Learning Mentor 2

Dear Prospective Candidate,

Devonshire Primary Academy wish to appoint a Learning Mentor Level 2 to join our nurturing and inclusive school, located in an area of high socio-economic disadvantage. The purpose of the role is to support the wellbeing, behaviour and emotional development of our pupils, helping them to engage in learning, manage their feelings and overcome barriers to personal and academic success. 

This is a permanent post; term-time only; 30 hours per week, Monday Friday; with the successful candidate starting 01/09/2025.

At Devonshire Primary Academy every child is important and everyone is treated as an individual. We place great emphasis on our ability to provide a secure, caring and welcoming environment in which everyone has pride in themselves and strives to achieve the highest possible standard of learning, behaviour and attitudes. We endeavour to ensure that all children leave our care with a love of education and with the building blocks they need to become confident, life-long learners. 

We are inviting applications from candidates with either the knowledge and skills equivalent to current National Qualifications at Level 3 or equivalent relevant experience. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their ability to undertake the following responsibilities and skills:

• Develop strong, trusting relationships with all pupils and particularly vulnerable pupils, offering personalised 1:1 and small group support.
• Work with pupils exhibiting challenging behaviours, using de-escalation techniques and positive behaviour support strategies to promote self-control and appropriate conduct. This includes providing in-school support to staff by offering strategies for managing pupils’ behaviour and emotional needs.
• Use nurture-based and trauma-informed approaches to support emotional regulation, resilience and self-esteem.
• Support children coping with bereavement, loss, or family separation, offering a safe space and liaising with specialist services where needed.
• Support the emotional wellbeing of children during transitions, such as moving to a new class or key stage.
• Work closely with the SENDCOs, school staff and external professionals such as CAMHS and SEND services; attending multi-agency meetings, completing referrals, contributing to support plans and EHCPs and maintaining detailed and accurate records.
• Liaise and meet regularly with parents and carers to share progress, offer support and build positive and effective partnerships that improve pupil outcomes. This includes organising and attending events such as learning courses, coffee mornings, and other supportive family activities and supplying resources to help with routines and boundaries at home
• Assist in promoting good attendance, including supporting pupils at the start and end of the school day and throughout the lunchtime period.
• Contribute positively to the wider life of the school and be flexible in taking on any other appropriate tasks or responsibilities, as directed by the Senior Management Team.
• Show a commitment to ongoing professional development by attending training and relevant courses.
• Demonstrate a warm, welcoming and reliable manner that is nurturing, empathetic and calm.
• Be approachable, firm and fair and consistent in the role.
• Demonstrate resilience and an ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Possess strong organisational abilities and excellent communication skills.
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic with an ability to be proactive, show initiative and work effectively, both independently and as part of a team.

Devonshire Primary Academy is a happy, exciting and productive school with a wealth of opportunities for our children and staff. We can offer you: 

• The chance to be part of a closely connected, dedicated and hardworking staff;
• A friendly and supportive whole school staff team;
• Opportunities for professional development;
• A commitment to reducing staff workload and prioritising staff wellbeing – The Sea View Trust has signed up to the DfE Wellbeing Charter and Devonshire Primary Academy was named as Active Workplace of the Year 2023 at Active Lives Community Awards;
• A consistent, supportive and fair approach to dealing with staff absence, which applies to all employees and covers all types of absence;
• Term time employment, allowing you to spend school holidays with family;
• Enrolment into a pension scheme – employees do not pay tax or national insurance on their pension contributions and the school add a generous employer contribution;
• Free onsite parking;
• The option to purchase a new bicycle and cycling equipment via salary sacrifice making tax and national insurance savings; and
• The opportunity to work in a school which is at the heart of its community and always looking for innovative ways to provide the best education. 

Visits to the academy are encouraged and have been scheduled for Thursday 3^rd July at 9:00am and 3:30pm. If you wish to visit, please arrange this by emailing admin@devonshire.svt.org.uk and providing your name and telephone number. We would also invite you to peruse our school website: https://www.devonshire.blackpool.sch.uk/ and our Facebook Page: Devonshire Primary Academy to gain an insight into our wonderful school.

The closing date for applications is Monday 7^th July at 9:00am and interviews are currently scheduled to take place on Thursday 10^th July. 

We look forward to receiving your application should you wish to apply.

Yours sincerely,

Mr D.P. Simm

Headteacher