Learning Support Mentor (SEMH), Secondary ages

Type: Temp-perm contract (via 60 day trial)

Details: Full-time (Monday to Friday, 9:30am - 3:30pm)

Location: Bristol - Central

Start Date: September 2026

Salary: £18,000 - £22,000 p.a. (£15.38 - £17.95ph during trial)

Our client is a new & expanding Alternative Education Provision, serving primary & secondary-aged pupils with EHCPs relating to SEMH based in Weston-super-Mare and surrounding areas across the South West. They operate a ‘revolving-door’ offering whereby students stay at the provision for up to 18 weeks, either on a full-time or part-time 'transition' basis before returning to a mainstream education setting or attending a special school.

The roles available are based on expansion and demand for places. We are seeking someone with previous experience of having worked with learners that have SEMH and have experienced trauma who may have other needs relating to ASC / ASD. The ideal person will be able to act as a positive role model and deliver an alternative education curriculum.

We seek individuals that are skilled in recognising the emotional and educational needs of the learner and who are able to respond to and create appropriate learning activities & opportunities around the needs of individual learners. Many of the learners have not engaged in education for a significant amount of time so commonly, an individual approach for each child is necessary.

If you have already had training in positive behaviour management such as Team Teach / PBM / MAPA and/or THRIVE training we would be particularly interested in hearing from you. If you have practical experience of working with children displaying challenging behaviour and are successful in your application for this post, Team Teach training will be offered free of charge and would be a requirement of the post.

The full-time working day is from 9:30am to 3:30pm, Monday to Friday. It would be great to hear from you if you have:

• Experience of working with children who have had to overcome barriers and difficult situations
• The ability to engage parents in supporting children at home by helping to set boundaries and managing behaviour
• The desire to go through training and deliver ideas so that ideas can be implemented
• Passionate about working with young people in education
• Have a good understanding of what makes an effective intervention strategy
• Are committed to safeguarding young people and helping them overcome difficulties
• Are committed to ensuring students maximise every opportunity to achieve academically and personally
• Are able to work within a dynamic and challenging environment
• Have excellent communication and teamwork skills
• GCSEs in English and Maths at grade C/4 or above

Whilst this role is similar to, it does differ from a support role in a mainstream setting, however, if you have experience as a Learning Support Assistant (LSA), Teaching Assistant, Behaviour Mentor, Youth Support worker or similar, we would be interested in hearing from you.

The role is offered on a 1-year fixed-term contract basis after a successful 60 trial period with the intention to offer permanent contracts from September 2025. This is a great opportunity for anyone looking for a role that offers training opportunities, progression opportunities within the organisation and to be part of a supportive organisation that has expansion plans in the near future.

Elementa is the recruiting partner; therefore applicants being considered for the role after pre-screening will be required to complete the registration process for Elementa. This includes full vetting & background checks, satisfactory referencing and application for a DBS Enhanced Disclosure (which may be chargeable at £64.20) unless you have a current DBS on the update service.