At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with SEND, build positive relationships, and promote emotional regulation.
- Company: Engage Education, dedicated to supporting schools and staff.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, professional development, and a supportive consultant.
- Other info: Ideal for graduates considering careers in teaching or social work.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Passion for supporting youth; no previous school experience required.
The predicted salary is between 23400 - 29910 £ per year.
Start Your Career Supporting Children with SEND
£90-£100 per day (dependent on experience) | September 2026 start
Are you passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of children and young people? Looking to begin a rewarding career in SEND education? We are recruiting Trainee Positive Behaviour Mentors to support our partner SEND schools across Eastbourne. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who are eager to develop their skills while supporting pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, as well as a range of additional needs including Autism (ASC), ADHD, Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN), Hearing Impairments, and other complex learning needs.
Every day is different, but every day gives you the opportunity to positively influence a child’s confidence, education and future. Whether you’re looking for a career change, have experience supporting vulnerable people, or are a recent graduate, we’d love to hear from you. No previous school experience is required – full training and ongoing professional development will be provided. This role provides valuable classroom experience for anyone considering a future career in teaching, educational psychology, social work or therapy.
We are working with a number of specialist SEND schools across Eastbourne for September 2026. During your initial conversation, your dedicated Engage consultant will discuss your preferred school settings, age groups and locations to help find the right role for you. Many of our placements lead to permanent or temp-to-perm opportunities for successful candidates.
Who We’re Looking For
- We welcome applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds, including:
- Youth Work
- Support Work
- Residential Care
- Police or Emergency Services
- Mental Health Support
- Coaching or Mentoring
- Lived or personal experience supporting someone with SEND
Previous experience working with children or young people with SEMH, challenging behaviour, or Trauma-informed practice and attachment needs is beneficial but not essential. What matters most is that you are:
- Passionate about supporting young people
- Resilient, patient and empathetic
- Confident building positive relationships
- Calm under pressure and able to think on your feet
- Keen to learn and develop professionally
It’s also an ideal opportunity for graduates considering careers in teaching, educational psychology, social work or wider SEND education. Psychology graduates, as well as graduates in Education, Criminology, Sociology and Sports Coaching, are particularly encouraged to apply.
Your Role
As a Trainee Positive Behaviour Mentor, you will:
- Support children from Reception through to Key Stage 4
- Build positive relationships that encourage confidence and engagement
- Help pupils regulate their emotions and de-escalate challenging situations
- Promote positive behaviour and support effective behaviour management strategies
- Work closely with teachers and support staff to create an inclusive learning environment
- Encourage participation in lessons while minimising disruption
- Provide regular feedback to teaching staff and parents where appropriate
Working Hours:
Full-time Monday to Friday 8:30am – 3:30pm Term-time only
Why Join Engage Education?
At Engage Education, we believe in supporting both our schools and our staff. When you join us, you’ll benefit from:
- Competitive pay in line with the Agency Worker Regulations (AWR), ensuring fair pay comparable to permanent employees.
- A dedicated consultant who will support you throughout your placement and career journey.
- Access to a wide range of free Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training delivered by experienced education leaders.
- Opportunities to gain valuable classroom experience and progress into long-term or permanent roles.
- Our Refer a Friend Scheme – earn a £50 Amazon voucher when someone you refer works five days. There’s no limit to the number of referrals, and friends can be referred from both the UK and overseas.
All candidates will be required to undertake a valid enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance will be provided. By applying for this role, you are consenting to Engage Education Ltd storing your personal details in our fully encrypted database, in line with GDPR requirements. We look forward to hearing from you!
Trainee Positive Behaviour Mentor – Eastbourne employer: Engage Partners Limited
Engage Partners Limited is an excellent employer for those looking to kickstart their career in education, particularly as a Primary Teaching Assistant Apprentice in Dartford. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company offers a fully funded Level 3 Apprenticeship, comprehensive training, and mentoring, all within a supportive work culture that values learning and development. This role not only allows you to earn while you learn but also provides a meaningful opportunity to make a difference in children's lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Positive Behaviour Mentor – Eastbourne
✨Tap Into Local Support Groups
Get involved with local community support groups or charities related to social work. These places are often hubs for networking and can lead to trainee opportunities at organisations like Engage Partners Limited. Plus, volunteering can give you hands-on experience that makes your application pop!
✨Connect with University Career Services
If you’re still studying, use your university's career services to find trainee roles in social work. They often have partnerships with organisations and can help set up interviews at places like Engage Partners Limited. Don’t underestimate those dedicated programmes; they’re made for people like us!
✨Attend Social Work Events
Keep an eye out for workshops, conferences, or networking events in the social work field. These can be fantastic for meeting professionals from organisations like Engage Partners Limited and getting insights on what they look for in trainees.
✨Showcase Your Passion Online
Build a portfolio or a blog where you share your thoughts on social work issues. This not only showcases your passion but also makes you more visible to companies like Engage Partners Limited looking for trainees who genuinely care about the field. We can all make a difference, so let your enthusiasm shine!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Positive Behaviour Mentor – Eastbourne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for helping others shine through. Talk about experiences that sparked your interest in social work, whether that’s volunteer work, personal experiences, or relevant coursework. We're looking for trainees who genuinely care – that passion is what makes a difference!
Highlight Relevant Experiences:Even if you haven’t worked in social work before, think about transferable skills from other roles or volunteering. Mention things like teamwork, empathy, and problem-solving. Include specific examples that demonstrate your abilities and how they relate to the social work field.
Tailor Your CV for Social Work:When it comes to your CV, make sure to include any relevant qualifications or certifications, like first aid or mental health first responder training. Also, focus on any academic achievements related to social work, such as modules you've taken or projects you’ve completed that showcase your skills in the field.
Be Ready to Discuss Your Learning Goals:As a trainee, it’s important to emphasise your eagerness to learn and grow. Be prepared to mention what you hope to gain from the experience at Engage Partners Limited. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but a chance to develop your skills and make a real impact in social work.
How to prepare for a job interview at Engage Partners Limited
✨Know Your Theories
Brush up on key social work theories and frameworks, especially those relevant to the specific role at Engage Partners Limited. Be ready to demonstrate your understanding of models like the ecological systems theory or strengths-based approaches, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Emphasise Your Empathy
As a trainee in social work, you'll need to showcase your interpersonal skills. Prepare to share examples where you've demonstrated empathy and understanding in challenging situations, whether in prior experiences or your studies.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect the interviewers to put you through situational questions that test your problem-solving and crisis management skills. Practice responding to hypothetical scenarios you might face as a social worker, focusing on how you would assess and intervene in those situations.
✨Showcase Your Motivation for Learning
As a trainee, it’s vital to express your eagerness to learn and grow in your role at Engage Partners Limited. Be prepared to discuss what specific skills you hope to develop during the traineeship and how your passion for social work drives your career aspirations.
