At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable young people with SEMH needs through guidance and emotional regulation.
- Company: Specialist SEMH secondary provision focused on nurturing and therapeutic environments.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, supportive team, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to personal development and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Be a positive role model and help students re-engage with education.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEMH or behavioural needs; patience and empathy are key.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 € per year.
Location: Bracknell, Berkshire
Pay: £108.00-£115.00
Hours: Monday – Friday | Full-time/Part-time
Start Date: ASAP
Are you passionate about supporting vulnerable young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs? Do you have the resilience, empathy and emotional intelligence to make a meaningful difference every single day? We are currently recruiting for a committed Pastoral Support Mentor to join a specialist SEMH secondary provision in Newham. This is a highly rewarding opportunity to support pupils who require consistent pastoral guidance, emotional regulation support, and positive role modelling to re-engage with education.
About the School
This specialist SEMH setting supports young people who have experienced significant barriers to learning, including trauma, adverse childhood experiences, behavioural challenges, and unmet emotional needs. The school provides a structured, nurturing and therapeutic environment where pupil welfare is at the heart of everything they do. With smaller class sizes and a high staff-to-student ratio, the school prioritises relationship-building, consistency, and personalised support. A strong safeguarding and pastoral framework ensures that pupils feel safe, understood, and supported both academically and emotionally. The leadership team promotes a trauma‑informed and restorative approach to behaviour. Staff work collaboratively across pastoral, teaching and therapeutic teams to develop individual support plans that focus on emotional regulation, resilience, and long‑term personal development. This is a setting where patience, empathy and consistency are essential, and where staff genuinely see the impact of their work.
The Role
- Provide intensive 1:1 and small‑group pastoral and welfare support
- Support pupils with SEMH needs, helping them develop emotional regulation strategies
- Act as a positive role model, promoting resilience and self‑belief
- De‑escalate challenging situations using trauma‑informed and restorative approaches
- Support pupils during lessons, transitions, and unstructured times
- Contribute to individual behaviour and welfare plans
- Liaise closely with teaching staff, SENCO, DSL and external professionals
- Monitor wellbeing, attendance and engagement
This role would suit individuals with experience in SEMH schools, alternative provisions, youth work, mentoring, care work, or outreach support.
The Ideal Candidate Will:
- Have experience working with young people with SEMH or behavioural needs
- Be calm, emotionally resilient, and consistent under pressure
- Understand trauma‑informed practice and restorative approaches
- Have strong safeguarding knowledge and awareness of child protection procedures
- Be confident managing and de‑escalating challenging behaviour
- Be patient, empathetic and genuinely passionate about supporting vulnerable pupils
- Team Teach or de‑escalation training is desirable but not essential.
Pastoral Support Mentor (SEN Focus - Classroom-Based) employer: Milk Education
Join a dedicated team in Bracknell, Berkshire, where your passion for supporting vulnerable young people with SEMH needs will be truly valued. Our nurturing and therapeutic environment prioritises staff collaboration and personal growth, offering you the chance to make a meaningful impact while developing your skills in a supportive setting. With a strong focus on emotional wellbeing and professional development, this role provides an excellent opportunity for those looking to contribute positively to the lives of young people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pastoral Support Mentor (SEN Focus - Classroom-Based)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with SEMH needs. They might know of opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to pastoral support and SEMH. Think about real-life examples where you've made a difference, as this will show your passion and experience in action.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through volunteering or shadowing in similar roles. This not only boosts your CV but also gives you hands-on experience that you can talk about during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We have a range of roles that could be perfect for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Pastoral Support Mentor (SEN Focus - Classroom-Based)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting vulnerable young people shine through. Share personal experiences or insights that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application specifically for the Pastoral Support Mentor role. Use keywords from the job description, like 'emotional regulation' and 'trauma-informed practice', to demonstrate that you understand the needs of the position.
Be Authentic:We want to see the real you! Be authentic in your writing and share your unique approach to mentoring. This will help us get a sense of your personality and how you might fit into our supportive environment.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this rewarding opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Milk Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the specific needs of pupils with SEMH challenges. Familiarise yourself with trauma-informed practices and restorative approaches, as these will likely come up in your interview. Being able to discuss how you've applied these methods in past experiences will show your commitment and knowledge.
✨Show Your Empathy
During the interview, demonstrate your emotional intelligence and empathy. Share examples of how you've supported vulnerable young people in the past. This could be through mentoring, youth work, or any relevant experience. The interviewers will want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios
Prepare for scenario-based questions where you might need to de-escalate a challenging situation. Think about how you would handle various scenarios involving emotional regulation and support. Practising these responses can help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the school’s approach to pastoral care and how they support their staff. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values and working style.
