Learning Mentor - Transitions and Flexible Education

Salary: Grade 12, ranging from £28,598 - £32,061 per annum.

Contract: Permanent.

Hours: 37 Hours a week.

Closing date: 15th September 2026

About the Role:

Are you ready to make a real difference in Somerset? Join us on a mission to transform lives! The Virtual School team in Somerset supports children and young people with the most complex education situations birth to adulthood across Somerset localities. The Virtual School is committed to ensuring all Somerset Children and Young People with acute needs and additional vulnerability enjoy education and achieve good outcomes that prepares them well for adulthood. We are not a virtual or online school. As a Learning Mentor, you will work directly with families and existing education settings, playing a key role in promoting positive educational outcomes. This role is to join the Transitions and Flexible Education team in the wider Virtual School, focused on supporting transitions and removing barriers to education for children and young people in Key Stage 2 and 3. Your role is central to fostering engagement, removing barriers, and helping each young person reach their full potential. Working under the guidance of the Inclusion Lead, the role involves monitoring progress and attendance, managing key information, supporting effective transitions into education settings, setting up and overseeing education packages and maintaining effective communication with families, professionals, and education settings. The role also includes offering advice and guidance through specialist call-backs and participating in TAC (Team Around the Child) and TAF (Team Around the Family) meetings where appropriate. The Learning Mentor also contributes to statutory and non-statutory processes, including EHCP Annual Reviews, PEP and TAC meetings, ensuring pupils can access appropriate learning and future opportunities and develop the skills they need to thrive.

How You'll Make a Difference:

• Work with education settings, families and professionals to improve attendance, engagement and outcomes for children and young people. This role focus on Key Stage 2 and 3 and ensuring Section 19 duties are met for children and young people who are not able to attend school.
• Collaborate with settings, local teams and professionals to develop and deliver effective support and remove barriers to learning.
• Support education providers to meet the educational needs of young people.
• Attend and contribute to EHCP Annual Reviews, PEP, TAC and TAF meetings, providing clear reports on progress, needs and next steps.
• Monitor, record and track attendance, progress and outcomes using council systems, producing reports and highlighting risks or concerns.
• Contribute to projects and initiatives that improve education outcomes for children and young people.
• Work in line with statutory guidance, council policies and values, including safeguarding, health and safety, equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Take part in team meetings, training and relevant administrative activity as required.

What You'll Bring:

• Holds an NVQ Level 4/5 (or equivalent) with English and Maths qualifications
• Understands the challenges faced by children and young people, particularly vulnerable learners in Key Stage 2 and 3.
• Has experience in education, children's services or a related setting
• Communicates effectively and manages information accurately and confidentially
• Is organised, proactive and able to prioritise a varied workload
• Builds strong relationships and works collaboratively with team members, professionals and families
• Champions inclusion and equal access to learning opportunities

Why Join Us?

• Generous annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.

• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes.

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.

• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.

• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.

Find out more about working at Somerset Council:

Further Information:

• 28 day's annual leave (additional to bank holidays).
• This is a frontline, caseload-based role working directly with education settings and families.
• You will need to travel across Somerset to support children and young people where needed.
• Interviews are due to take place 7th October 2026

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship.

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.

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