Learning Mentor
Further Information

What is the work like?
A learning mentor has a wide ranging role, mainly focused on providing support and guidance to students at school or college who face barriers to learning. These barriers might range from a lack of study skills or personal organisation, to complex social and welfare issues.
Learning mentors work with students of different abilities. Most learning mentors manage a caseload of students who have been identified as needing support.
The work may include:

• devising an attendance agreement with a regular truant
• providing support with study skills, revision and examination techniques
• liaising with families
• developing anti-bullying strategies
• helping students modify their behaviour in school or college
• encouraging students to build constructive relationships with peers and staff
• providing emotional support for students.

Most of the work is with individual students, but some learning mentors may work with small groups of students. They also work closely with other professionals within school or college and outside.
Starting salaries for learning mentors are around £13,000 a year.

Hours and environment

Learning mentors usually work a standard school week of 30 to 35 hours. Occasionally, they may be asked to work after hours or during weekends. Some learning mentors are employed during term time only. Others are expected to work during the school holidays. Part-time work is also possible.
Mentors mainly work in schools and colleges, but may meet students at their homes or other locations. They may have to attend meetings with other professionals.

Salary and other benefits

These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.
A newly appointed learning mentor may earn from £13,000 to £16,000 a year.
With some experience, learning mentors might earn up to £20,000.
Senior learning mentors may earn up to £24,000 a year.

Skills and personal qualities

A learning mentor needs to:

• have a genuine concern for the welfare of young people
• have excellent communication skills
• have a knowledge of the education system
• develop links with other agencies that can help young people who are facing difficulties
• be able to see issues through the eyes of young people
• be non-judgemental
• be patient
• be flexible in their approach to work
• have good planning skills to manage a caseload
• be able to cope with the emotional demands of the work.

Interests

It helps to have an interest in:

• supporting young people
• working in the education system.

Getting in

There are opportunities for learning mentors throughout the country. Most are employed by the school or college where they work. Some are employed centrally by the local education authority. Competition for gaining employment in this area is increasing.
Vacancies arise wherever a school feels the need to introduce a learning mentor. Posts are often advertised in the local press and through local authorities.

Entry for young people

No formal academic qualifications are required to become a learning mentor. However, entry requirements vary from area to area. Most authorities require qualifications such as GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) in English and maths. Many look for qualifications above this level, including related vocational qualifications or those at Level 4/degree level.

Some schools have volunteer mentoring schemes, which provide excellent experience for those wishing to enter the work.
Successful candidates have to undergo Criminal Records Bureau checks.

Entry for adults

There is no age limit for entry to the work. Mature applicants are welcome.
Learning mentors have usually worked in other related fields such as social work, counselling, teaching or youth welfare.

Training

Once in post, learning mentors take part in a five-day national training programme provided by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES), leading to a certificate in mentoring. The training covers:

• child protection
• inclusion in education
• managing external links
• motivation
• personal growth.

Learning mentors are included in the National Occupational Standards for Learning Development and Support Services for children, young people and those who care for them (NOS LDSS).
It may be possible to work towards a Foundation degree or an NVQ Level 3 or 4 in Learning, Development and Support Services. These qualifications are becoming increasingly widely available.

Getting on

Opportunities for promotion vary depending on the school or college. Learning mentors may be able to take on additional responsibilities, possibly becoming senior practitioners or moving into broader support roles, such as student managers, key stage heads or inclusion officers.
Learning mentors may also take further qualifications to become teachers.

Further information

Department for Education and Skills (DfES), Sanctuary Buildings, Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3BT. 0870 000 2288.
Website: www.standards.dfes.gov.uk
Mentoring and Befriending Foundation, 1st Floor, Charles House, Albert Street, Eccles, Manchester M30 0PW. 0161 787 8600. Website: www.mandbf.org.uk
The Liverpool Excellence Partnership, Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), IM Marsh Campus, Barkhill Road, Liverpool L17 6BD.

Further reading

Learning Mentor Good Practice Guide - DfES
Responding to Adolescents: Helping relationship skills for youth workers, mentors and other advisers - Russell House Publishing
The RHP Companion to Working with Young People - Russell House Publishing
Working in advice & counselling - Connexions
Working in schools & colleges - Connexions
Working in social care - Connexions
Working with Children - Kogan Page