Support Mentor

Location: Hastings and Eastbourne 
Position: Full-Time, Permanent
Start Date: Immediate or September start

Are you passionate about helping young people overcome challenges, build confidence, and unlock their potential? Do you have the resilience, empathy, and determination to make a real difference in the lives of children who face complex behavioural challenges? If so, we want you to join our dedicated team at our Pupil Referral Unit (PRU)!

About the Role: As a Support Mentor in our PRU, you will work directly with young people who have been referred due to difficulties in mainstream schools, often as a result of challenging behaviour, emotional needs, or complex backgrounds. This is a rewarding but demanding role where you’ll support students in overcoming their barriers to learning, building trust, and finding positive ways to engage with education and social situations.

Why a PRU? Students at our PRU have not been able to thrive in mainstream schools due to various reasons, including disruptive behaviour, unmet emotional needs, or difficulties with social interactions. At our PRU, we provide a safe, structured environment where students can receive the support they need to work through their challenges. It’s not just about academics – it’s about giving these young people the tools to succeed both in and outside the classroom.

What We’re Looking For:

• Resilience & Patience: You’ll be working with young people who may have complex needs, including behavioural challenges and emotional difficulties. Being patient, calm, and adaptable is essential in this role.

• Empathy & Understanding: You must have a genuine desire to support young people who have faced significant barriers to education and need a mentor who understands their struggles and potential.

• Experience with Challenging Behaviour: Previous experience in a similar role or in youth work, social care, or education is helpful, but we also welcome transferable skills from other fields, such as working with adults who have challenging behaviour or some sort of care work.

• Ability to Build Relationships: Many students in a PRU have experienced disengagement from education. Building positive relationships based on trust and respect is key to helping them re-engage and thrive.

• Teamwork: You’ll be part of a wider team, including teachers, social workers, and other professionals, so working collaboratively is a must.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support Students with Challenging Behaviour: Help students manage their emotions, regulate their behaviour, and engage with the curriculum. This could include providing one-on-one support, small group activities, or emotional coaching.

• Mentor & Role Model: Offer guidance and mentorship to students, helping them navigate both academic and social challenges. Encourage positive behaviour, self-regulation, and personal growth.

• Behaviour Management: Support the implementation of behaviour management strategies, including de-escalation techniques, positive reinforcement, and restorative practices.

• Provide Emotional Support: Many students at a PRU are dealing with personal trauma or difficult life experiences. Your role will also involve offering a listening ear and providing emotional support when needed.

• Collaborate with Staff: Work alongside teachers, social workers, and support staff to ensure that each student’s individual needs are met. This includes assisting with IEPs (Individual Education Plans) and providing feedback on students’ progress.

Why This Role is So Rewarding: Working in a PRU can be challenging, but it is also one of the most rewarding roles you can have in education. You’ll be supporting young people who have often faced significant setbacks, helping them to re-engage with learning, overcome behavioural barriers, and develop skills that will help them succeed in life. Every breakthrough, no matter how small, will feel like a personal achievement.

Important Notice

To apply for this position, you must have the right to work in the UK or hold a valid work visa. At Pink Tile Education, safeguarding, quality and integrity are at the heart of what we do. We’re committed to protecting the welfare of children and young people, and all applicants must:

• Provide references for pre-employment checks;
• Hold a Childrens (or Childrens and Adults) Workforce Enhanced DBS on the update service, or be willing to obtain one.

Pay is inclusive of 12.07% PAYE holiday pay. We aim to respond to all applications within three working days. If you haven’t heard from us, please check your emails and missed calls. Unfortunately, due to volume, we may not be able to respond individually if your application is unsuccessful.