Learning Mentor (Multi-Site) in Theale

At Stable Futures, part of Amegreen Children’s Services, we support children and young people who have found it difficult to access mainstream education. Through outdoor activities, practical learning and consistent relationships, we help them rebuild confidence, develop life skills and reconnect with education.

We’re developing a new alternative provision site to support Juniper House, Amegreen Education’s new secondary SEN school, alongside our established provision at Haywards Farm and Northcroft School. Our farm and additional forest provision also support learners referred from other settings.

We’re looking for Learning Mentors to work across our sites in Animal Care, Bushcraft and Forest Provision, and Enterprise and Employability. Guided by specialist Department Leads, you’ll help learners take part in activities suited to their interests, abilities and goals.

The role

You’ll support young people individually and in small groups, helping them build trust and engage with learning. This may include settling into a placement, returning to school, developing communication and independence, or preparing for their next steps in education.

Working alongside Department Leads, tutors and other Learning Mentors, you’ll help plan, prepare and deliver sessions. Activities may include animal care, horticulture, bushcraft, creative projects, enterprise, PSHE and careers learning. You’ll also support curriculum learning linked to Juniper House and other Amegreen Education settings.

The role involves working across different locations and adapting to different activities and groups. You’ll need to be comfortable outdoors, willing to get involved in practical tasks and able to work alongside animals, including horses and goats.

What you’ll be doing

• Support Department Leads with planning and delivering safe, accessible sessions across the farm, forest and other provision sites.
• Work with learners on a 1:1 basis and in small groups, adapting activities and support to their needs, interests and learning styles.
• Help young people set their own goals, listen to their views and involve them in decisions about their learning.
• Encourage participation in practical and curriculum activities, helping learners develop confidence, independence and everyday skills.
• Build positive relationships, model respectful behaviour and maintain clear, consistent boundaries.
• Support transitions into new placements and reintegration into school, working with colleagues and other professionals.
• Prepare resources and activity spaces, help with practical tasks such as preparing lunches, and contribute to the smooth running of the day.
• Transport learners between sites and to activities where required, and supervise them during sessions and visits.

Supporting wellbeing and behaviour

A calm, patient approach is central to this role. You’ll support young people who may find learning, relationships or unfamiliar situations difficult, helping them manage their emotions and develop ways to communicate their needs.

You’ll use agreed behaviour support strategies and provide pastoral support while maintaining professional boundaries. You’ll encourage respect, responsibility and positive relationships, working with colleagues so learners receive a consistent response across the provision.

Working with others

You’ll work with managers, Department Leads, tutors, Equine Care Workers and other Learning Mentors. You’ll contribute to planning and team meetings, sharing observations and helping colleagues understand what works for each learner.

You’ll build positive relationships with families, carers, schools, Local Authorities and other professionals, sharing relevant information and contributing to transition planning.

Safeguarding and record keeping

Safeguarding is part of your daily work. You’ll follow policies and procedures, prioritise learners’ safety and wellbeing, and report concerns promptly and accurately. You’ll also help ensure activities are suitable for the learners taking part and follow agreed arrangements for supervision.

You’ll record sessions, learner progress, behaviour and engagement, and contribute to reports. These records help the team review support and recognise achievements, and must meet safeguarding and organisational requirements.

What we’re looking for

You’ll need experience working with vulnerable children and young people, particularly those with special educational needs or social, emotional and mental health needs. You should understand how to build trust, encourage engagement and support behaviour within a nurturing environment.

You’ll need to relate well to young people, take an interest in what matters to them and keep expectations positive. You should be confident supporting indoor and outdoor learning and adapting your approach when needed.

You’ll also need:

• Knowledge of safeguarding and a clear commitment to children’s safety, welfare and inclusion.
• An understanding of behaviour support strategies and the ability to combine a therapeutic approach with firm, consistent boundaries.
• Experience delivering creative activities that motivate children and support learning, with an understanding of how to improve delivery and achievement.
• Confidence working alongside animals and supporting a range of practical and outdoor activities.
• Clear spoken and written communication skills, including the ability to work with families, colleagues and external professionals.
• Good administrative and report-writing skills, with working knowledge of ICT and the ability to maintain accurate records.
• A reliable, approachable manner, resilience and the ability to manage the pressures of a demanding role.
• A willingness to reflect on your work, undertake training and contribute to a consistent team approach.

A teaching qualification, orthe ability to teach English and Maths would be useful but are not essential. A degree or equivalent, relevant professional development, and knowledge of vocational qualifications, PSHE or SEMH would also be welcome.

Equality and Diversity

Amegreen is committed to being an organisation where people can be their authentic selves in a safe and inclusive environment. We are actively building diverse teams and welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds. If you require any accessibility adjustments to support your application, please contact us.

Safeguarding

Amegreen Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Successful candidates will be required to go through a thorough safeguarding onboarding process which includes a full employment history review and an enhanced DBS check. Adherence to Safeguarding and GDPR requirements is mandatory for all employees.

#J-18808-Ljbffr