic outdoor setting.
- Qualifications: Experience with learning disabilities and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 20250 - 24750 £ per year.
Stable Futures is seeking an experienced Learning Mentor with a strong background in supporting children and young people with learning disabilities and complex additional needs.
The successful candidate will have experience supporting young people with moderate to severe learning disabilities, autism, communication difficulties, non-verbal communication and complex medical or physical needs.
You will be patient, adaptable and confident in adapting your approach to individual communication, sensory, behavioural, emotional and learning needs.
The role will provide bespoke 1:1 and small-group support, enabling learners to access education, personal development and the wider Stable Futures environment.
The successful candidate must work flexibly, including agreed sessions outside school term dates and some weekends where required.
The postholder will also undertake planned home visits for children and young people supported by Amegreen Children’s Services, including relationship‑building and transition work.
About Stable Futures
Stable Futures is a therapeutic Alternative Provision offering practical, animal‑assisted and outdoor education to children and young people with additional needs and barriers to accessing education.
Our provision includes an Alternative Curriculum alongside animal care, Equine Facilitated Learning, horticulture, culinary activities, PSHE, Forest School, outdoor learning and personal development.
Learning is adapted to the individual, with learners potentially requiring 1:1 support, differentiated activities, alternative communication, sensory adaptations or gradual transition.
Stable Futures is part of Amegreen Children’s Services, which has extensive experience supporting children and young people with complex needs through therapeutic care and education.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide 1:1 and small-group support to learners with learning disabilities and complex additional needs.
- Support learners with autism, non-verbal communication and moderate to severe learning disabilities.
- Adapt communication, activities and environments to individual needs.
- Support independence, communication, confidence, social interaction and practical life skills.
- Follow support plans, risk assessments, EHCP outcomes, medical guidance and agreed strategies.
- Support accessible learning and individual development targets.
- Support practical activities including animal care, horticulture, culinary, arts and crafts, outdoor and Forest School learning.
- Use learners’ interests and strengths to encourage engagement and progression.
- Support positive behaviour and emotional regulation through therapeutic, relationship-based approaches.
- Maintain accurate records and report concerns promptly.
- Contribute to reviews, reports, meetings and transition planning.
- Work collaboratively with families, carers, schools, therapists and other professionals.
- Transition & Home-Based Support
- Undertake planned home visits and build consistent relationships with identified learners.
- Support gradual transitions from home into Stable Futures.
- Work with families and professionals to understand routines, communication methods, triggers, preferences and support strategies.
- Provide consistency between home-based transition work and attendance at Stable Futures.
- Wider Provision & Outdoor Learning
The postholder will work flexibly across Stable Futures, supporting young people with SEN, SEMH and other additional needs.
The role includes working within a farm and outdoor learning environment and supporting learners to safely engage with horses, livestock, small animals, horticulture, Forest School and other practical activities.
The successful candidate must follow animal welfare, health and safety and risk‑management procedures.
Working outdoors and around animals is part of the everyday expectations of the role.
- Safeguarding & Pastoral Support
- Maintain high safeguarding standards and understand the increased vulnerability of children with complex needs.
- Recognise and report safeguarding concerns in accordance with organisational procedures.
- Promote learner voice, including appropriate approaches for non-verbal learners or those using alternative communication.
- Maintain professional and therapeutic relationships with children, families and carers.
- Support learners with dignity, respect and an understanding of their individual needs.
Person Specification
Essential
- Direct experience supporting children or young people with learning disabilities and complex additional needs.
- Experience supporting autism and significant communication needs, including non-verbal learners or those using alternative communication.
- Understanding of how learning disabilities affect communication, behaviour, independence and access to education.
- Experience adapting activities and communication to individual levels of understanding.
- Experience working with children or young people with SEN.
- Knowledge of safeguarding and the additional vulnerabilities associated with complex needs.
- Ability to respond appropriately to dysregulation, distress and changes in presentation.
- Experience working with families, carers and professionals.
- Ability to maintain accurate records.
- Willingness and ability to work flexibly.
Desirable
- Experience supporting moderate or severe learning disabilities or high-level autism.
- Experience supporting complex medical or physical needs.
- Experience using PECS, Makaton, visual communication or AAC.
- Experience within SEND education, Alternative Provision, specialist schools, residential care or therapeutic services.
- Experience supporting SEMH needs.
- Relevant qualification or training in education, SEND, health and social care, childcare or a related field.
- Experience supporting transitions between home, education or care.
- Working Flexibility
Alongside weekday provision, the successful candidate will provide agreed support outside school term dates and on some weekends where required.
The role will also require travel between Stable Futures, Amegreen Children’s Services settings and learners’ homes for planned home-based or transition support.
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
All posts are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, online searches, and satisfactory reference checks in line with our safer recruitment policy.
We follow robust recruitment and selection procedures to ensure that the people we appoint are suitable to work with children.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Learning Mentor - Complex Learning Disabilities employer: Amegreen Childrens Services
As a Childrens Home Team Leader, you will be part of a compassionate and dedicated team that prioritises the well-being of children with learning disabilities and complex needs. Our organisation offers a supportive work culture, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development, ensuring that you can grow in your role while making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we care for. Located in a vibrant community, we provide a unique environment where teamwork and collaboration thrive, making it an excellent place to build your career.
Contact Details:
Amegreen Childrens Services Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Mentor - Complex Learning Disabilities
✨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 Amegreen Childrens Services.
✨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 Amegreen Childrens Services!
✨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 Amegreen Childrens Services, 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 Amegreen Childrens Services 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 Learning Mentor - Complex Learning Disabilities
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 Amegreen Childrens Services:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Amegreen Childrens Services! 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 Amegreen Childrens Services
✨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.