Hope Valley Pathways is a specialist post-16 provision for young people with SEND, preparing them for life and work. It is set in the beautiful Peak District countryside and has its own building situated on the same site as Hope Valley College and currently has 25 students. We are seeking passionate and inspiring Learning Mentors to provide 1:1 support and guidance to students inside and outside of the classroom in their variety of learning needs and to promote learning, opportunity and independence.

The working day is 8:30am until 3pm Monday to Friday. We would be happy to receive applications from candidates that would want to work full time and part time full days, please make this clear on application. 

Job description

The post holder must at all times carry out their responsibilities within the spirit of the school and trust policies and within the framework of legislation relating to academies and education, with particular regard to the statutory responsibilities of the trust and the governing body of the school.

The specific duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Specific duties and responsibilities

As directed by the Head of Post 16, innovate and deliver individual and group programs which respond to the individual needs of students aged 16 years and older who have complex and significant learning difficulties and disabilities.

Establish and foster productive links with other relevant providers; for example, employers, learning and leisure providers in order to maximise opportunities for the students.

Monitor student progress and development in order to prepare the students for the next stages of their transition to adult life.

The specific duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

·         To deliver and support teaching and learning of students who are based within the Centre.

·         To have an understanding of what transition means and how the use of person-centered approaches can support young people to prepare for adult life.

·         To work with the Head of Centre and students to secure positive support and involvement in the transition process from family, carers, community and other appropriate professionals.

·         To work closely with Hope Valley College, general further education colleges, employers, training organisations and providers of leisure and community services to support the delivery of a curriculum that has breadth, balance and a range of external learning opportunities.

·         To create an environment that is conducive to respect for others, good order and discipline.

·         To develop and maintain relationships with students that will be conducive to them achieving goals identified through a person-centered approach.

·         To use a range of creative approaches to enable the students to express their views and make choices about their own learning.

·         To attend to student’s personal and medical needs and support the development of their social, health and hygiene development as directed.

·         To monitor student progress and prepare verbal and written reports as required by the Head of Centre.

·         To support the Head of Centre in ensuring that the requirements of the SEN Code of Practice are met.

·         To contribute to Annual Review meetings, case conferences, CAF meetings and team around the child meetings as appropriate.

·         To liaise with schools and multi-Agency Teams in order to promote integration activities relevant to meeting the holistic needs of individual young people.

·         To support the successful transition of students to employment, training, further education and appropriate adult services.

·         To travel between locations as required.

Support for the trust/school

·         Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person.

·         Work in a flexible way to respond to the needs of the trust and to fulfil other duties and responsibilities appropriate to the grade and role as and when required.

·         Be aware of and support difference and ensure equal opportunities for all.

·         Appreciate and support the role of other professionals.

·         Attend and participate in relevant meetings as required.

·         Contribute to the overall ethos/work/aims of the trust/schools.

·         Participate in relevant training, other learning activities and performance management as required.

·         Team responsibilities: all staff are considered part of the overall trust team and may be required to provide assistance to colleagues in other areas from time to time commensurate with the role, skillset and grade.

·         From time to time, to meet the needs of the trust, you may be asked but not expected to work hours additional to your normal working hours.  The trust will give you as much notice as possible and you will be paid/recompensed for such work.  Situations where this might be required are, for example: relevant key school events such as open evenings, exam results days, trips, clubs, training etc.

Changes to these duties

The above duties are not exhaustive, and the post holder may be required to undertake tasks, roles and responsibilities as may be reasonably assigned to them by the Headteacher/Principal.

The job description and allocation of particular responsibilities will be kept under review and may be amended via consultation with individuals, the governing body or board of trustees and/or senior leadership team as required. Trade union representation will be welcomed in any such discussions.