Progress Mentor in Walsall

Location: The Ladder School, Walsall

We are an Alternative Provision Free School located in Walsall occupying a brand new, fabulous building. We are becoming the go‑to place for Alternative Provision in the borough. At The Ladder School we recognise that the mainstream school system does not suit all young people and we are here to offer a second chance. We believe that every student has potential and the staff work incredibly hard to ensure our students make the most of the opportunities available to them whilst they are with us. Unlike other alternative provisions, we offer a range of GCSE and vocational courses to ensure students receive a well‑rounded education and have the best chances in their future. We have a strong careers program designed to support students reach positive destinations after they leave The Ladder School.

School Ethos

• High standards – students are pushed to achieve beyond their potential, and staff work to ensure everything that we do is better than people expect.
• Daring to Dream – students at The Ladder School may have been in an educational setting where they lack aspirations to be successful. At The Ladder School, we challenge students to reach their potential and go on to further education and employment.
• Traditional Values – some things often get forgotten in education; at The Ladder School, we pride ourselves on mutual respect, good manners, making a positive contribution, supporting one another and an orderly, litter‑free environment.
• Success – can come in many virtues; at The Ladder School, we celebrate the small steps every day and tell students when they are doing well. We ensure that students can have a successful future.
• Personalised Support – all students at The Ladder School have a Learning Coach who guides them, sets them bespoke targets and supports them in making social and academic progress.

Role

We are seeking a committed, resilient and relational Progress Mentor to join our team. This role is central to our model: supporting high‑quality teaching and learning, building strong relationships, and helping students re‑engage with education. You will work closely with teachers, pastoral staff and external agencies to ensure every student feels safe, understood and capable of success.

Responsibilities

• Provide in‑class support to ensure students can access learning and make progress.
• Work proactively alongside teaching staff to help plan, prepare and adapt learning activities so that students can access the curriculum, develop confidence and make meaningful progress.
• Build trusting, consistent relationships with students who may have experienced trauma or rejection and negative attitudes to education.
• Support teachers with adaptive teaching, behaviour regulation and personalised support strategies.
• Deliver 1:1 and small‑group interventions (literacy, numeracy, SEMH, engagement).
• Act as a key adult for identified students, modelling calm, boundaries and emotional regulation.
• Support with de‑escalation, restorative conversations and relational practice.
• Contribute to EHCP reviews, behaviour plans, risk assessments and safeguarding processes.
• Promote attendance, engagement and a sense of belonging.
• Work as part of a multi‑agency team to support complex needs.
• Uphold The Ladder School’s values.
• Any other roles by the Headteacher, as appropriate.

Pay range: Scale Grade 5 (9‑17) | Actual £22,175‑£25,352 | FTE £27,254‑31,022

Qualifications and Skills

Essential Skills & Experience

• A relevant qualification in teaching and learning.
• Experience working with vulnerable young people, ideally in AP, PRU, SEMH or SEND settings.
• Understanding of trauma‑informed practice and how adverse experiences affect behaviour and learning.
• Ability to support teaching and learning through scaffolding, modelling and adaptive strategies.
• Strong behaviour regulation skills using relational, non‑confrontational approaches.
• Ability to build trust with students who may initially reject support.
• Excellent communication with students, staff, families and external agencies.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• Resilience and emotional stability when working with challenging situations.
• Ability to work as part of a multi‑disciplinary team.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience in Alternative Provision or PRU settings.
• Experience delivering interventions (academic or SEMH).
• Knowledge of SEND, particularly ASD, ADHD, SEMH.
• Training in de‑escalation (Team Teach, PRICE, MAPA etc.).
• Experience supporting literacy or numeracy.
• Understanding of restorative practice.
• Ability to contribute to behaviour plans and risk assessments.

Personal Qualities

• Calm, consistent and patient.
• High expectations with unconditional positive regard.
• Reflective and open to feedback.
• Creative problem‑solver.
• Committed to inclusion and believing in every child’s potential.

Benefits

• Discounts on everyday purchases (Eden Red).
• A comprehensive free‑of‑charge health plan (UK Health Care).
• A cycle‑to‑work scheme via Halfords.
• Access to the Blue Light Card.

The Mercian Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults, and all appointments are subject to enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks and satisfactory references. The Mercian Trust is also committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.