Learning mentors work mainly in primary or secondary schools.
They tend to be based in one school. They also spend a good deal of time visiting clients and their families in their home. Learning mentors may also accompany children on school outings.
What is a learning mentor?
- A role model
- An active listener
- An observer
- A supporter
- An encourager
- A professional friend
- A challenger of assumptions
- A guide.
A learning mentor is not
- A counsellor
- Classroom assistant
- Babysitter
- A corridor monitor
- A disciplinarian
- A person to whom a child is sent when naughty.
Role of learning mentors
- Identifying barriers to learning
- Remove barriers to learning
- Setting targets, monitoring progress and providing guidance
- Building confidence and self esteem
- Liaising with families and staff
- Developing a whole school culture
- Key role in transition.
Types of pupils who could benefit
- Poor attenders
- Demotivated
- Fallen behind with work
- Language difficulties, for example, asylum seekers
- Variety of behaviour problems
- Looked after children
- Young carers
- Suffered bereavement
- Lack of self-esteem
- Truants
- Pupils who move frequently
- Clash between home and peer culture
- Communication problems – home or school.
What difference can learning mentors make?
- Provide a support network
- Raise attainment and achievement, attendance, prevent/reduce exclusion
- Improve social skills, self-esteem, confidence and motivation
- Improve relationships/communication with peers families and staff
- Enable pupils to organise themselves better and provide structure
- Increase respect for others
- Pupils more aware of their true potential
- Pupils own the problem
- Greater awareness of career opportunities/increase in extra curricular activities
- Supporting parent/carer and pupils in resolving and handling conflicts in a positive way
- Additional support and expertise for alternative curriculum developments
- Support for teachers and raising awareness of individual pupils’ needs
- Greater support and accessibility for families/carers
- Reduction in anti-social behaviour
- Improved image of pupil support across the school.
How to access a mentor
Mentoring is a relationship between a young person and an adult that will provide the young person with:
- Consistent support
- Guidance and assistance
- Opportunities to access important non-judgemental adult advice
- Opportunities for the adult to share their knowledge, skills and life experiences-thus providing a positive role model
Through the DfES Aim Higher/Excellence Challenge programme schools can obtain the services of mentors.
For further information please contact Sue Atkinson on 01724 297189.