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.

Contact us

VTE&S Waltham Forest Helpdesk
The Education Centre
97 Queens Road
Walthamstow
E17 8QS

tel 020 8496 5901
fax 020 8509 9668
email customercare.wf@vtplc.com