About the Role
ESS Education and Support Services is seeking dedicated and enthusiastic Teaching and Learning Mentors (TLMs) to join our team. This is a flexible and rewarding role delivering bespoke educational packages to vulnerable young people aged 10–25 and their parents, guardians, and carers across Somerset and the wider Southwest. (Travel required across Somerset and the wider Southwest)
Our learners are often disengaged from mainstream education or at risk of doing so. TLMs play a vital role in re-engaging young people through high-quality, personalised, and supportive teaching across a wide range of vocational and academic subjects. You will work on a one-to-one basis and in small groups, depending on the needs of each contract.
This is a highly flexible role suited to educators who are passionate about inclusion, patient with learners who face significant barriers, and committed to making a genuine difference in young people's lives.
Safeguarding Commitment: This post involves working directly with children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All appointments are subject to an Enhanced DBS check with barred list. ESS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all young people in its services. All staff are expected to share this commitment. Appointment is conditional on satisfactory pre-employment checks including references, right to work verification, and DBS clearance.
Key Responsibilities
Education & Delivery
- Deliver bespoke education and training provision to service users, many of whom are vulnerable and have disengaged from, or are at risk of disengaging from, mainstream education.
- Prepare and deliver provision on a one-to-one basis or in small groups, depending on the requirements of the contract and the needs of the individual learner.
- Deliver engaging, differentiated sessions across a range of vocational and academic subjects (see Subject Areas below).
- Support learners to work towards qualifications at the appropriate level, including GCSE-equivalent where required.
- Promote a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment at all times.
Safeguarding & Pastoral
- Uphold ESS's commitment to safeguarding at all times and act in accordance with KCSIE and ESS's safeguarding policies and procedures.
- Report any concerns about the welfare of a young person to the Designated Safeguarding Lead promptly.
- Build positive, professional, and boundaried relationships with learners and their families.
- Maintain awareness of individual learner needs, including social, emotional, and behavioural factors, and adapt your approach accordingly.
Administration & Compliance
- Ensure all paperwork is completed accurately and in a timely manner to meet the requirements of awarding bodies and ESS quality standards.
- Complete lesson plans, schemes of work, and progress reports as required.
- Maintain accurate records of attendance, progress, and any incidents in line with GDPR and ESS procedures.
- Commit to delivering the full term's provision; provide timely notice if unable to do so to minimise disruption to the learner.
Team & Professional Standards
- Work effectively and collaboratively with the wider ESS team.
- Act at all times within ESS policies, procedures, and codes of conduct.
- Comply with all relevant legislation and charity codes of practice.
- Participate in training and continuous professional development, including mandatory safeguarding and Prevent training.
- Carry out other reasonable duties as required by the Chief Operations Officer.
Commitment to Delivery
Important: Educators at ESS are expected to commit to the full term's provision for each contract. Notice periods should be provided promptly and in accordance with your contract to ensure the least possible disruption to the learner.
Subject Areas
TLMs at ESS may be asked to deliver across the following subjects, subject to their qualifications and experience. You do not need to be able to deliver all areas — we will match you to learners based on your skills.
- Early Years
- English
- Maths
- Health & Social Care
- Mental Health & Wellbeing
- First Aid
- Health and Safety
- Sports / Physical Education
- Cookery
- Construction
- ICT / Gaming and Coding
- Art
- Hairdressing and Barbering
- Beauty Therapy
- Face Painting / Body Art
- Languages
- Fitness
- Other (as agreed)
Person Specification
Essential criteria will be assessed at application and interview stage. Desirable criteria may be used to differentiate between candidates who meet all essential requirements.
Essential Criteria
Qualifications & Compliance
- Up-to-date DBS certificate (Enhanced with barred list) or willingness to obtain
- Up-to-date Prevent training and Safeguarding certification (or willingness to obtain)
- UK-recognised Teaching Qualification at Level 3 or above
- Knowledge of safeguarding legislation including KCSIE and Working Together to Safeguard Children
Experience & Knowledge
- Experience of supporting or delivering education, training, or mentoring to young people
- Experience working with vulnerable, disengaged, or SEND young people
- Experience of lesson planning, scheme of work development, and report completion
- Knowledge of curriculum and resource development
Skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Strong relationship-building skills with young people, families, and professionals
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines
- High level of attention to detail
- Flexible thinking and problem-solving approach
- Ability to work independently and as part of a wider team
Personal Qualities
- Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults
- Patient, calm, and empathetic approach
- Reliable, professional, and a positive role model
- Willing to travel across Somerset and the wider Southwest
- Flexible regarding working hours to meet the needs of learners and contracts
Desirable Criteria
Qualifications
- Formal qualification in one or more of the subjects delivered by ESS
- GCSE-level (or equivalent) subject knowledge in a relevant area
- First Aid qualification
- Safer Recruitment Training
Experience
- Experience delivering one-to-one and small group teaching in alternative provision
- Experience working with young people aged 10–25 with social, emotional, or behavioural needs
- Experience completing awarding body documentation and compliance paperwork
- Experience using PowerPoint and digital tools to support learning
Knowledge
- Understanding of SEND, EHC plans, and the SEND Code of Practice
- Knowledge of vocational qualifications and alternative pathways
Why Join Us
ESS is a forward-thinking alternative education provider with a strong commitment to inclusion and the welfare of vulnerable young people. We offer a flexible, varied, and genuinely rewarding teaching role for the right candidate.
Flexible Working - Flexible hours to suit your availability and learner needs
Training & CPD - Full induction, ongoing safeguarding training, and CPD opportunities
Varied Role - Deliver across a wide range of subjects and work with diverse learners
Meaningful Impact - Make a real difference to vulnerable young people aged 10–25
Supportive Team - Work within a dedicated, collaborative team committed to inclusion
Pension - Workplace pension scheme
If you are passionate about education and making a real difference to young people who need it most, we would love to hear from you.
How to Apply
To apply, please email your CV to [email protected]. We will then send you the ESS Application Form & Health Questionnaire to complete and return. We do not accept a CV alone — the ESS application form must be completed in full.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 14 days. If you have not heard from us within this timeframe, please assume your application has not been successful on this occasion.
ESS is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Pay: Up to £17.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- On-site parking
Application question(s):
- Whilst the role is flexible you need to be available during our delivery hours which are monday - friday 9am - 3pm, is this possible?
Work Location: In person
