Support Mentor – SEND School | Woodingdean, Brighton

Location: Woodingdean, Brighton
Pay: From £14.25 per hour (depending on experience)
Hours: Full-Time | Monday to Friday | School Hours
Contract: Long-Term Temporary with the Opportunity to Become Permanent
Term Time Only
Start Date: September 2026 (or sooner)

Support Mentor – High SLD Needs

A specialist SEND school in Woodingdean, Brighton is looking to recruit an experienced and compassionate Support Mentor to join their dedicated team. This full-time, long-term role involves supporting children and young people with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) and complex additional needs.

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone with previous experience working in a specialist SEND setting who is passionate about helping pupils develop independence, communication skills, and confidence in a safe and nurturing environment.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Support Mentor, your day will include:

• Supporting pupils with high SLD needs throughout the school day.
• Working on a one-to-one basis and with small groups.
• Assisting pupils with communication, sensory activities, and personalised learning programmes.
• Supporting pupils with personal care where required (training provided if needed).
• Using positive behaviour support strategies to promote engagement and emotional wellbeing.
• Helping pupils develop life skills, independence, and social interaction.
• Working closely with teachers, therapists, and the wider multidisciplinary team.
• Monitoring pupil progress and recording observations.
• Creating a calm, safe, and inclusive learning environment where every pupil can thrive.

Skills & Experience Required

Due to the complexity of the pupils’ needs, previous experience supporting children or young people with SLD, PMLD, ASC, or complex SEND is essential.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience working within a specialist SEND school or similar setting.
• Knowledge of supporting pupils with Severe Learning Difficulties and complex needs.
• A calm, patient, and nurturing approach.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• The ability to build trusting relationships with pupils.
• Confidence supporting pupils with sensory needs and communication differences.
• A resilient, flexible, and proactive attitude.
• An understanding of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities.

Essential Requirements

• Previous experience supporting children or young people with high SEND needs.
• Right to work in the UK.
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to obtain one.
• A genuine passion for making a positive difference to the lives of children with additional needs.

Why Join This School?

• Competitive hourly pay from £14.25 per hour, with higher rates available depending on experience.
• Full-time, term-time-only working.
• Long-term role with genuine temp-to-perm opportunities.
• Supportive and experienced leadership team.
• Ongoing CPD and specialist SEND training.
• A rewarding opportunity to work in a highly respected specialist SEND school in Woodingdean, Brighton.

If you have experience supporting pupils with SLD and complex SEND and are looking for a rewarding role in Woodingdean, Brighton, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today to become part of a dedicated team making a real difference in the lives of young people every day.