Location: Leicester City Centre and schools across the East Midlands
Contract: Term Time Only
Hours: 24 hours per week over 4 days, 9 am until 3 pm, term-time only
Salary Range: £14- £19.50 p/h (dependant on experience)
About Us
1st Step Education and Training is a specialist secondary alternative education provider dedicated to supporting vulnerable young people to achieve positive outcomes. We deliver a range of engaging vocational programmes both from our Leicester City Centre base and within schools across the East Midlands.
We work with pupils who may have been excluded from mainstream education, are attending reduced timetables, are at risk of exclusion, or require additional support to re-engage with learning. Our aim is to provide a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where young people can develop confidence, resilience, and the skills needed for future success.
As our provision continues to grow, we are seeking an experienced and committed Pupil Support and Pastoral Mentor to join our dedicated team.
The Role
The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the educational, social, emotional, and behavioural development of our learners. Working closely with teaching staff, schools, parents/carers, and external agencies, you will help create a positive learning environment that enables young people to thrive.
This is an excellent opportunity for an individual who is passionate about supporting vulnerable young people and making a meaningful difference to their lives.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide pastoral support and guidance to young people, promoting emotional wellbeing and resilience.
- Build positive and trusting relationships with pupils to support engagement and attendance.
- Support teachers in the classroom and during vocational learning activities.
- Encourage, model, and promote positive behaviour and attitudes towards learning.
- Assist with classroom behaviour management and de-escalation strategies where required.
- Monitor pupil wellbeing, progress, and engagement, reporting concerns appropriately.
- Liaise with school staff, parents/carers, and external agencies regarding pupil updates and support plans.
- Adhere to all safeguarding, child protection, and health and safety policies and procedures.
- Support pupils with social, emotional, and behavioural needs in both classroom and individual settings.
- Contribute to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
Person Specification
Essential
- Previous experience working with young people, particularly those with social, emotional, behavioural, or additional support needs.
- Strong understanding of behaviour management strategies and restorative approaches.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to build positive relationships with pupils, colleagues, schools, and external professionals.
- A patient, resilient, and empathetic approach.
- Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and professional boundaries.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Desirable
- Experience working within an Alternative Provision, PRU, SEN setting, youth work, mentoring, or similar educational environment.
- Knowledge of SEMH needs and trauma-informed practice.
- Relevant qualifications in education, youth work, mentoring, safeguarding, or related fields.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
What We Offer
- The opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of vulnerable young people.
- A supportive and collaborative working environment.
- Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
- The chance to be part of a growing and ambitious organisation committed to positive outcomes for learners.
Safeguarding Statement
1st Step Education and Training is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
The successful applicant will be subject to rigorous safer recruitment procedures, including:
- Enhanced DBS check with Children's Barred List check.
- Verification of identity and qualifications.
- Employment history and reference checks.
- Online searches and any other checks deemed necessary in line with current safeguarding guidance.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people and expect all staff to uphold this commitment at all times.
Pay: £14.00-£19.50 per hour
Work Location: In person
