Learning Mentor

Are you ready to make a real difference in Somerset? Join us on a mission to transform lives! The Virtual School team in Somerset supports children and young people with the most complex education situations birth to adulthood across Somerset localities. The Virtual School is committed to ensuring all Somerset Children and Young People with acute needs and additional vulnerability enjoy education and achieve good outcomes that prepares them well for adulthood. We are not a virtual or online school. As a Learning Mentor, you will work directly with existing education settings, playing a key role in promoting positive educational outcomes and supporting post-16 transitions. This role is to join the Preparation for Adulthood team in the wider Virtual School, focused on overseeing Education Otherwise than at School (EOTAS) programmes and supporting young people's transitions from EOTAS into educational settings, employment or adulthood. Your role is central to fostering engagement, removing barriers, and helping each young person reach their full potential and prepare for adulthood. Working under the guidance of the Inclusion Lead, the role involves monitoring progress and attendance, managing key information, and supporting effective transitions into education settings. The Learning Mentor also leads and contributes to statutory and non-statutory processes, including EHC Plan Annual Reviews, PEP and TAC meetings, ensuring pupils can access appropriate learning and future opportunities and develop the skills they need to thrive. How You'll Make a Difference:

• Work with young people who are on an EOTAS package of support, overseeing and monitoring the package, liaising with professionals and families.
• Chairing TAC/TAF meetings, EHCP Annual Review and interim review meetings.
• Monitoring attendance, engagement and progress against outcome measures. Identifying short term outcomes and monitoring these through the Assess, Plan, Do Review (APDR) Cycle.
• Safeguarding, leading multi-agency meetings and using tracking systems to ensure robust recording.
• Pathway planning with young people to support transitions from EOTAS into education, employment or training.
• Advise local educational settings, training providers and wider professionals to support meeting young people's needs and facilitate transition arrangements.
  
  Holds an NVQ Level 4/5 (or equivalent) with English and Maths qualifications
• Level 4 or 6 in Careers Advice or willingness to receive training in this area.
• Understands the challenges faced by children and young people, particularly vulnerable learners
• Has experience in education, children's services or a related setting
• Communicates effectively and manages information accurately and confidentially
• Is organised, proactive and able to prioritise a varied workload
• Builds strong relationships and works collaboratively with professionals and families
• Champions inclusion and equal access to learning opportunities
  
  At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.
• Generous annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.