Learning Mentor

Eclipse Education - Learning Mentor

Alternative Learning Provision

Eclipse Education is an Alternative Learning Provision supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH), anxiety, trauma and disrupted education. We provide tailored academic education alongside holistic and enrichment opportunities, helping students to re-engage with learning, develop confidence and make positive progress.

Role purpose

Learning Mentors are central to the relationships and day-to-day support that make Eclipse effective. Working alongside teachers, the Director and the Senior Leadership Team, you will help students feel safe, understood and ready to learn. You will provide consistent, individualised support that helps students to overcome barriers, develop independence, manage emotions and make academic, social and personal progress.

The successful candidate will combine warmth and compassion with clear boundaries, high expectations and a willingness to adapt support to each student's needs.

Key responsibilities

• Build positive, trusting professional relationships with students and contribute to a calm, safe and inclusive learning environment.
• Use trauma-informed, relational, restorative and positive behaviour approaches.
• Support students with on-site learning, life skills, therapeutic activities, enrichment and community learning.
• Deliver and adapt planned learning activities to meet interests, Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) outcomes and identified support strategies.
• Support the development of literacy, numeracy, independence, resilience and employability skills.
• Help students regulate emotions, manage transitions and develop strategies for participation, communication and positive behaviour.
• Observe, monitor and record students' engagement, progress, achievements and developmental needs, contributing to reports and other required records.
• Share relevant information promptly and accurately in line with Eclipse’s and all safeguarding procedures.
• Follow students' risk assessments, personal support plans, medical and communication information, transport arrangements and safeguarding guidance.
• Take part in enrichment activities and community-based education with the students.
• Collect, return and transport students to and from site and enrichment activities.
• Attend team meetings, supervision, reviews and required training, contributing positively to the development of Eclipse's practice.

Person specificationEssential requirements

• GCSE English and GCSE Maths at grade 4/C or above. Evidence of both qualifications will be required.
• Experience of working with children or young people in an educational, care, youth work, community or similar setting.
• Experience of supporting young people with SEND and/or SEMH needs, including autism, ADHD, anxiety, trauma or disrupted education.
• A genuine commitment to helping young people feel safe, valued and able to make progress.
• Ability to build trusting relationships while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries, consistency and high expectations.
• Ability to respond calmly to distress or challenging behaviour, use de-escalation strategies and seek help appropriately.
• Ability to follow individual plans, risk assessments, safeguarding procedures and agreed supervision arrangements.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to maintain accurate and timely records.
• Ability to work constructively as part of a small, flexible team and to respond positively when plans need to change according to student need.
• Commitment to equality, inclusion, reflective practice, professional development and safeguarding.
• A full valid driving licence, access to a suitable vehicle and willingness to undertake approved student transport duties, subject to the required checks and insurance evidence.

Desirable requirements

• A relevant qualification or training in education, youth work, childcare, health and social care, SEND, mental health or a related area.
• Experience of alternative provision, specialist education, therapeutic support, restorative practice or trauma-informed practice.
• Experience supporting students with ASD, ADHD, communication needs, emotional regulation or complex medical needs.

Training and development

All staff are expected to complete Eclipse's mandatory induction and training programme. This may include safeguarding and child protection, Prevent, first aid, health and safety, GDPR and data protection, positive behaviour support, transport and other role-specific training. Eclipse encourages staff to identify appropriate CPD and develop their practice through supervision, coaching, team discussion and training opportunities.

What Eclipse can offer

• A competitive salary and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to young people's lives.
• A strong, highly skilled and experienced team that values collaboration and mutual support.
• A thorough induction process, with ongoing CPD, supervision and opportunities to develop professionally.
• Mileage reimbursement for approved business journeys in line with Eclipse's current policy.
• Opportunities to take part in enrichment and community activities, with food and drink provided while at work.

Safer recruitment and equality

Eclipse Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate must share this commitment and follow Eclipse Education’s safeguarding, child protection and safer-working policies, together with all relevant statutory guidance.

Applicants must provide a complete education, employment and voluntary-work history from leaving school, including month and year dates, duties, reasons for leaving and an explanation for any gaps. References must include full contact details and may be verified directly with the named organisation. Shortlisted candidates may be subject to an online search as part of Eclipse Education’s safer-recruitment and due-diligence procedures.

Any offer of employment will be subject to the satisfactory completion of appropriate safer-recruitment checks. These may include verification of identity, right to work, qualifications and employment history; references; an Enhanced DBS check, including Children’s Barred List information where legally required for the role; and any other checks required by law or for the post.

Eclipse Education welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds and is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. Reasonable adjustments can be requested at any stage of the recruitment process.

Pay: £20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person