Inclusion Mentor in Ponteland

About the College

Northumberland College is Ofsted Outstanding and is currently building a multi-million, state of the art, new college campus in Ashington, due to open in 2026. The successful candidate will be based at the new college where a purpose-built construction, housing, advanced manufacturing and engineering centre will be located. Curriculum spans technical, vocational further and higher education and includes large apprenticeship provision and dedicated centres for young people with SEND.

The College has two main campuses in Ashington and Ponteland, and as part of the college group Education Partnership Northeast, it also has a significant number of satellite delivery centres across the region. Served by easy road links, and the new train station in Ashington, when Northumberland College opens its new Department for Education backed campus at Wansbeck Business Park, the college will boast a national trailblazer both in architectural design and operation. This major £52 million+ investment comes on top of the College recently driving £14 million into new facilities and resources at its existing sites.

Our Journey & Values

As an employer, we prioritise cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognise that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.

Taking Teaching Further & Additional Incentives

If you're making the move into further education teaching, you may be eligible for the Taking Teaching Further (TTF) programme, a funded route to help industry professionals retrain as FE teachers. In addition, for roles in high-need subjects or regions you may also benefit from the government's targeted retention incentive payments, worth up to £6,000 for eligible teachers in their first five years and teaching certain shortage subjects.

Please note eligibility for both TTF and the Targeted Retention Incentive varies by role, subject area and provider; they do not apply to every vacancy.

About the Candidate

We are looking for a compassionate, dedicated and inclusive individual who is passionate about supporting learners with SEND at our Ashington Campus. You will help remove barriers to learning, build confidence, promote independence and create a supportive environment where every learner feels valued, respected and empowered to achieve their potential.

About the Role

In this role, you will work collaboratively with curriculum teams within our Ashington Campus and student support services to develop personalised strategies that enable learners with SEND to overcome barriers, build confidence and achieve their potential. Your commitment, creativity and dedication will contribute to the continuous improvement of our provision and support the College's ambition to deliver excellence for every learner.

Role Responsibilities

• To provide mentor support to students with learning difficulties and or disabilities, emotional and behaviour needs who are on mainstream or discrete College courses to integrate into the College environment.
• To assist in the implementation of detailed assessments and monitoring and review of support strategies.
• To devise and implement support strategies with senior departmental staff and other college professionals around individual students and groups to overcome their barriers to learning.
• To identify possible sources of problems at early stage and to communicate this to teaching staff and departmental management.

Qualifications

• Relevant care, learning support, or youth qualification, ideally at least at NVQ level 2 (or equivalent).
• GCSE Maths and English.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Experience of supporting individuals with SEND or additional learning needs.
• Knowledge of Educational Health Care Plans and assessment and support plans.
• Awareness of responsibilities under SEND Code of Practice and the Equality Act.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.

What's in it for you?

Join EPNE and you'll be part of a culture that prioritises your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package. Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays. Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role). LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme - depending on role. Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more. We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans. Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Free parking on most campuses. Free Gym access available at Bede Campus.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

At Education Partnership North East (EPNE), we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We know that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams to enhance the education and support we provide to our learners and communities. As a Disability Confident Employer and Armed Forces Covenant Member, and with Ofsted Outstanding status across all campuses, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing environment where everyone can thrive.

Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check. We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.

Please contact kathryn.young@northumberland.ac.uk should you wish to have an informal chat about the role.