About This Role
Senior Learning Mentor (previously known as Teaching Assistant) to start asap or before 1 September 2026
Grade 6 TTO full time permanent. The pro rata salary may be within the range £28,509 - £31,983 (Full time equivalent salary is £33,143 - £36,363). We have 2 vacancies initially 1 may be based at Richmond Park, and 1 at Mersey Valley, although all our employees can be asked to work at any site across the PRU at the discretion of the headteacher.
Manchester Secondary PRU provides full time education for pupils between 11-16 who are permanently excluded, at risk of permanent exclusion or are otherwise unable to access a mainstream curriculum for a period of time. Our aim is to match provision closely to the needs of individual children and young people referred to the PRU by schools, academies or the local authority. We see the needs of all our pupils as centring on their capacity to learn and make progress and seek to address the barriers to success that they face.
The school is looking to appoint committed and enthusiastic individuals to undertake the role of Senior Learning Mentor. You will be required to provide support for pupils in a variety of situations, with most of the time supporting learning. A large percentage of our pupils have additional needs which may present as a barrier to their learning. All our pupils have additional needs, with behaviour the most significant barrier to learning. A proportion of our student have Educational Health Care Plans. Under the guidance of the Student Service Manager you will provide support in addressing the needs of pupils who require particular help to overcome barriers to learning via mentoring sessions and a range of diagnostic assessments. You will engage with students and families following permanent exclusion from mainstream and develop an understanding of the needs and vulnerabilities of each young person. This work will then allow compilation of accurate reports which contribute to centre placement. Home visits and delivery of initial work packs is also an example of the essential work needed within this role. A pro active and empathetic approach to the complexity of our young people is essential.
All staff at the PRU are expected to be flexible about where in Manchester they are based and may be asked to work at any centre across the city and in the community.
We are looking for someone who
· is positive, flexible, patient and resilient
· is committed to helping every student to achieve their potential
· can build and maintain good relationships with teachers, students and parents
· has good GCSEs or equivalent in English and mathematics
· has strong ICT skills
· is committed to promoting equal opportunities and ensuring the safety of all students
· has a willingness to learn
· is willing and able to drive across the city.