Learning mentors

Learning Mentors are based in schools and work with teaching and pastoral staff to identify, assess and work with pupils who need help to overcome barriers to learning. They help pupils learn more effectively, participate in school life, raise their aspirations and help them to achieve their potential. VTE&S provides advice and support to plan, implement and manage the Learning Mentor programme.

Becoming a learning mentor

If you are interested in becoming a learning mentor, you should have previous experience of working with young people, ideally in a school, college, youth or social work setting. You will also need the ability and confidence to work independently and to take individual responsibility for the delivery of programmes. A knowledge and understanding of the issues and factors relating to underachievement and barriers to learning will be essential.

An individual programme for learning mentors is provided following appointment.

Learning Mentor jobs are always advertised on the Waltham Forest website and usually in the local press. More information about learning mentor jobs can be found on the list of school staff vacancies in Waltham Forest schools, which is published weekly.

If you are interested in becoming a learning mentor, you may wish to look at the Department for Education and Skills website to find out more about learning mentoring.

Obtaining and working with a learning mentor

The work of the Learning Mentor typically takes the form of regular one-to-one sessions with pupils identified as requiring help. All schools have referral procedures and it is usually teachers that refer a pupil into the programme. Parents/carers may ask for their child to see a learning mentor. Pupils may also refer themselves. Permission is always sought from parents and families for a child or young person to work with a learning mentor.

During the one-to-one sessions, the Learning Mentor and the pupil will agree an action plan with targets, and talk through any concerns the pupil has regarding their learning.

Learning mentors regularly talk to parents and carers, keeping them informed of their child’s progress.

Babcock 4S

Babcock 4S works with Children and Young People Services to provide school improvement services to Waltham Forest schools and early years settings.

As part of their contract with the Council, they manage:

  • School admissions
  • Mid-year admissions to community schools
  • Admission appeals
  • Student loan advice
  • The Disabled Student Allowance

For advice on on any of these services contact:

Babcock 4S
Graylaw House
394 High Road
Leyton E10 6QE

Tel 0845 877 0031
Fax 020 8496 5077
Website www.babcockwf-education.co.uk

School Improvement Services for schools in Waltham Forest are based at:

7 James Yard
Larkshall Road
Highams Park
London E4 9AU
Tel 0845 877 0032