At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils' social and emotional development while leading outdoor play initiatives.
- Company: Walmley Junior School, dedicated to nurturing children's wellbeing and learning.
- Benefits: Join a supportive team with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on creativity, inclusion, and positive relationships.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through play and emotional support.
- Qualifications: Fluent English speaker with a commitment to safeguarding and child welfare.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 33483 £ per year.
To support pupils’ social, emotional and behavioural development, enabling them to access learning successfully, while leading the development and implementation of high-quality outdoor play through the OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) approach. The postholder will ensure that unstructured times are used proactively to develop pupils’ social skills, emotional regulation and behaviour, contributing positively to wellbeing, safety and learning across the school.
Learning Mentor Responsibilities (Core Role)
- Provide targeted support for pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs
- Deliver 1:1 and small group interventions focused on emotional regulation, social skills and behaviour for learning
- Support pupils at key points in the day (e.g. transitions, start/end of day)
- Build positive, professional relationships with pupils and families
- Work alongside teaching staff to identify and remove barriers to learning
- Maintain accurate and timely records (including MyConcern and intervention tracking)
- Contribute to safeguarding processes in line with Department for Education statutory guidance
- Liaise with external agencies where appropriate
OPAL Play Coordination (Strategic Responsibility)
- Play Leadership
- Lead the implementation and ongoing development of the OPAL approach across the school
- Design, organise and review play environments to maximise engagement, inclusion and safety
- Ensure a wide range of play opportunities that support physical, creative and social development
- SEMH Development Through Play (Key Integration)
- Use playtimes as a structured opportunity to teach and reinforce social skills (e.g. turn‑taking, cooperation, conflict resolution)
- Support pupils in developing emotional regulation in real‑life contexts
- Promote inclusion and reduce social isolation
- Identify pupils who struggle with unstructured times, experience friendship difficulties or display dysregulated or unsafe behaviours
- Provide in‑the‑moment coaching and support, including modelling appropriate language and behaviour, facilitating peer interactions and supporting resolution of conflict using restorative approaches
- Plan and deliver targeted play‑based support for identified pupils, linking directly to Learning Mentor interventions
- Behaviour Through Play
- Promote consistent expectations for behaviour during playtimes
- Model and embed agreed adult responses aligned with the school Behaviour Policy
- Use observation to identify patterns (e.g. hotspots, repeat behaviours, specific pupil needs)
- Staff Development
- Support and coach lunchtime supervisors to improve the quality of interactions with pupils
- Model effective practice in real time
- Deliver briefings and guidance to ensure consistency across staff
- Monitoring and Evaluation
- Track and analyse behaviour incidents during unstructured times
- Use pupil voice to evaluate the quality of play provision
- Evaluate the impact of play on behaviour and wellbeing
- Report findings and next steps to SLT
- Organisation and Sustainability
- Oversee play resources and storage
- Ensure equipment is used safely and purposefully
- Contribute to the long‑term development and sustainability of OPAL provision
Qualifications and Requirements
- Essential: Ability to speak fluent English
- Subject to standard pre‑employment checks (enhanced DBS, Prohibition check, childcare disqualification where applicable, medical fitness, identity and right to work)
Commitment to Safeguarding. Walmley Junior School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment.
Learning Mentor with OPAL Play Coordination in Birmingham employer: Walmley Junior School
Walmley Junior School is an exceptional employer that prioritises the social, emotional, and behavioural development of its pupils while fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for staff. With a strong commitment to professional growth, employees benefit from ongoing training and development opportunities, particularly in the innovative OPAL approach to outdoor play. Located in a vibrant community, the school promotes a culture of collaboration and wellbeing, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Mentor with OPAL Play Coordination in Birmingham
✨Dive into Digital Learning Communities
Join online forums and communities focused on digital education, like EdTech Meetups or LinkedIn groups. Engage actively—share ideas and insights, and you'll not only learn a ton but also connect with potential employers and thought leaders in the industry.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Skills
Create content that demonstrates your understanding of digital learning—think blogs, videos, or even free online workshops. This could catch the eye of companies like Walmley Junior School looking for innovative thinkers. Plus, it’s a great way to practice your presentation skills!
✨Utilise University Career Services
If you're still in education or have access to an alumni network, make the most of your university's career services. They often have exclusive job listings and workshops tailored to students wanting to break into full-time roles in education technology.
✨Apply Directly Via Company Websites
When you come across roles like Learning Mentor with OPAL Play Coordination at Walmley Junior School, make sure to apply directly through their website. It not only shows you're serious but sometimes you'll find positions listed there that may not be on job boards yet. Keep an eye on those!
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Mentor with OPAL Play Coordination in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Learning:When applying for a role in digital learning and education at Walmley Junior School, make sure to sprinkle your application with examples of your enthusiasm for teaching and learning technologies. Share specific experiences where you've used, designed, or implemented digital learning solutions, as this shows us that you truly get the field.
Highlight Relevant Education and Certification:In the digital learning space, having a strong educational background can set you apart. Don't shy away from showcasing your degrees, certifications, or relevant courses related to e-learning, instructional design, or educational technology. We love seeing candidates who have actively invested in their learning journey!
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Your CV is your first impression, so let's make it count! Focus on your skills directly related to digital learning, such as course development, learning management systems, and data analysis. Be sure to show measurable results from your past roles to demonstrate your impact and effectiveness.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express not just your qualifications, but your vision for the future of digital education. Discuss how your experiences align with the mission of Walmley Junior School and highlight any innovative ideas you might have for enhancing learning experiences. This is your chance to connect with us on a deeper level!
How to prepare for a job interview at Walmley Junior School
✨Get Hands-On with Learning Technologies
Familiarise yourself with common digital learning tools and platforms, like LMS systems or authoring tools that Walmley Junior School might use. Understanding these will give you an edge and show you’re ready to jump in from day one!
✨Showcase Your Creativity in Lesson Design
Prepare a portfolio of your past projects if you have them, or create sample lesson plans or digital content demos. Being able to discuss your creative approach to engaging students can really set you apart in a full-time role at Walmley Junior School.
✨Brush Up on Educational Trends
Stay in the loop with the latest trends in digital education, like gamification or personalised learning experiences. This will help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview and demonstrate your passion for the field.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
Expect to be asked about your experience working collaboratively with educators or other stakeholders. Consider discussing how you've contributed to a team effort in creating engaging educational content or improving student outcomes.
