Learning Support Mentor - SEND: SEMH, trauma, ADHD, ASC
Location: Plymouth
Start date: September 2026
Hours: Full-time, TTO (8:30am - 4:00pm, Monday to Friday, term-time only)
Type: temp-to-perm (via 60-day trial period)
Salary: £111.30 - £133.70 per day during trial period (15.90ph - £19.10ph) - experience dependent
Our new special school for learners in year groups 6-9 (ages 11-14) is expected to open in September 2026 on the existing site already operating as an Alternative Education Provision
Elmtree Sands School will open based on the successes of learner outcomes at our 9 Elmtree Learning Partnership sites and Independent SEND School which have been operating since 2022 www.elmtree-learning.org.uk .
All of the learners we support are vulnerable and have an EHCP to define their additional needs or an EHCP in progress. Creativity, perseverance and an empathetic approach when working with them is key to engaging them in education and ensuring their progression.
We are inviting applications for Learning Support Mentors to join our new team, we have a number of opportunities available.
This role will involve:
- Providing individual support to learners, often on a 1:1 basis
- Classroom and outdoor learning
- Using creative and formative education resources
- Following & contributing to learner programmes
- Supporting emotional health & wellbeing
- Team-work
- Safeguarding
- Education admin & reporting
For these Learning Support Mentor roles we're looking for someone with great people skills, professionalism, a positive outlook, good computer skills, a good standard of numeracy & literacy and good communication skills. You should have good previous experience of working with learners that have SEND (mainly SEMH & trauma) and have experienced other barriers or challenges to their education. We're building our next great team so if you love working with people who are dedicated to supporting young learners that strive to support their development in a positive setting, this is the role for you.
Every Child, Every Opportunity, The Right Opportunity
Our approach is to offer a bespoke and relevant learning program for each learner. Integration into standardised education opportunities and social integration is everything we do. No child should have their future negatively affected or be excluded in their later life due to the lack of access or support for education opportunities that are appropriate to their abilities & strengths.
We believe strongly in people and look for people that have:
- Education-relevant qualifications in supporting teaching & learning
- good experience in supporting young people in an education setting
- understanding and expertise in supporting learners with SEND
- skills & strategies in supporting emotional wellbeing
- tenacity & resilience to manage, influence & effect positive behaviours & decisions in learners
- the ability to present a strong role model for young people, including having fun!
- collaborative and pro-active working practices
- a strong sense of responsibility & work ethic
Working with our organisation is a rewarding experience. We offer an enjoyable workplace with additional employment benefits:
- Bright HR - online HR management portal also offering partner discounts
- Employee Assist - independent healthcare perks
- Free training - role specific & relevant, accredited training
- Employee Support Assistant - dedicated colleagues to support our employees
- Pension scheme
- company events
Applications are welcomed from candidates that meet the vast majority of the above job & person criteria. We also recognise that many people who are interested in such a role may not have specific experience as detailed so we would still welcome an application from those that have substantial experience of supporting young people with SEND or other challenges in education.
Essential Criteria: Maths & English at Grade C or grade 4 (minimum.) In certain circumstances, we can consider applicants willing to work towards (or already working towards) gaining these qualifications through functional skills (or equivalent) qualifications.
This role is not suitable for applicants:
- not currently based within the UK
- requiring employer sponsorship for UK right to work
- without UK schools experience
- without experience in the UK of supporting SEND
All applications will be managed by Elementa as the recruitment partner for this school. Successful applications will have a full-prescreen, interview, ‘insight session’ and visit to one of our Alternative Provision or SEND School sites. Elementa is committed to the safeguarding of children in all of their processes and all successful applicants will have a full prescreen to assess their suitability for the role. Any appointment will be subject to a successful interview process, satisfactory references, Safeguarding & Prevent training, DBS Enhanced Disclosure (which may be chargeable at £64.20 unless you have a DBS subscribed to the Update Service) and successful completion of (12 week / 60 paid day) employment trial period.
Please apply with your full up to date CV. All applicants will be promptly responded to.
