At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with 1:1 reading interventions and group activities to boost their reading skills.
- Company: Join the Inspiration Trust, a leading academy chain focused on inclusive education.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, health plans, discounts, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives by helping them achieve their reading potential.
- Qualifications: Good literacy, numeracy, and ICT skills; experience with children is a plus.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community dedicated to educational excellence.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
At Inspiration Trust our mantra is that all children can achieve and succeed, no matter what their background. Children from disadvantaged backgrounds have been more adversely impacted by the pandemic and we are therefore seeking reliable, proactive and efficient Reading Mentors to join the following Academy at the Trust in order to help our most vulnerable students close the gap between their reading age and their chronological age. Full training will be provided to deliver Thinking Reading, a 1:1 intensive reading intervention within the context of a high-performing academy chain with a vision for truly inclusive schools.
The role will require you to help to develop and maintain effective and supportive relationships with the students you work with, and have a calm, clear and consistent approach to working with young people. You will need to deliver the Thinking Reading programme with a high degree of fidelity and engage in the required training in order to be able to do this successfully.
What You'll Be Doing
- Provide 1:1 reading intervention delivery and work with pupils on group basis to ensure all have the ability to fulfil their potential.
- Monitor pupils' responses to learning activities and accurately record achievement/progress as directed and provide detailed and regular feedback to teachers on pupils' achievement, progress, problems, etc.
- Undertake structured and agreed learning activities/teaching programmes, adjusting activities according to pupil responses, including undertaking literacy and numeracy programmes.
Qualifications
- Good ICT, numeracy, and literacy skills.
- Experience of working with or caring for children of relevant age.
- Ability to evaluate learning needs and actively seek learning opportunities.
- Basic understanding of child development and learning.
Desirable
- NVQ 2 or equivalent in teaching assistance or equivalent experience.
About King Edward VII Academy
King Edward VII Academy is a large, diverse, and comprehensive 11-18 school with a rich and prestigious history. Thousands of students have walked the halls of this magnificent building, all in pursuit of the excellence that the academy continues to strive for today. In October 2024, Ofsted rated King Edward VII Academy and Sixth Form as Good overall, recognising the rapid positive changes across the school. Inspectors highlighted the academy's ambition and high standards: "The school expects high standards of pupils' work and behaviour. It reminds pupils that every minute counts in meeting these standards. Pupils are rising to this challenge. They know that they attend an inclusive school that has improved rapidly. In the past, academic outcomes have been low. Now, however, the sense of ambition is abundantly clear. Lessons are engaging and focused. Pupils learn well." The report also praised the school's curriculum and teaching: "The school's curriculum is ambitious and ensures that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) access learning alongside their peers. The curriculum sets out what pupils will learn and the order in which it is taught. High-quality training and support from the Trust have led to precise teaching. Teachers use their strong subject knowledge to present new concepts clearly. Staff are invested in the school and the community. They feel well supported by leaders who manage their workload with sensitivity. They want the very best for pupils and are proud to work at the school." King Edward VII Academy is calm, orderly, and purposeful. Its culture is built around high expectations and consistent structures and routines, enabling teachers to focus on their subjects with expertise and passion.
We are part of the Inspiration Trust, twice ranked as the country's top family of comprehensive schools for pupil progress, and strongly believe in the importance of giving the widest educational opportunities to all young people, regardless of their background. We have strong networks across the Trust, with opportunities to work with a diverse range of schools and partners. The Inspiration Trust is a Multi Academy Trust, committed to delivering the very best educational experience for the young people of Norfolk and Suffolk, across 17 schools.
Benefits
- Generous annual leave, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with excellent employer contributions.
- Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 virtual GP access, mental health support and claim-back options for healthcare costs.
- Cycle-to-work scheme, retail and theatre discounts (including discounted shopping vouchers, dentist and gym memberships), and salary sacrifice options (including home technology).
- Free parking at most sites.
- Personalised CPD and development programmes.
- A structured and specific induction programme. Terms and conditions apply. Some benefits are only available following successfully passing probation.
Reading Mentor (Kings Lynn) employer: Inspiration Trust
Contact Detail:
Inspiration Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Reading Mentor (Kings Lynn)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at King Edward VII Academy or other schools in the Inspiration Trust. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to working with children. We want to show that we understand their needs and how to support them effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for education! During interviews, let’s share our experiences and stories about helping students succeed. It’s all about connecting with the mission of the academy.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed and shows we’re serious about joining the team at Inspiration Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace Reading Mentor (Kings Lynn)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Reading: When you're writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for reading and helping students. Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight why you believe in the power of literacy and how it can change lives.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Reading Mentor role. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you understand what we're looking for and how you fit the bill.
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you've worked with children before or have experience in education, be sure to mention it! We want to know how your background makes you a great fit for supporting our students in their reading journey.
Keep It Clear and Concise: While we love a good story, keep your application straightforward and to the point. Make sure your writing is clear, and avoid jargon. This will help us see your communication skills right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Inspiration Trust
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Reading Mentor role and the Thinking Reading programme. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of disadvantaged students and how you can help them close the reading gap. This will show your commitment and readiness to support the academy's mission.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss any relevant experience you have working with children, especially those from diverse backgrounds. Share specific examples of how you've supported young learners in the past, and highlight your ability to adapt your approach based on their individual needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. During the interview, practice clear and calm communication. You might even want to role-play a scenario where you explain a reading concept to a student. This will illustrate your ability to engage and connect with young people.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the academy’s approach to literacy and how they measure student progress. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to their goals.