At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with additional needs to thrive in school and build confidence.
- Company: Inclusive mainstream secondary school focused on pastoral care and student wellbeing.
- Benefits: Full-time role with potential for permanent position and supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to positive relationships and student engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills in a nurturing setting.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEN/SEMH, empathy, resilience, and a commitment to student success.
The predicted salary is between 27300 - 27300 £ per year.
Pastoral Support Mentor to join a supportive and inclusive mainstream secondary school on a full-time basis. This role focuses on working closely with pupils aged 11-16 years old who have additional SEND & SEMH needs, including Autism, ADHD, emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA), and behavioural challenges.
About the School
This is a welcoming and inclusive mainstream secondary school committed to meeting the needs of all learners. The school has a strong focus on pastoral care and early intervention, ensuring that pupils with additional needs are well supported both academically and emotionally. You will be part of a collaborative team that includes the SENDCO, pastoral staff, teaching staff and external professionals. Together, the team works to provide targeted interventions and personalised support strategies to help pupils engage positively with school life. The school promotes a nurturing approach, with a clear focus on building positive relationships, improving attendance, and supporting pupils to develop confidence, resilience and independence with their learning.
The Role
- Provide 1:1 and small group support for pupils with SEN and SEMH needs
- Support pupils in managing emotional regulation, behaviour and engagement
- Work with students experiencing emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA) to improve attendance and reintegration
- Act as a positive role model, building trusting and consistent relationships
- Support pupils during lessons, transitions and unstructured times (e.g. break/lunch)
- Deliver targeted interventions to support social skills, wellbeing and resilience
- Collaborate closely with the SENCO, pastoral team and teaching staff
- Contribute to and implement individual support plans and behaviour strategies
- Monitor and record pupil progress, wellbeing and engagement
The Ideal Candidate Will
- Have recent, relevant experience supporting children or vulnerable adults, which can be referenced
- Have experience working with young people with SEN and/or SEMH needs
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of needs such as Autism, ADHD, EBSA and behavioural challenges
- Be patient, empathetic and resilient, with a calm and consistent approach
- Be confident in managing and de-escalating challenging situations
- Have a good understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures
- Hold a valid Enhanced Child & Adult Workforce DBS on the Update Service, or be willing to apply for one through Milk Education
- Be committed to helping pupils build confidence, independence and a positive attitude to learning
- Experience in education, youth work, mentoring, care or support roles is highly desirable
- Training in areas such as Autism support, behaviour management or trauma-informed practice would be advantageous, but is not essential
Pastoral Support Mentor – SEND & SEMH (School-Based) in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Milk Education
Join a dedicated and inclusive mainstream secondary school in Longbenton, Newcastle upon Tyne, where your passion for supporting young people with additional needs will be truly valued. With a strong emphasis on pastoral care and professional development, this school fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises the emotional and academic success of its pupils. As a Pastoral Support Mentor, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while benefiting from ongoing training and the potential for permanent employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pastoral Support Mentor – SEND & SEMH (School-Based) in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Milk Education.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Milk Education!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Milk Education, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Milk Education or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Pastoral Support Mentor – SEND & SEMH (School-Based) in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Milk Education:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Milk Education! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Milk Education
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
