At a Glance
- Tasks: Mentor young people, providing support for their safety and personal development.
- Company: Join Ryefields, a new special school dedicated to supporting children with unique needs.
- Benefits: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and making lasting impacts.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values relationships and helps students thrive.
- Qualifications: Experience with children, especially those with SEN, ASC or SEMH needs is preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
To be considered for an interview, please make sure your application is full in line with the job specs as found below.
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.
Start Date: September 2026
Close Date: Friday 22nd May
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.
Pastoral & Safeguarding Mentor 0188 in Hilton employer: The Aurora Group
At Ryefields, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of young people. Our supportive work culture fosters strong relationships and collaboration, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to the wellbeing and development of our pupils. With a focus on professional growth and a commitment to safeguarding, we offer a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful work within a purpose-built environment designed for children with special educational needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pastoral & Safeguarding Mentor 0188 in Hilton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Ryefields. Understand their values and how they support pupils with ASC and SEMH needs. This will help you connect your experience to their mission during the chat.
✨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. We want to hear those stories that show your empathy and resilience.
✨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 you're serious about keeping children safe, which is super important for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re keen and committed to joining the Ryefields team. Let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Pastoral & Safeguarding Mentor 0188 in Hilton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Specs Carefully:Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. We want to see that you understand what we're looking for in a Pastoral & Safeguarding Mentor, so tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills.
Show Your Passion for Mentoring:In your written application, let us know why you're passionate about mentoring young people, especially those with ASC and SEMH needs. Share any personal experiences or insights that demonstrate your commitment to making a real difference in their lives.
Be Specific About Your Experience:When detailing your previous roles, be specific about your experience working with children or young people. We love to see examples of how you've built relationships, supported emotional regulation, or contributed to a positive school culture.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! This ensures that we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of your application. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at Ryefields!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Aurora Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Pastoral & Safeguarding Mentor. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of pupils with Autism Spectrum Condition and Social, Emotional and Mental Health challenges. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with the job requirements.
✨Showcase 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 empathetic approach and how you've supported individuals through challenging situations.
✨Understand Safeguarding Procedures
Brush up on safeguarding processes and be ready to discuss how you would handle potential concerns. Demonstrating your knowledge in this area shows that you take the safety and wellbeing of children seriously, which is crucial for this position.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions that show your genuine interest in the role and the school’s culture. Inquire about how they support their staff in building relationships with pupils or what training opportunities are available for professional development.
