Lead SEN Learning Mentor
Horbury Academy, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF4 5HE14 days remaining to apply
Start date details
As soon as possible
Closing date
9 October 2026 at 9am
Date listed
25 September 2026
Job details
Job role
- Learning support or cover supervisor
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time: 37 Hours Per Week, Term Time + 2 Inset Days
Contract type
- Fixed term - This position is temporary to cover Maternity leave for up to one year - Maternity or parental leave cover
Pay scale
- 37 Hours Per Week, Term Time + 2 Inset Days
What skills and experience we're looking for
Horbury Academy are seeking to appoint a dedicated and highly motivated Lead SEN Learning Mentor (Cognitive and Learning) to join our supportive SEND department. The role will involve providing support to the Associate SENDCo and SENDCo in the delivery of curriculum provision and learning support for targeted pupils at risk of significant underachievement. The successful candidate will work closely with pupils who have Cognition and Learning needs, enabling them to access the curriculum, participate fully in lessons, and achieve their full academic and personal potential.
The Lead SEN Learning Mentor will play a key role in removing barriers to learning, implementing targeted interventions, and securing positive outcomes for pupils across a range of identified needs. They will also provide support for pupils with behavioural, social, and emotional needs through small-group interventions, helping to promote positive engagement and improve behaviour for learning.
The postholder will lead and direct Learning Mentors working with pupils who have Cognition and Learning needs, ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality interventions which improve pupil achievement. They will act as the main SEND contact within an allocated caseload, fostering strong relationships with families, colleagues, and external agencies to promote inclusion, remove barriers to learning, and enhance the educational experience of pupils with additional learning needs.
The working pattern for this position is Monday to Friday 8.15am to 3.15pm.
This position is temporary to cover Maternity leave for up to one year.
About You
The successful candidate will be…
- Level 4 NVQ qualified, or able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge, skills and experience.
- Experienced in working with vulnerable, disadvantaged or challenged young people.
- Knowledgeable about SEND processes, the National/Foundation Stage curriculum, and relevant learning programmes and intervention strategies.
- Able to demonstrate effective behaviour management skills by using positive behaviour support strategies.
- Capable of establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with pupils, colleagues, ad external agencies to support positive outcomes for young people.
What the school offers its staff
About Place Partnership
This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking and ambitious organisation, driven by a genuine passion for the wellbeing, care, and education of young people.
Place Partnership was formed in September 2026 following the voluntary merger of two strong and successful Trusts in South and West Yorkshire: Maltby Learning Trust, established in 2014, and Accord Multi Academy Trust, founded in 2016. At the heart of Place Partnership is a commitment to building a culture where people feel valued, take pride in their place, and hold high expectations because everyone matters. At Place Partnership we are dedicated to providing high-quality education which ensures that every child is given the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
We invest in our people through extensive professional learning and development opportunities, and we recognise that our people are our greatest strength. As such, we offer a comprehensive suite of benefits as part of our commitment to wellbeing and professional growth. Here are a few examples of employee benefits that focus on our employees Financial, Physical and Mental Wellbeing:
- Membership to either the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Technology scheme via SmartTech*
- Access to an extensive discounts platform via ‘Place Plus’
- Access to an industry leading Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- 24/7 access to an online GP or Advanced Nurse Practitioner through Corporate Paid Healthcare Cash Plans
- Access to health and wellbeing services, with the ability to claim money back for essential healthcare such as prescriptions, optical and dental care through Corporate Paid Healthcare Cash Plans.
- Cycle to Work Scheme*
- Free, on-site parking at every site
- Trained Mental Health First Aiders in all our settings
*restrictions apply
For full details of our employee benefit package, please see our recruitment pack.
Further information about the job
Further Information
Visits are warmly welcomed and can be arranged. For further details regarding this opportunity, for an informal discussion regarding the role or to arrange a visit, please do not hesitate to contact hr@placepartnership.com.
Closing Date: Friday 09 October 2026 at 9.00am
Interviews are expected to take place: week commencing 12 October 2026
To apply for the position, please visit https://placepartnership.com/current-vacancies
Place Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and checks of the relevant barred list / prohibition lists.
Place Partnership is committed to providing a culture of inclusion, respect and equity of opportunity that attracts, supports, and retains high quality colleagues from all backgrounds and across all job roles.
Candidates will always be shortlisted based on the content of application against the job description and essential criteria without access to the personal details information.
Based on the quality and quantity of applications received, Place Partnership reserves the right to interview sooner than the specified dates above. Applicants will be notified of this where possible. Therefore, early applications are encouraged.
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.
Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.
Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children
You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
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)About Horbury Academy
- Organisation type
- Academy, ages 11 to 16
- Education phase
- Secondary school
- Size
- 1070 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 16
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- Website
- Horbury Academy website
- Email address
- hr@placepartnership.com
- Phone number
- 01709 288090
Horbury Academy is a co‑educational 11–16 school at the heart of the Horbury community, educating almost 1,100 young people. As a proud member of Place Partnership, we work closely with our partner schools to deliver exceptional teaching, strong pastoral support and a shared commitment to raising aspirations across the Wakefield district and beyond.
Our academy is a lively, forward‑thinking environment where pupils are encouraged to aim high, work hard and discover their potential. Learning sits at the centre of everything we do, supported by a curriculum designed to build deep knowledge, curiosity and confidence. Pupils are extremely valued at Horbury, and all staff are driven to ensure that they achieve during their time in the academy. High classroom standards and expectations underpin this.
Beyond the classroom, students benefit from a rich programme of extracurricular and enrichment opportunities that broaden horizons and nurture personal growth.
We believe every young person has unique strengths, and we are dedicated to helping them flourish. High expectations underpin our culture — from attendance and punctuality to conduct, effort and engagement. By focusing on the small things that matter, we create a calm, purposeful atmosphere where students can thrive academically and personally. Our approach is shaped by the Key Character Virtues: Ambition, Compassion, Courage, Open‑Mindedness, Resilience and Duty.
Horbury Academy is known for its warm, respectful relationships and strong sense of community. Pupils are encouraged to take pride in themselves, their academy and the wider world. Their determination, enthusiasm and willingness to contribute makes the academy a truly unique place.
It is an absolute privilege to lead Horbury Academy and to work alongside our dedicated staff, supportive families and remarkable pupils. I hope our website gives you a clear sense of our values and our vision. If you would like to learn more, we would be delighted to welcome you for a visit.
Arranging a visit to Horbury Academy
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email hr@placepartnership.com.
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