Inclusion Mentor – Gateshead

About Us:

Milk Education is more than a supply partner - we’re a community for educators. Join us and gain access to training, personal development opportunities, and ongoing support.

We’re currently recruiting for an Inclusion Mentor to join a secondary school in Gateshead on a long or short-term basis, starting in September.

You’ll be joining a supportive and inclusive school that places student wellbeing, inclusion and progress at the heart of school life. The school is committed to removing barriers to learning and ensuring that every young person feels supported, understood and able to achieve their potential.

This is a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about working with young people and wants to develop their skills in mentoring, pastoral support, behaviour and inclusion while making a genuine difference to students who may need additional guidance and encouragement.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Providing targeted 1:1 and small-group mentoring to students who may be struggling with learning, behaviour, attendance or engagement
• Building positive, trusting and consistent relationships with students
• Supporting pupils to identify and overcome barriers to learning
• Helping students develop confidence, resilience, independence and positive learning habits
• Supporting students with emotional regulation and developing strategies to manage challenging situations
• Encouraging positive behaviour and helping students make positive choices
• Supporting students who may be at risk of disengagement or exclusion
• Helping students successfully reintegrate into lessons and wider school life
• Supporting attendance and encouraging students to maintain positive engagement with school
• Working alongside teachers, SENCOs and pastoral staff to provide consistent support
• Supporting targeted interventions and mentoring activities
• Monitoring and sharing relevant information around student progress, behaviour, attendance and wellbeing
• Maintaining appropriate records and contributing to reviews of student support
• Supporting students during lessons, transitions, break and lunchtime where required
• Promoting an inclusive, calm and respectful school environment

Who is this role suitable for?

This role is ideal for someone who has some relevant knowledge, experience or qualifications and is looking to develop their skills further within an education or youth-focused setting.

You may be a:

• Recent graduate with a degree in Psychology, Education, Sociology, Childhood Studies, Youth Work, Social Work, Health & Social Care or a related subject
• Graduate looking to explore a future career in education, youth work, SEND, mentoring, pastoral support or psychology
• Candidate with some experience in mentoring, coaching, care, support work, tutoring or youth work
• Sports coach looking to develop their experience supporting young people outside of a sporting environment
• Early-career professional looking to build practical experience in behaviour, inclusion and emotional support
• Someone with an interest in helping young people who may have experienced challenges with education, behaviour or engagement

The role provides an opportunity to put your existing knowledge and transferable skills into practice, while developing your understanding of behaviour, inclusion, mentoring and pastoral support.

You’ll gain valuable experience in building professional relationships, supporting students through challenges, developing positive behaviour strategies and helping young people re-engage with education.

Whether you’re taking your first step into education or looking to build on experience you already have, this role can provide a strong foundation for a future career working with young people.

Requirements or Skills:

• A relevant degree, qualification or previous experience working with children or young people is desirable
• A genuine interest in supporting young people and helping them overcome barriers to learning
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• A patient, calm and empathetic approach
• Ability to build positive and trusting relationships with students
• Resilient and confident when supporting students through challenging situations
• Understanding of positive behaviour and emotional regulation is desirable
• Able to establish clear boundaries while maintaining a supportive and approachable manner
• Comfortable working alongside teachers, SENCOs and pastoral teams
• Reliable, adaptable and proactive
• Willingness to learn and develop your skills within an education setting
• Experience supporting students with SEND, SEMH or behavioural needs is advantageous but not essential
• Two recent professional references

Benefits:

• Competitive rates of pay with temp-to-perm routes available.
• Speedy registration process & fast-track compliance – APSCo Compliance+ accredited for the highest safer recruitment standards.
• Flexible days and working hours to suit your schedule.
• Culture-matched placements – we take the time to understand you and find schools that fit your values and strengths.
• Priority Partnership school network – access to trusted schools who work with us long-term on staffing, enrichment and community initiatives.
• 5+ CPD courses completed before placement (including Safeguarding, SEND & Behaviour) with access to further accredited training through Milk Academy.
• FREE PSHE lesson plans and resources, designed by real teachers.
• FREE Educator Wellbeing resources and access to our community hub – because we believe supported staff stay longer and make a bigger impact.
• School Preparation Pack with handover notes and insightful school guides – so you walk in ready on day one.
• 24/7 support from your personal consultant, directly through their work mobile phone to ensure your journey is personal.

This role is paid within the advertised pay scale. Your starting rate will be determined by your qualifications, relevant experience, and the requirements of the assignment.

Interested? Click ‘Apply Now’ or drop me a message — happy to chat through the details.

Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are APSCo Compliance+ accredited, meeting the highest standards in safer recruitment. All applicants will be subject to compliance checks in line with DfE, Keeping Children Safe in Education and APSCo guidelines.

Milk Education is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief or age. By applying, you agree to our Privacy Policy, available on our website. Milk Education is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.