Pastoral & Safeguarding Mentor 0188 in Etwall

Make a Real Difference at Ryefields

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.

About Ryefields

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. This role sits right at the heart of that belief.

The Role – Making the Difference That Matters

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. You will:

• 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

This is not a desk-based role. You will be visible, present and involved, making a tangible difference to pupils' daily experiences.

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who understands that progress starts with trust. You will bring:

• 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
• Confidence in working as part of a multidisciplinary team
• 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.

How to apply?

Please complete an online application form in full, remembering to include all employment and education details. If you need any assistance or would like any more information please contact Karen in the Aurora Group Recruitment Team.

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.

This advert could be taken down at any point in time without prior notice if the position is filled. Please note that candidates that are shortlisted might be subject to an online search.