Graduate Teaching Assistant/Pupil Mentor

Graduate Pupil Mentor - Teaching Assistant

Have you recently finished University?

Are you looking to start a career in Education?

Have you graduated with an Education/Psychology/Sport degree or something similar?

We have been approached by one of our Cardiff Secondary Schools to support with a number of vacancies looking to start in February with the view to staying for the rest of the academic year. The Pupil mentors will be supporting pupils that need a mentor to help with their integration to school life after the transition from year 6 into Secondary school as well as pupils who can often be disruptive and find concentrating for long periods of time challenging. The pupil’s you will be mentoring have been disruptive throughout the first term and therefore need extra support on a one-to-one basis, where you will act as a mentor and role model.  The school have a separate provision for pupils who struggle to engage in mainstream lessons and your role will be split between working in the provision and in mainstream lessons.  

The role of a Pupil Mentor is to work in this Secondary school supporting on mostly a one-to-one basis and occasionally support with small groups of pupils within the provision that may need extra behavioural support to aid their education. In the past we have found that Psychology & Sports graduates or those with similar degrees are excelling in this area, so we would welcome applications from this specialism now. The ability to be able to build relationships quickly is essential in this role. You will need to work closely with a small group of children who can often put-up barriers to support as well as liaising with specialist support staff to get guidance and provide feedback on the pupils development.  

If you progress well in this role, you will be asked to return after the summer break where the role will change slightly from September as your time will be split, as you will be asked to support the year7 transitions. Pupils who may struggle with the transition will be highlighted by their primary school and on transition days. Here you will guide and mentor the new Year 7s to ensure they feel comfortable in their new setting and can settle in as quickly as possible.

This role proves to be invaluable in gaining skills that test your behaviour management and confidence within the classroom. Challenging behaviour can come in many forms and does not always mean that it is disruptive anti- social behaviour. It can often be pupils who struggle to interact with their peers or find it difficult to concentrate for long periods of time and therefore need extra support to align their behaviour with the schools expectations.

Details for the successful candidate:

-Previous experience working with children is desirable

-Understanding of challenging behaviour and how you can keep children engaged

-Confidence to support in difficult situations

-Current DBS & EWC Registration (Support given upon successful application)

-Holding a driving license is advantageous

-Pay starting from £77 per day

Working alongside children with challenging behaviour as well as new Year 7s who need caring and  nurturing support can be very rewarding and for the right candidate and can be the first steps to you developing into a well rounded future teacher. Challenging behaviour can come in all forms and often needs to be dealt with by using various methods including de-escalation and 1:1 support. Teaching Personnel currently run a number of CPD courses such as Safeguarding, NASEN and Team Teach Training that can prepare you before you step inside a school. This training is ongoing throughout the school year and can enhance your career progression and lead to you feeling more comfortable within your surroundings. During the current lockdown, we have a number of online courses that can enhance your knowledge and prepare you for this role within the classroom.

If you are interested in gaining experience and using the skills picked up during your studies please send a full CV via the link provided and someone in our supportive Secondary Team will be in touch.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.