At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a Year 1 child with complex SEND needs in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join a compassionate team dedicated to making a difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Ongoing support, rewarding experience, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Work mornings only, creating a calm routine until the child's transition.
- Why this job: Help a child feel safe and valued while developing essential skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with complex SEND and a passion for supporting non-verbal learners.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
Location: Wigan
Hours: 0830-1pm Monday to Friday - Mornings Only
Start Date: ASAP
Contract: Ongoing until the child transitions to a long-term specialist school
We are seeking a kind and patient Nurture Mentor to support a Year 1 child with highly complex SEND needs. This is a rewarding role for someone with a gentle approach and a genuine passion for helping children feel safe, valued, and understood. The child you will be supporting is a non-verbal, sensory learner working at a developmental age of less than 12 months and requires consistent reassurance, sensory regulation, and personal care. He is awaiting a placement in a long-term specialist setting, and your support will be essential in helping him feel settled and secure within school until this transition takes place.
About the Role
You will work 2:1 each morning, creating a calm and predictable routine that supports his emotional and developmental needs. Your role will include:
- Helping him feel safe, comforted, and confident in his classroom
- Engaging him in sensory and play-based learning experiences
- Supporting non-verbal communication, including visual cues, gestures, Makaton/PECS (desirable)
- Providing personal care with patience, dignity, and sensitivity
- Following classroom routines and contributing to EHCP targets
- Working closely with the class team to create a nurturing, accepting environment
His needs are significant, but he responds well to adults who take the time to understand him.
We’re Looking For Someone Who:
- Has experience supporting children with complex SEND
- Is confident supporting non-verbal, sensory learners
- Has experience working at early developmental stages
- Can provide calm, patient, and compassionate support
- Is comfortable with personal care
- Can build trusting, meaningful relationships
- Knows or is willing to learn Makaton/PECS
- Brings warmth, resilience, and a child-centred approach
- Has an enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to apply for one
Why Join Us?
- Work within a supportive, understanding team
- Help him grow, feel safe, and learn at his own pace
- Be part of a nurturing journey until he moves to his long-term specialist school
To Apply
If you have the experience, skills, and most importantly, the heart to support this child, we would love to hear from you.
Nurture Mentor employer: SEND Inclusion Support
Join our dedicated team at a SEND school in Nuneaton, where we prioritise a supportive and inclusive work culture that fosters professional growth. We offer competitive daily rates, ongoing training opportunities, and a collaborative environment that empowers educators to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our diverse learners.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nurture Mentor
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Research the environment where you'll be working, especially how they support children with SEND. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be supporting a non-verbal learner, think about how you can demonstrate your understanding of non-verbal cues and Makaton/PECS. Maybe even brush up on some basic signs to impress during your interview!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported children with complex needs in the past. Use stories that highlight your patience, compassion, and ability to create a nurturing environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Don’t hesitate – we’re excited to hear from you!
We think you need these skills to ace Nurture Mentor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your genuine passion for supporting children with complex SEND shine through. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to make a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application specifically to the Nurture Mentor role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills, especially those related to non-verbal communication and sensory learning, to show us you're the perfect fit.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use simple language and structure your thoughts logically so we can easily see how your background aligns with the needs of the child you'll be supporting.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at SEND Inclusion Support
✨Understand the Role
Before the interview, take some time to really understand what being a Nurture Mentor involves. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with complex SEND and think about how your experience aligns with the role. This will help you articulate your passion and suitability during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to support non-verbal and sensory learners. Think about times when you've successfully built trusting relationships or provided personal care with patience and dignity. Concrete examples will make your application stand out.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to discuss practical scenarios during the interview. They might ask how you would handle certain situations with the child, such as providing sensory regulation or using Makaton/PECS. Practise your responses to these types of questions so you can show your problem-solving skills and calm approach.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, the child's current routines, or how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you determine if it’s the right fit for you.
