Flexible Learning School is an Ofsted-rated Good independent Alternative Provision supporting secondary-aged pupils across Birmingham. We provide a nurturing, inclusive and aspirational learning environment where every young person is encouraged to achieve their full potential.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated Learning Mentor who is passionate about supporting young people to overcome barriers to learning, improve their confidence and achieve positive outcomes. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference by helping pupils develop the skills, resilience and self-belief they need to succeed both in school and beyond.

Working as part of our pastoral team, you will build positive relationships with pupils, families and colleagues, providing personalised support that promotes engagement, attendance, behaviour and achievement.

The Role

Based at our Northfield site, you will report directly to the Head of Teaching and Learning.

• Salary: Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
• Hours: 9:00am – 3:30pm
• Working Pattern: Monday to Friday
• Lunch Break: 30 minutes (unpaid)
• Hours per Week: 30 hours
• Location: Northfield, Birmingham

As a Learning Mentor, you will play a vital role in supporting pupils both inside and outside the classroom. Working closely with teaching staff, safeguarding leads and families, you will help pupils overcome social, emotional and behavioural barriers to learning, enabling them to engage positively with education and achieve their full potential.

Key Responsibilities

You will:

• Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils, acting as a consistent mentor, role model and advocate.
• Support pupils to overcome barriers to learning, attendance, behaviour and emotional wellbeing.
• Provide one-to-one and small group mentoring sessions tailored to individual pupil needs.
• Promote pupils' confidence, resilience, self-esteem and independence.
• Support pupils in developing positive behaviour, emotional regulation and appropriate social skills.
• Encourage excellent attendance, punctuality and engagement in learning.
• Work closely with teaching staff to ensure pupils are fully supported throughout the school day.
• Assist teachers in maintaining a calm, safe and productive learning environment.
• Follow lesson plans and support learning during lessons, including covering lessons where appropriate.
• Monitor, assess and record pupil progress, behaviour, attendance and wellbeing.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of individual behaviour support plans and intervention strategies.
• Help identify barriers to learning and work collaboratively to develop effective support strategies.
• Maintain accurate records, including attendance, behaviour incidents, mentoring notes and intervention outcomes.
• Contact parents and carers regarding attendance, wellbeing and pupil progress where appropriate.
• Build positive relationships with parents, carers and external professionals to support pupil success.
• Arrange and support review meetings for pupils as required.
• Promote inclusion, equality and respect throughout the school community.
• Support pupils during transitions into school, between classes and when preparing for their next stage of education.
• Assist with breaktime, lunchtime and transition supervision when required.
• Contribute to the wider pastoral life of the school.
• Undertake administrative duties relevant to the role, including maintaining accurate pupil records and supporting school systems.
• Uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and child protection at all times. These responsibilities reflect the core expectations in your existing Learning Mentor job description, including pupil support, attendance, behaviour, administration, family liaison, lesson cover and safeguarding.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who has:

• Experience working with children or young people, ideally within an educational, Alternative Provision or pastoral setting.
• A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable young people to achieve their potential.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to engage positively with pupils who may display challenging behaviour.
• Experience supporting pupils with SEND, SEMH or additional learning needs.
• Excellent behaviour management and conflict resolution skills.
• The ability to remain calm, patient and resilient under pressure.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to maintain accurate records.
• Good IT skills and confidence using school management systems.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Desirable

• Experience working within an Alternative Provision or specialist educational setting.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice and restorative approaches.
• First Aid qualification.
• Safeguarding training.
• Experience working with external agencies and multi-agency professionals.

Why Join Flexible Learning School?

At Flexible Learning School, you'll become part of a supportive and dedicated team committed to transforming the lives of young people.

We offer:

• Small class sizes and personalised support.
• A collaborative and supportive leadership team.
• Ongoing professional development and training.
• Opportunities for career progression.
• Free onsite parking.
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference to young people's lives every day.
• A welcoming and inclusive working environment where your contribution is valued.

Safeguarding

Flexible Learning School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references, an Enhanced DBS check, online searches and safer recruitment checks in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE). The cost of the Enhanced DBS check will be met by the successful candidate.