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- Tasks: Mentor young people, providing emotional support and guidance to help them thrive.
- Company: Join a purpose-built special school dedicated to supporting vulnerable students.
- Benefits: Make a real difference in young lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values relationships and prioritises student wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Experience with children, especially those with special needs, is a plus.
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.
Pastoral & Safeguarding Coach in Etwall employer: The Aurora Group
Contact Detail:
The Aurora Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pastoral & Safeguarding Coach 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 fit for the role during interviews.
✨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 various scenarios. This shows you're serious about keeping children safe and understand the importance of this role.
✨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 position.
We think you need these skills to ace Pastoral & Safeguarding Coach 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 passion for supporting young people and how your experiences have shaped your approach. Don't be afraid to share personal stories that highlight your commitment to building strong relationships.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific role of Pastoral & Safeguarding Mentor. Highlight your relevant experience with ASC and SEMH needs, and show us how you can contribute to creating a safe and supportive environment for our pupils.
Showcase Your Skills: We’re looking for those calm, empathetic, and resilient qualities in your application. Be sure to mention any skills or experiences that demonstrate your ability to build positive relationships and support young people through challenges. This is your chance to stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget 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 shows you’re keen to join our team at Ryefields!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Aurora Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Pastoral & Safeguarding Mentor inside out. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of pupils with Autism Spectrum Condition and Social, Emotional and Mental Health challenges. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and passion for supporting these young people.
✨Show Your Relational Skills
Since this role is all about building strong relationships, be prepared to share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully connected with young people or families. Highlight your calm and empathetic approach, as well as any strategies you've used to support emotional regulation and self-esteem.
✨Understand Safeguarding Procedures
Make sure you're up to speed on safeguarding processes. Be ready to discuss how you would handle concerns and ensure the safety of pupils. This shows that you take the responsibility seriously and are committed to creating a safe environment for everyone.
✨Be Yourself
Finally, don’t forget to let your genuine belief in young people shine through. The interviewers want to see your authentic self and understand your values. Share your motivations for wanting to work in this role and how you plan to make a tangible difference in the lives of the pupils at Ryefields.