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- Tasks: Mentor young people, providing emotional support and safeguarding in a hands-on role.
- Company: Ryefields, a purpose-built special school dedicated to supporting young people with unique needs.
- Benefits: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Other info: Be part of a positive school culture where every child feels valued and safe.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help young people thrive through strong relationships and trust.
- Qualifications: Experience with children, especially those with SEN, ASC or SEMH needs is preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Do you want a role where relationships matter, where trust is built day by day, and where your work genuinely changes young people's lives? Ryefields is seeking a Pastoral & Safeguarding Mentor to join our growing team and play a vital role in supporting the safety, wellbeing and personal development of our pupils. This is a hands-on, relational role, focused on mentoring young people with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs so they can feel safe, regulated and ready to learn.
Ryefields is a new, purpose-built special school in Derby, created for children and young people with ASC and SEMH needs who have often struggled to thrive in mainstream settings. Our pupils don't just need rules and routines — they need connection, consistency and someone who won't give up on them. At Ryefields, we believe that strong relationships are the foundation for learning, and that every child deserves to feel safe, understood and valued.
As a Pastoral & Safeguarding Mentor, you will work closely with pupils, families and staff to provide consistent, trusted support that helps young people feel secure and engaged in school life.
- Build strong, meaningful relationships with pupils, offering calm, consistent mentoring and pastoral support
- Act as a key safeguarding support within the school, remaining vigilant to concerns and reporting them in line with safeguarding procedures
- Support pupils with emotional regulation, anxiety, self-esteem and social skills through targeted mentoring and group interventions
- Work alongside teaching and support staff to promote positive behaviour, attendance and engagement
- Support pupils during transitions into school, between placements or towards next steps, helping them manage anxiety and change
- Liaise with families and external professionals to ensure pupils' needs are understood and supported
- Contribute to a positive, respectful school culture where pupils feel safe, heard and ready to succeed
You will be visible, present and involved, making a tangible difference to pupils' daily experiences.
Experience working with children or young people, ideally within a SEN, ASC or SEMH context.
Knowledge of safeguarding processes and a strong commitment to keeping children safe.
A calm, empathetic and resilient approach when supporting pupils through challenge.
The ability to build positive relationships with pupils, families and colleagues.
A genuine belief in young people — especially those who have found school difficult.
Experience in counselling, psychology, pastoral support or mental health work is desirable, but your values, mindset and relational skills matter most.
Please complete an online application form in full, remembering to include all employment and education details. Successful applicants will be subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks including an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check.
The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Aurora Group is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.
The Aurora Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children and young adults in our care and is a disability confident and equal opportunities employer.
Please note that candidates that are shortlisted might be subject to an online search.
Behaviour Assistant and Safeguarding Support in Etwall employer: The Aurora Group
Contact Detail:
The Aurora Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Behaviour Assistant and Safeguarding Support in Etwall
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture! Before your interview, check out Ryefields' website and social media. Understanding their values and approach will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your storytelling skills! Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you've built strong relationships or supported young people through challenges. This will help you demonstrate your empathy and resilience during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss safeguarding! Brush up on your knowledge of safeguarding processes and be prepared to share how you would handle potential concerns. This shows that you take the safety and wellbeing of pupils seriously.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Behaviour Assistant and Safeguarding Support in Etwall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When you're filling out your application, let your true self shine through! We want to see your personality and passion for supporting young people. Share your experiences and why you believe in building strong relationships with pupils.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Pastoral & Safeguarding Mentor. Mention specific examples of how you've supported young people, especially those with ASC or SEMH needs.
Show Your Commitment to Safeguarding: Since safeguarding is a big part of this role, be sure to demonstrate your understanding of safeguarding processes. Share any relevant experiences that show your dedication to keeping children safe and supported.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you're keen to join our team at Ryefields!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Aurora Group
✨Know Your Stuff About ASC and SEMH
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of Autism Spectrum Condition and Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. Understand the challenges these young people face and think about how you can support them. This will show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Relational Skills
During the interview, be ready to share examples of how you've built strong relationships in the past. Whether it's with pupils, families, or colleagues, highlight your ability to connect and communicate effectively. This role is all about trust and connection, so let your personality shine!
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific situations involving pupils with ASC or SEMH needs. Think through potential scenarios and how you would approach them calmly and empathetically. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and your commitment to safeguarding.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the school's approach to mentoring or how they support staff in their roles. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and helps you gauge if the school’s values align with yours.