Inclusion Support Practitioner / Wellbeing and Engagement Mentor
Plume School, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6AB36 days remaining to apply
Start date details
Autumn 2026
Closing date
1 September 2026 at 12pm (midday)
Date listed
27 July 2026
Job details
Job role
- Pastoral, health and welfare
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time: 37 hours/week
Contract type
- Fixed term - Until 21 July 2027
Full time equivalent salary
- £23,194.45 - £25,740.65
What skills and experience we're looking for
We are seeking to appoint a full time Inclusion Support Practitioner/ Wellbeing and Engagement Mentor to start from Autumn 2026 on a fixed-term basis until 21 July 2027. The post offers an excellent opportunity to work in a strong SEND department in our highly successful academy.
The core purpose of the role is to support the day-to-day operation and development of the Lighthouse provision, providing therapeutic, relational and structured support for students experiencing social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, sensory differences, emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA) and barriers to engagement.
The post holder will promote emotional regulation, readiness to learn and successful participation in mainstream education through targeted intervention, restorative approaches and graduated support. They will work collaboratively with the SEND team, pastoral teams, safeguarding staff, families and external agencies to strengthen inclusion, belonging and positive outcomes for vulnerable students.
Personal Qualities
The ideal candidate should be a committed, enthusiastic and hardworking individual who is passionate about supporting the educational achievement and personal development of students across Years 7 to 13.
Essential Qualifications:
- GCSE Maths and English at Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent).
- A relevant Level 3 qualification in Education, Child Development, Youth Work, Counselling, Health & Social Care, Mental Health, SEND, or a related field.
Desirable Qualifications and Training:
- A degree in a relevant discipline, such as Psychology, Education, Youth Work or Social Work.
- Professional training or experience in SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health), trauma-informed practice, attachment-aware approaches, restorative practice, mental health support, autism, or sensory differences.
Personal Attributes: The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to improving outcomes for young people, with the ability to build positive relationships and provide effective support for students' learning, wellbeing and personal growth. They will be proactive, resilient and able to maintain a clear focus on fostering high-quality teaching, learning and personal development opportunities for all students.
What the school offers its staff
We can offer you:
- A highly supportive and friendly working environment
- Opportunities for Financial training, development and accreditation.
- Cycle-to-work Scheme
- 24/7 Free Employee Assistance Programme (offering individual support, information and advice including financial, legal and home-life and work-related issues)
- CPD opportunities and Internal Promotion
- Up to 25% Gym Membership
- Free staff car park
- Essex Working Well Wellbeing Service (health and wellbeing support and guidance)
- Access to Workplace Health Champions
- Access to Mental Health First Aiders
Remuneration and Working Time
The hours of work required for the role are 37 hours per week, Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 4.30pm and Friday 8.30am to 4pm (with 30 minutes unpaid break), term time plus inset days (39 weeks per year).
Annual salary for an Inclusion Support Practitioner/Wellbeing and
Engagement Mentor will be in accordance with the Academy's Support Staff
Pay Scale, which for appointment for a full-time post currently
involves a salary of up to £30,025 salary (Band 3 Point 21-25), however,
actual salary offered will be £23,194.45 per annum, pro rata equivalent
of point 21 including an allowance for holiday pay.
Further information about the job
Application Process
If you are interested in the position and wish to discuss the post prior to application, please email the HR team, at hr@plume.essex.sch.uk, to arrange a telephone conversation. We are very proud of our academy and what we can offer new members of our team. The HR Team will be pleased to discuss the post and provide further information about the academy.
To apply please complete the Online Plume Academy application form (https://recruit.sampeople.co.uk/Jobboard/Vacancy/Details?campaignref=SCH-PT-0164) This must be completed and submitted to HR@plume.essex.sch.uk by the closing date stated (unaccompanied CVs or third-party application forms will not be accepted).
Closing Date: 1 September 2026 at 12:00 midday.
Interviews will likely take place the same week.
Plume Academy remains fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.
Commitment to safeguarding
The Board of Trustees is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All appointment are therefore subject to satisfactory DBS and Immigration Checks, together with the receipt of References and Health Clearances.
Applying for the job
Apply for the job by following the link below.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on school website (opens in new tab)Additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About Plume School
- Organisation type
- Academy, ages 11 to 18
- Education phase
- Secondary school
- Size
- 1789 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- Website
- Plume School website
- Email address
- hr@plume.essex.sch.uk
The Plume School converted to become an academy school in January 2012.
The last full inspection took place in November 2023 and the school was judged to be good across all areas. Ofsted acknowledged the high quality of teaching and excellent relationships in the Academy. Please see the academy website for more information.
The academy is a larger-than-average secondary school with a sixth form.
The vast majority of pupils are White British.
The proportions of pupils who speak English as an additional language or who are from ethnic minorities are both well below the national average.
The proportion of students eligible for the pupil premium is broadly average, as is the proportion of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities, although for those with an education, health and care plan the proportion is slightly above the national average.
The school meets the government’s current floor standards for pupils’ achievement in English and mathematics at the end of key stage 4.
Plume Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All appointments are therefore subject to satisfactory DBS and Immigration Checks, together with the receipt of references.
Visits to the Academy are welcome.
School location
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