Pastoral Mentor

Summary:

Pastoral Mentor needed at a special school in Derby. Make a real difference in students' lives.

About the School:

A school dedicated to providing a tailored academic curriculum for students with Autism Spectrum Condition and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs. The school fosters a nurturing environment focused on confidence, independence, and a love for learning.

The Opportunity:

As a Pastoral Mentor, you will support students with ASC and SEMH needs, helping them feel safe, regulated, and ready to learn. This is a hands-on role that emphasizes relationship-building and safeguarding, with a strong focus on emotional wellbeing and personal development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build strong, meaningful relationships with pupils, offering calm, consistent mentoring and pastoral support
• Act as a key safeguarding support within the school, remaining vigilant to concerns and reporting them in line with safeguarding procedures
• Support pupils with emotional regulation, anxiety, self-esteem and social skills through targeted mentoring and group interventions
• Work alongside teaching and support staff to promote positive behaviour, attendance and engagement
• Support pupils during transitions into school, between placements or towards next steps, helping them manage anxiety and change
• Liaise with families and external professionals to ensure pupils’ needs are understood and supported
• Contribute to a positive, respectful school culture where pupils feel safe, heard and ready to succeed
• Provide visible, present and involved support that makes a tangible difference to pupils’ daily experiences

Qualifications & Skills:

Required

• Experience working with children or young people, ideally within a SEN, ASC or SEMH context
• Knowledge of safeguarding processes and a strong commitment to keeping children safe
• A calm, empathetic and resilient approach when supporting pupils through challenge
• The ability to build positive relationships with pupils, families and colleagues
• Confidence in working as part of a multidisciplinary team

Preferred

• Experience in counselling, psychology, pastoral support or mental health work
• A genuine belief in young people — especially those who have found school difficult

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary and term-time only contract
• Comprehensive training and professional development opportunities
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities tailored to the needs of children with ASC and SEMH
• Perkbox Discounts, Wagestream App, and enhanced Annual Leave, Pension & Sick Pay
• Health Cash Plan, Employee Assistance Programme, and 24/7 GP Access