Learning Mentor - Complex Learning Disabilities in Reading

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 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.