Learning Mentor - EAL

• Taunton based but with hybrid working available and travel to schools and settings expected.
• 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• Working for Inclusive Curriculum and Teaching Team in the Education Directorate
• Locality working in a multi-agency way
• Permanent, full time (37 hours per week) with consideration given to part time requests

The Learning Mentor role is pivotal in promoting positive educational outcomes and fostering engagement among children and young people using English as an additional language (EAL). The role involves direct engagement with teachers and educational settings to support children in accessing education in their setting effectively. Additionally, the Learning Mentor liaises with relevant professionals and family members to facilitate participation, overcome barriers to learning and ensure the effective implementation of support plans.

We’re working to improve the lives of children and young people here  in Somerset – and you’ll be a key part of that. Your day-to-day work will involve:

•  Working with education providers on the planning, delivery and evaluation of support designed to mee the academic, social and emotional needs of children and young people using English as an additional language.
•  Supporting the education provider to meet the educational and vocational needs of those using EAL, ensuring that they are aware of the opportunities available to them and that they become involved in activities that are educative, empowering, participative and rewarding.
•  Planning and implementing strategies to support the learning, attainment and attendance of children and young people using EAL.
•  Participating in projects and tasks to improve education outcomes for children and young people using EAL.
•  Attending and contributing to appropriate TAF and TAC meetings and reviews and provide or contribute to written reports which reflect the needs, progress and interest of children and young people and how they will be addressed.

We offer ongoing support, training and guidance to help you be the best you can be. But it will really help if you have the following experience and qualifications:

•    Educated to GCSE / Level 4 including English and Maths and hold at least NVQ level 4/5 standard - or equivalent
•    A relevant qualification or training in education, child development or a a related field
•    Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to liaise effectively with teachers, professionals and family members
•    Experience working with students with EAL
•    Experience working in an educational setting, Children’s Social Care or similar setting. 

We’re proud to be here for the people of Somerset. And that means everyone in Somerset. An important part of this is ensuring that we are as diverse and inclusive as the people and communities we serve.

We welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich our team. You can always contact the hiring manager for a chat if there’s anything you want to talk about before you apply.

We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, working as part of a team who are passionate about the work they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset.

We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management. As well as this, we have some fantastic employee benefits available:

• We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
• Generous annual leave allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional leave
• Staff discounts in gyms.
• Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee wellbeing services.
• Auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme and optional pension enhancement through our Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
• A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain a cycle for work and health screenings.
• My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits and more

The salary for the role is Grade 12, ranging from £27,711 to £31,067 per annum.

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Jeremy Handscomb by emailing jeremy.handscomb@somerset.gov.uk or Alison Jeffery by emailing Alison.Jeffery@somerset.gov.uk or phoning 07813 820699.

Interviews will be held on Thursday 24^th April 2025

When completing your application/CV please provide your full employment history and ensure that any gaps in employment are explained. Please start with your current or most recent employment.

If you have all the information you need, just hit the apply button - we can’t wait to hear from you.

In this role you will require a criminal background check via Disclosure and Barring Service.