Specialist Learning Mentor, SEMH

Specialist Learning Mentor (SEMH & Additional Needs)

Location: Calderdale
Start Date: September 2026 (or flexible for the right candidate)
Contract: Full-Time | Long-Term | Temp-to-Perm Opportunity
Pay: £95–£110 per day (dependent on hours)

Make a Lasting Difference Every Day

Do you have the patience, resilience and compassion to help young people overcome barriers to learning?

We are recruiting on behalf of a highly regarded independent specialist school in Calderdale for a Specialist Learning Mentor to join their dedicated team. This is an exciting opportunity to support children and young people who require a nurturing, structured and therapeutic approach to education.

Whether you have experience in education, youth work, residential care, mental health, social care or behaviour support, this could be the perfect next step in your career.

About the Setting

This specialist provision supports pupils aged 8–19 with a range of additional needs, including:

• Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
• Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
• ADHD
• Communication and interaction difficulties
• Trauma and attachment needs
• Barriers to learning resulting from previous educational experiences

The school offers small class sizes, a therapeutic approach and a strong emphasis on building positive relationships, enabling every young person to develop academically, socially and emotionally.

The Role

As a Specialist Learning Mentor, you will:

• Build positive, trusting relationships with students to promote engagement and confidence.
• Support learning within the classroom alongside teaching staff.
• Provide 1:1 and small group interventions tailored to individual needs.
• Use positive behaviour strategies to support emotional regulation and de-escalate challenging situations.
• Encourage independence, resilience and social development.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists and pastoral staff to achieve the best outcomes for each student.
• Help create a safe, consistent and nurturing learning environment.

We Are Looking For Someone Who:

• Has experience supporting children or young people with additional needs, challenging behaviour or SEMH.
• Is calm, patient and resilient under pressure.
• Can build strong professional relationships with young people who may struggle to trust adults.
• Understands that behaviour is a form of communication.
• Is passionate about making a genuine difference in children’s lives.
• Is flexible, proactive and committed to safeguarding.

Experience That Would Be Highly Relevant

We welcome applications from candidates with backgrounds in:

• Teaching Assistant
• Learning Support Assistant
• Behaviour Mentor
• Youth Worker
• Residential Childcare
• Support Worker
• Care Worker
• Sports Coach
• Psychology Graduate
• Criminology Graduate
• Mental Health Support
• Alternative Provision
• PRU
• SEND Education

Why Apply?

• Full-time role with September 2026 start (or earlier/later for the right candidate).
• Long-term opportunity with the potential to become permanent.
• Excellent training and ongoing professional development.
• Supportive leadership team and experienced staff.
• Small class sizes allowing you to build meaningful relationships with students.
• A genuinely rewarding role where no two days are the same.

If you’re looking for a career where you can positively impact the lives of young people every day, we’d love to hear from you. 

Apply today to discuss this opportunity in confidence.