A Learning Mentor’s role is to support pupils to overcome barriers to learning. They are an invaluable part of the pastoral team, playing a key role in delivering our ethos here at Highfield. We hold pupil well-being at the centre of all we do, providing balance and meaning to school life.

We understand that happier children learn better and are more likely to be able to achieve their full potential. Ultimately that is what we aim to do; support children to be happier in school and enjoy the opportunities available to them here at Highfield.

Learning Mentors aim to develop positive, facilitative relationships with pupils who need support. This is the foundation of the role, taking time getting to know and trying to understand our pupils in a caring and non-judgemental way. We work both 1:1 and with small groups to deliver interventions tailored to individual pupils needs. These include areas such as emotional regulation, managing specific emotions such as anger or anxiety, bereavement, self esteem and resilience, friendship and social skills.

Alongside the more formal aspect of the role, the Learning Mentors work alongside form teachers/pastoral staff to be available and offer support if pupils are having a bad day and need someone to talk to, or a little extra time, space and care to get through the day. Learning Mentor sessions are also part of a core offer to Looked After Children attending Highfield.

The recent addition of our Bungalow provision here at Highfield allows the Learning Mentors a chance to offer a more nurturing and graduated start to the morning for pupils who find it difficult to settle into the school day. We are also available at lunch times, providing a smaller, quieter, safe space for pupils who struggle with the challenges of the dinner hall and unstructured times.

Anyone within the school community is able to refer to our Learning Mentors, via the Heads of Year. This includes Teaching staff, Teaching Assistants, Lunch Time staff, parent and carers, and pupils themselves. As a Parent or Carer, your first point of call if you feel your child might benefit from Learning Mentor support would be you child’s form teacher, although any member of staff would be able to help you with this.

C McIntosh
C Townsend
Learning Mentors