Location: Lower Earley, Reading, Berkshire

Job Title: Behaviour Mentor
School Setting: Secondary School (KS3–KS5)
Pay Rate: £90–£125 per day (depending on experience)
Contract Type: Full-time, long-term, term-time only
Start Date: Immediate or by agreement

Role Overview

We are looking for a compassionate, proactive, and resilient Behaviour Mentor to join a supportive secondary school in Lower Earley, Reading. This role is ideal for individuals who are passionate about supporting students with behavioural and emotional challenges and who want to make a tangible difference in their lives.

As a Behaviour Mentor, you will work with students who struggle to manage behaviour, emotions, or engagement with learning. Many of the pupils you will support may present with complex needs, including anxiety, low self-esteem, emotional regulation difficulties, ADHD, or other SEMH-related challenges.

The role requires someone who can provide consistent, calm, and positive support, helping students develop self-awareness, confidence, and the skills needed to succeed in school and beyond.

Purpose of the Behaviour Mentor Role

The Behaviour Mentor plays a central role in supporting students’ emotional wellbeing and behaviour. You will work both proactively and reactively to reduce behavioural incidents, promote inclusion, and support students to re-engage positively with education.

The school values a restorative, trauma-informed approach to behaviour management. Behaviour Mentors are integral to this strategy, helping students understand the impact of their behaviour, develop coping strategies, and achieve personal growth.

Your role is to provide a stable, supportive presence that enables students to feel safe, understood, and capable of change.

Key Responsibilities

As a Behaviour Mentor in Lower Earley, your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 mentoring for students with behavioural or emotional needs

• Delivering small group interventions focused on social skills, resilience, and emotional regulation

• Supporting students in lessons to improve focus, engagement, and behaviour

• Assisting students during unstructured times such as breaks, lunch, and transitions

• De-escalating challenging behaviour calmly and professionally

• Supporting pupils after behaviour incidents or fixed-term exclusions

• Contributing to behaviour support plans, risk assessments, and intervention reviews

• Working closely with teachers, pastoral staff, SENCOs, and senior leaders

• Monitoring and recording behaviour and progress outcomes

• Promoting restorative approaches and reflection opportunities for students

• Maintaining professional boundaries and adhering to safeguarding procedures

The School Environment

This secondary school in Lower Earley serves a diverse community and is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all students. The school combines high expectations with personalised support, recognising that students learn best when they feel safe and valued.

The leadership team is highly supportive of Behaviour Mentors, recognising their importance in fostering positive relationships and reducing behavioural challenges. Staff are provided with guidance, training, and opportunities for professional development.

The school uses trauma-informed and restorative practices, focusing on long-term behaviour change and emotional growth rather than short-term sanctions.

Students You Will Support

Students requiring Behaviour Mentor support may:

• Display disruptive, withdrawn, or challenging behaviour

• Struggle with emotional regulation or self-esteem

• Have SEMH needs, ADHD, or attachment-related difficulties

• Experience difficulties with peer relationships

• Be at risk of disengagement or exclusion

Your role is to help these students develop coping strategies, resilience, and confidence, enabling them to re-engage with their education positively.

Who This Role Is Ideal For

This role would suit individuals who:

• Have experience working with children or young people in education, youth work, or care

• Are calm, patient, and emotionally resilient

• Can build trusting relationships with students

• Are confident managing challenging behaviour in a supportive manner

• Are motivated by inclusion, pastoral care, and student wellbeing

Graduates in psychology, education, criminology, or social sciences are encouraged to apply, as are experienced Behaviour Mentors seeking a supportive, inclusive environment.

Essential Requirements

• Experience supporting children or young people

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to remain calm under pressure

• Commitment to safeguarding and inclusion

• Willingness to undertake training and professional development

Desirable Experience

• Previous Behaviour Mentor or Teaching Assistant experience

• SEMH, alternative provision, or PRU experience

• Knowledge of trauma-informed and restorative practices

• Relevant qualifications in education, mental health, or pastoral care

What the School Offers

• Competitive daily pay with long-term stability

• Full induction and ongoing CPD opportunities

• Supportive pastoral and leadership teams

• Opportunities for career progression within education and pastoral care

• A positive, inclusive, and professional working environment

Why This Role Is Meaningful

As a Behaviour Mentor in Lower Earley, you will work with students who may be struggling emotionally or socially, helping them to build confidence, resilience, and the ability to make positive choices. Your consistent support and guidance can transform students’ educational experiences and have a lasting impact on their lives.

If you are motivated by making a difference, passionate about inclusion, and committed to student wellbeing, this Behaviour Mentor role in Lower Earley offers a highly rewarding opportunity.