At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable young people in overcoming barriers to learning and enhancing emotional resilience.
- Company: Specialised educational community focused on equitable pathways for all students.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, term-time hours, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to community improvement and student success.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people facing significant challenges.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths; experience in alternative provision or SEN environments preferred.
The predicted salary is between 22800 - 24800 £ per year.
Are you a resilient and highly skilled support professional driven by the belief that every young person deserves an equitable pathway to success? We are seeking a dedicated Learning Support Assistant to join our specialised educational community. Operating similarly to an alternative provision or PRU environment, this campus caters to learners who face significant barriers to education, requiring robust behavioural support and therapeutic intervention. The school is uniquely structured with a dedicated Autism (ASD) provision alongside a core behavioural and social‑emotional development sector. Many of our students have encountered disrupted learning journeys and are currently working below their chronological academic age. This role is about far more than classroom supervision; you will be the architect of a child's confidence, providing the mentoring, de‑escalation, and emotional scaffolding required to help vulnerable young people thrive.
Benefits
- Competitive starting salary built within a framework that prioritises regular, performance‑linked wage reviews.
- Stable Monday to Friday, term‑time‑only schedule that aligns perfectly with the academic year.
- Full induction pathways, SEN awareness coaching, first aid, and accredited behavioural regulation courses via the National College.
- Deeply supportive, solution‑focused team environment driven by a shared relational ethos and community improvement.
Responsibilities
- Build trusted, positive relationships with vulnerable young people to remove barriers to learning and enhance emotional resilience.
- Implement personalised behaviour plans and proactive regulation frameworks to manage and safely diffuse highly challenging behaviours.
- Partner with teaching staff to break down learning tasks, deliver small group or 1:1 interventions, and support students who are working at lower educational levels.
Requirements
- GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths, alongside a total commitment to completing mandatory safety and behaviour regulation training.
- NVQ Level 2/3 in Supporting Teaching and Learning or Youth Work is desirable.
- Proven, robust experience working with children or young people in an alternative provision, specialist SEN, care, or PRU environment.
- Profound understanding of SEMH needs, trauma‑informed practices, and the patience required to support complex behavioural and sensory profiles.
We are an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. All appointments are subject to satisfactory vetting, including a right to work check and, where relevant, an enhanced DBS, PVG (Scotland), or EWC (Wales) check, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Learning Support Mentor - Term-Time & SEMH Specialist employer: Dovetail and Slate
Join our dedicated educational community as a Learning Support Mentor, where your passion for empowering young people will be met with a supportive and solution-focused work culture. Enjoy a competitive salary, term-time hours that align with the academic calendar, and access to comprehensive training and development opportunities, all while making a meaningful impact on the lives of students facing significant barriers to education. Our commitment to fostering a nurturing environment ensures that you will thrive alongside your colleagues in a role that truly values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Mentor - Term-Time & SEMH Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with SEMH or alternative provisions. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to supporting vulnerable young people. Think about real-life examples from your experience that showcase your skills in building trust and managing challenging behaviours.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During interviews, let your enthusiasm for helping young people shine through. Share why you believe every child deserves an equitable pathway to success and how you can contribute to that mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our supportive community.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Mentor - Term-Time & SEMH Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with SEMH needs and working in alternative provisions. We want to see how your skills align with our mission to support vulnerable young people.
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for supporting young people shine through! Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles, as we love to see candidates who are genuinely committed to making an impact.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, so we can easily understand your qualifications and experiences. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us quickly and securely, plus you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dovetail and Slate
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Learning Support Mentor inside out. Familiarise yourself with SEMH needs and trauma-informed practices, as well as the specific challenges faced by students in alternative provisions. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show your passion for supporting vulnerable young people.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences working with children or young people, especially in similar environments. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've built relationships, implemented behaviour plans, and supported students with complex needs. This will demonstrate your capability and commitment to the role.
✨Practice Active Listening
During the interview, make sure to listen carefully to the questions being asked. Respond thoughtfully and take a moment to gather your thoughts if needed. This shows that you value communication and are ready to engage with the interviewers, which is crucial in a mentoring role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare a few questions to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about the school's approach to supporting students with SEMH needs or how they foster a supportive team environment. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the school aligns with your values.
