This role is based in the UK and will be working on site in our UK based College. In order to comply with our mandatory pre-employment checks, the successful candidate will be required to provide original identification documents in person to our UK based HR Team.
Protection of Children & Young Persons (The Children's Act 1989)
Any offers of appointment will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (formerly CRB), a certificate of good conduct if applicable, plus receipt of satisfactory references, Occupational Health clearance, an understanding of safeguarding and qualifications verification. An Enhanced DBS check is required for this position, as you will be working within 'Regulated Activity' within a specific place (i.e. the College).
This role is classed as working within Regulated Activity. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. By applying for this position, you agree to an Enhanced DBS check in line with DBS regulations.
Background to the Post
WCG has three core values, the first of which is to put the student first. Young people have the right to request that an institution is named in their Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP), and local authorities have a duty to name that institution in the EHC plan unless, following consultation with the institution, the local authority determines that it is unsuitable for the young person’s age, ability, aptitude or Special Educational Needs and Disability or that to place the young person there would be incompatible with the efficient use of resources or the efficient education of others.
WCG is recognised as offering an inclusive and successful provision at all levels for Young People whose learning is affected by SEND. The role of the Learning Mentor is to ensure that all our students with SEND reach their potential. The main purpose of this Learning Mentor post is to work with students with SEND within their learning programme and help them towards achieving independence.
The Learning Mentor’s time will be spent with identified students in the classroom/workshop/practical at Level 1 and on a mentoring basis with students at higher levels of study where the student has an EHCP. There will be a requirement to undertake administrative tasks relating to recording student progress and supporting student retention and achievement.
Duties & Responsibilities
● To provide support in-class, or mentoring support outside the classroom as
directed by the SEN Team Leader.
● To assist the class lecturer with the preparation of materials or activities for
named student’s use.
● To actively promote and support independent learning.
● To be a key worker for a number of designated students who have EHCPs and
support the SEN Team Leader in the EHCP annual review process.
● To work closely with the personal tutor/Personal Learning Adviser to ensure that
individual student targets are being monitored and reviewed.
● With knowledge/permission of personal tutor/ Personal Learning Adviser/SEN
Team Leader/Specialist Support Lead, make contact with parents, either by
telephone or in writing where appropriate.
● To act as a trouble-shooter and work with the students to ensure they meet
deadlines and catch-up on any missed work.
● To attend Academy and Inclusion Team meetings.
● To undertake training and development as required. This will include College
core training and the departmental mandatory Team Teach training.
● To accompany and support students during work experience placements, and/or
trips, if appropriate.
● Work collaboratively with College staff to produce Individual Risk Assessment,
Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans, and Medical Protocols and support the
completion of exam access arrangements.
● To undertake administrative duties, which will include keeping their own records,
completing ProMonitor records, updating tutors with student progress reports and
completing regular student support/progress reviews.
Offers of Work
For the successful candidate a conditional offer of work will be made. Our offer of work will be conditional upon a number of mandatory pre-employment checks, to include but not limited to: DBS, Barred List check, right to work check, internet search, TRA check (academic posts).
Essential Attainments
● Demonstrate English and Maths skills equivalent to level 2.
● Working knowledge of information technology such as e-mail, the internet and
other software applications.
● Previous experience of supporting young people with a learning difficulty and/or
disability.
Desirable Attainments
● GCSE Grade C or above in English and Mathematics, or Level 2 equivalent
qualification.
● A qualification relevant to Specific Learning Difficulties.
● Previous experience of working in Further Education.
Essential Skills & Knowledge
● Excellent communication skills.
● Ability to motivate students to reach targets sets.
● Commitment to a high level of student achievement and to continuous quality
improvement.
● Supportive, positive and non-judgemental attitude.
● Awareness of health and safety procedures or willingness to undertake training.
● Good administrative and record keeping skills.
● Be flexible and very responsive in approach to teaching styles and methods.
● Be able to respond effectively to the student’s individual needs.
● To undertake staff training as applicable and including mandatory Team Teach
training.
● Work to deadlines set.
● Ability to demonstrate an understanding and knowledge of Equality and Diversity. ● Ability to demonstrate an understanding and knowledge of safeguarding and
promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
● Ability to demonstrate behaviours, which support the Core Values of the College.
● Previous experience of managing students with behaviours for concern.