Engagement Mentor

Job Description

A unique opportunity has arisen for an Engagement Mentor at the Children's Support Service, which is a good and highly regarded Alternative Provision based in the South of Essex. This post will be based across both of our sites in Basildon and Wickford, across both Primary and Secondary sectors.

Our aim is to provide lasting, meaningful, and positive outcomes for children who are unable to access mainstream education.

We value the wellbeing of our staff and offer a supportive, well-resourced learning environment with a range of professional development opportunities and would consider candidates with less experience as part of an apprenticeship scheme. We are also proud to be a reflective Trauma Perceived Practice school.

This means that you will:

· Receive a high level of support from dedicated, experienced and skilled colleagues

· Work in a dynamic, diverse and enjoyable setting

· Achieve a healthy work/life balance

· Make a meaningful difference to the lives of children

You should be someone who:

· Shows compassion and kindness to all pupils

· Builds positive connections with pupils, and promote a sense of belonging

· Instils hope and aspiration

· Preferably has previous experience of working with vulnerable and disadvantaged pupils

· Has knowledge of the curriculum and some experience of alternative provisions

· Can support with personalised learning programmes, including remote learning, class based and off-site activities

· Can support outdoor activities

· Can deliver 1:1 educational intervention programmes

· Has GCSE standard, or equivalent, of Maths and English

Our service is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The appointment will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and full employment checks, good references and medical clearance.

CSS staff benefit from our subscription to the "Education Support Partnership", which provides mental health and wellbeing support services for all staff, including 24/7 access to advice, support and counselling for our whole team.

Start date: April 2025

Visits are encouraged - please phone Kathy Rich at CSS Wickford on 01268 552482 to arrange a visit.

Please note that C.V.s are not accepted as part of applications.

Information about the School

The Children’s Support Service is a short stay provision (PRU) in Essex. We have two main centres covering KS2-4 (in Wickford and Basildon) as well as an Outreach Service which works to support students, staff and schools in the local area, with bases in Basildon and Harlow.

Most of our students are referred to us due to difficulties they have faced in school; many come with additional needs and require academic, emotional and social support.

We offer a wide range of subjects, including the core curriculum, as well as enhanced activities to provide an enriched learning experience. We collaborate with schools and professionals who need our support, and aim to reintegrate students back into mainstream education or prepare them for other lifelong learning opportunities.

Our staff create positive, safe, caring and supportive learning environments, helping to inspire every child to achieve their full potential.

CSS staff benefit from our subscription to the "Education Support Partnership", which provides mental health and well-being support services for all staff, including 24/7 access to advice, support and counselling for our whole team.

Please note that car insurance including "business use" is required.