At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with learning difficulties to access the curriculum and achieve their goals.
- Company: Join a dedicated team providing high-quality support in education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, and term-time only contract for work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and empower them towards independence.
- Qualifications: GCSE English and Maths required; experience with special educational needs preferred.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for training and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 20436 - 23419 £ per year.
Directorate: Learning
Department: Construction
Reporting To: Team Leader
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
- Salary Scale: APT&C Scale 4
- Salary: £20,436 per annum actual / £23,519 FTE (pro‑rated if part‑time)
- Superannuation Scheme: Local Government Pension Scheme
- Hours: 37 hours per week
- Contract: Term‑time only (38 weeks per year), Permanent
- Location: Cambridge
- Annual Leave: Holiday entitlement included within annual salary
Introduction / Background
Our client provides high‑quality support to students with a range of learning difficulties and disabilities, including D/deaf students, individuals with Autistic Spectrum Disorders, physical access needs, learning disabilities, visual impairment and language impairment.
Primary Purpose of the Role
To support students with learning difficulties and disabilities to become empowered, enabling them to fully access the curriculum and achieve their programme of study through increased independence.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Work collaboratively with subject lecturers and assessors, under the direction of the Learning Support Manager or their delegate.
- Support students in a wide variety of learning environments, both in and outside the classroom. This includes reading materials aloud, note‑taking, word processing, use of enabling technologies, defining language, and other metacognitive skills.
- Empower young people to achieve their personalised learning outcomes, including Education, Health and Care Plan outcomes and targets.
- Adapt class resources to ensure students can access learning materials, e.g., enlarging text or modifying carrier language.
- Promote independence and empower students to make progress towards their goals, championing learning support and inclusion.
- Provide support outside formal classroom settings where needed, including breaks, lunch, pre‑arranged trips, and off‑campus study programme delivery.
- Maintain accurate records in accordance with support guidelines, including student attendance, target‑setting, progression, and daily Pro‑monitor notes reflecting support provided.
- Attend and contribute effectively to team meetings, focusing on continuous improvement of learning support.
- Support students with therapy interventions (e.g., physiotherapy, speech and language therapy) in line with guidance from relevant professionals.
- Work directly with young people to review their support needs, following internal processes.
- Attend statutory annual review meetings with parents and/or external key workers at the invitation of the Learning Support Manager.
- Undertake relevant training and development as agreed with the Learning Support Manager.
- Assist colleagues in identifying students support needs, for example by expressing concerns relating to student welfare (e.g., safeguarding concerns) and referring students to learner services.
- Undertake any other duties reasonably required, commensurate with the role, at the primary place of work or any other site.
Special Conditions / Working Arrangements
This post is defined as regulated activity. The postholder must hold an enhanced DBS disclosure deemed acceptable, to be renewed every four years. All appointments are subject to satisfactory pre‑employment checks, including an Enhanced DBS with Barred List check. This job description reflects the role at the current date and may change following consultation to reflect evolving needs.
EMPLOYEE PROFILE
Qualifications
- Essential: GCSE English and Maths (Grade C/4 or equivalent)
- Desirable / To Be Developed: Level 2 Learning Support Qualification (or working towards), Dyslexia‑related qualifications, Moving and Handling / Assisting People to Move qualification
Related Experience
- Essential: Recent, demonstrable experience supporting people with special educational needs
- Desirable: Experience working with young people and adults across age ranges in FE or similar (education, healthcare, social services), Experience with sighted guiding
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Essential: High level of sensitivity and empathy, Ability to motivate, Computer literacy, Ability to take notes for students
- Desirable: Familiarity with digital assistive technology
Learning Support Mentor employer: National Skills Agency
Contact Detail:
National Skills Agency Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Mentor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with students with learning difficulties. They might know of opportunities that aren't advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to supporting students with special educational needs. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for empowering students during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've supported individuals in the past, highlighting your empathy and adaptability.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Mentor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Learning Support Mentor. We want to see how you can empower students and support their learning journey!
Showcase Relevant Experience: Don’t forget to mention any experience you have working with individuals with learning difficulties or disabilities. We love seeing real-life examples of how you've made a difference in someone's educational experience.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your qualifications and experiences, so we can easily see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Skills Agency
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Learning Support Mentor inside out. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of students with learning difficulties and disabilities, and think about how you can empower them. Brush up on relevant qualifications and experiences that align with the job description.
✨Show Your Empathy
During the interview, demonstrate your sensitivity and empathy towards students with special educational needs. Share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported individuals in overcoming challenges. This will show that you genuinely care about making a difference.
✨Be Ready to Collaborate
This role involves working closely with lecturers and other professionals. Be prepared to discuss how you would collaborate effectively with a team. Think of examples where you've worked in a team setting and how you contributed to achieving common goals.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions. Inquire about the support systems in place for students or how the team measures success. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.