Learning Mentor

Overview

Somerset Council is seeking a dedicated Learning Mentor to join their Permanent team based in Taunton, England. This role involves working directly within existing education settings to support children and young people with complex educational needs, focusing primarily on Key Stage 4 and helping reduce the risk of young people becoming Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET).

Key Duties

• Collaborate with educational institutions, families, and professionals to boost attendance, engagement, and educational outcomes, especially targeting young people who are NEET or at risk of NEET.
• Work closely with local teams to develop tailored support plans that remove barriers to learning and encourage positive transitions into education or employment.
• Help education providers address the academic and vocational requirements of vulnerable young people, informing them of wider learning and development possibilities.
• Participate in statutory and non-statutory meetings such as EHCP Annual Reviews, PEP, TAC, and TAF, providing detailed progress reports and recommendations.
• Maintain accurate records of attendance and progress using council systems and raise alerts when risks or concerns arise.
• Contribute to initiatives aimed at enhancing educational results for children and young people in Somerset.
• Adhere to relevant statutory guidance, council policies including safeguarding, health and safety, and equality and diversity practices.
• Engage actively in team meetings, training sessions, and required administrative duties.

Requirements

• Possess NVQ Level 4 or 5 (or equivalent) qualifications including English and Maths.
• Have Level 4 or 6 qualification in Careers Advice or show willingness to undergo training in this area.
• Demonstrate understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable children and young people in education.
• Have practical experience in educational or children's services environments or similar settings.
• Display excellent communication and confidential information management skills.
• Be organized, proactive, and capable of managing a diverse workload with competing priorities.
• Build effective working relationships with families and professionals, supporting inclusion and equal access to learning opportunities.

Benefits and Additional Information

• Salary aligned with Grade 12, ranging from £28,598 to £32,061 annually.
• Position is permanent, requiring 37 hours per week.
• 28 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, with additional leave purchase options.
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), a highly regarded pension plan in the UK.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements where service needs enable.
• Health and wellbeing support, including confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities to contribute to the community.
• Role involves direct caseload work and requires travel across Somerset to provide support.
• Sponsorship for UK work visas is not available; candidates must already have the right to work in the UK.

Application and Contact

Applications close on 16 August 2026. For informal enquiries, contact Kathryn Wharton-Darke, Senior Inclusion Lead, at [email protected].

Somerset Council is committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.