Learning Support Mentor in Shaftesbury

Salary: Grade 6, Scale Point 6, £19,636 per annum (actual)*

Contract: Two roles available, full-time (32.5 hours per week) and part-time hours considered, 39 weeks per year (term time plus inset days), fixed term until 31st August 2027. Although this is a fixed-term contract, it may be extended subject to the continuation of associated funding.

Role Overview: We are seeking to appoint two caring, enthusiastic and dedicated Learning Support Mentors to join our friendly team at Shaftesbury CE Primary School. This is a rewarding opportunity to support pupils academically, socially and emotionally, helping them to thrive within a positive and nurturing learning environment. The successful candidates will work closely with class teachers, the SENCO and other members of staff to support children across the school through a combination of classroom support, small-group interventions and targeted one-to-one provision. The role may include supporting pupils with a range of additional learning, social, emotional or behavioural needs, helping to ensure that every child can access learning and achieve their full potential.

Qualifications:

• Have experience working with primary-aged children in a school, childcare or support setting.
• Be caring, patient and committed to helping all children achieve their potential.
• Have a passion for education and making a positive difference to children's lives.
• Be able to build positive relationships with pupils, staff and families.
• Be confident supporting pupils with a range of learning, social, emotional and behavioural needs.
• Work effectively as part of a team and contribute positively to the wider school community.
• Be proactive, flexible and able to use their initiative.
• Have high expectations of behaviour, learning and achievement.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude and a willingness to learn and develop professionally.

Safeguarding & Recruitment: SAST will conduct online searches of shortlisted candidates. In line with KCSIE guidance, this will be part of safer recruitment checks, and the search will purely be based on whether an individual is suitable to work with children. As care must be taken to avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination, a person who will not be on the appointment panel will conduct the searches and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern. Safeguarding responsibilities associated with this role may include engagement in regulatory activity, such as administering first aid or supporting an upset child. It will have contact with young people on a day-to-day basis. SAST is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will have to meet the person specification and the post is subject to safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check and Children’s Barred List check. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

EEO Statement: SAST recognises the benefit of having a diverse workforce and is committed to building a workforce which reflects diversity from the communities it serves. SAST values the contributions from all staff from a wide range of different backgrounds and actively seeks to promote an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment and at the same time supports fair promotion and cultural acceptance. Under the provision of the Equality Act 2010 SAST welcomes applications from everyone and operates a recruitment process which is fair and does not discriminate against or disadvantage anyone because of their age, disability, gender reassignment status, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race or nationality, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. This role is UK-based and your right to work will need to be established as part of the appointment process.