Pastoral & Safeguarding Mentor

Pastoral & Safeguarding Mentor (0469)

Salary

£12.87 to £14.03 p/hr Actual Annual Salary £22,996 to £25,068 depending on skills and experience

Education

• Permanent Full-Time Term Time Only

Location

Ryefields School

Hours 40

Make a Real Difference at Ryefields

Do you want a role where relationships matter, where trust is built day by day, and where your work genuinely changes young people's lives?

Ryefields is seeking a Pastoral & Safeguarding Mentor to join our growing team and play a vital role in supporting the safety, wellbeing and personal development of our pupils. This is a hands-on, relational role, focused on mentoring young people with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs so they can feel safe, regulated and ready to learn.

About Ryefields

Ryefields is a new, purpose-built special school in Derby, created for children and young people with ASC and SEMH needs who have often struggled to thrive in mainstream settings.

Our pupils don't just need rules and routines — they need connection, consistency and someone who won't give up on them. At Ryefields, we believe that strong relationships are the foundation for learning, and that every child deserves to feel safe, understood and valued.

This role sits right at the heart of that belief.

The Role – Making the Difference That Matters

As a Pastoral & Safeguarding Mentor, you will work closely with pupils, families and staff to provide consistent, trusted support that helps young people feel secure and engaged in school life.

You will:

• Build strong, meaningful relationships with pupils, offering calm, consistent mentoring and pastoral support
• Act as a key safeguarding support within the school, remaining vigilant to concerns and reporting them in line with safeguarding procedures
• Support pupils with emotional regulation, anxiety, self-esteem and social skills through targeted mentoring and group interventions
• Work alongside teaching and support staff to promote positive behaviour, attendance and engagement
• Support pupils during transitions into school, between placements or towards next steps, helping them manage anxiety and change
• Liaise with families and external professionals to ensure pupils' needs are understood and supported
• Contribute to a positive, respectful school culture where pupils feel safe, heard and ready to succeed

This is not a desk-based role. You will be visible, present and involved, making a tangible difference to pupils' daily experiences.

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who understands that progress starts with trust.

You will bring:

• Experience working with children or young people, ideally within a SEN, ASC or SEMH context
• Knowledge of safeguarding processes and a strong commitment to keeping children safe
• A calm, empathetic and resilient approach when supporting pupils through challenge
• The ability to build positive relationships with pupils, families and colleagues
• Confidence in working as part of a multidisciplinary team
• A genuine belief in young people — especially those who have found school difficult

Experience in counselling, psychology, pastoral support or mental health work is desirable, but your values, mindset and relational skills matter most.

Documents

• Welfare and Pastoral Mentor JD Ryefields (3).pdf

Location

Ryefields School 80 Parker Street, Derby, Derbyshire, United Kingdom, DE1 3HF

Job benefits Training & Development Cycle to work scheme Car scheme Competitive Pay & Reward 24/7 GP Access for you & your household UK Health Cash Plan Refer a Friend – Earn £1,000! Employee Assistance Programme Wagestream

Note: This advert could be taken down at any point in time without prior notice if the position is filled.