Learning Mentor
| Posting date: | 29 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | £23,638.00 per annum |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 19 February 2026 |
| Location: | Newbury |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Acorn Care and Education |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 301942FAJ |
Summary
Work Smarter. Live Better. Join the 4-Day Working Week!
Job Title: Learning Mentor
Location: New Barn School, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 8HZ
Salary: £23,638.00 per annum (£13.25 per hour) (not pro rata)
Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: February 2026
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first. That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, giving you 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay*.
Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW, and others will soon join in. So, whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG!
About the Role
New Barn School, part of Options Autism, is looking for caring and committed Learning Mentors to join our growing team. This is a rewarding opportunity for individuals who are passionate about supporting autistic children and young people with complex SEND.
In this role, you will help pupils access learning, build confidence, and develop independence, while acting as a positive role model. You will provide personalised, consistent support that enables pupils to thrive both academically and emotionally within a structured, nurturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
Support autistic pupils with complex SEND to access learning and develop confidence
Act as a positive role model, building trusting and supportive relationships with pupils
Prepare learning materials and assist pupils with classroom and practical activities
Deliver personalised, hands-on support tailored to individual needs and learning styles
Work closely with teachers and the wider multidisciplinary team to embed a therapeutic, pupil-centred approach
Support pupils’ communication, social interaction, emotional regulation and behaviour
Encourage engagement in learning while promoting wellbeing and personal development
Maintain accurate records of pupil progress and provide clear feedback to teaching staff
Experience working with autistic pupils or within a SEND setting is highly desirable. We are seeking enthusiastic, resilient individuals who are committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people.
About You
You will have:
GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent)
Experience working within a SEND setting, ideally supporting autistic pupils
A clear commitment to high professional standards, quality practice and continuous improvement
About Us
New Barn School, part of Options Autism, provides inclusive, nurturing education for autistic children and young people with complex needs across three sites. We deliver personalised learning, therapeutic support, and vocational opportunities tailored to each pupil’s Education, Health and Care Plan. Pupils learn in small, supportive settings that promote confidence, independence, and emotional wellbeing. Built on strong partnerships with families, New Barn empowers every learner to thrive and prepare for life beyond school.
For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.
We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.
Why Join Us?
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
Life Assurance
Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
“Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
Hundreds of UK and international discounts
Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
Critical illness cover
Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
*Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
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Job Title: Learning Mentor
Location: New Barn School, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 8HZ
Salary: £23,638.00 per annum (£13.25 per hour) (not pro rata)
Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: February 2026
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first. That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, giving you 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay*.
Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW, and others will soon join in. So, whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG!
About the Role
New Barn School, part of Options Autism, is looking for caring and committed Learning Mentors to join our growing team. This is a rewarding opportunity for individuals who are passionate about supporting autistic children and young people with complex SEND.
In this role, you will help pupils access learning, build confidence, and develop independence, while acting as a positive role model. You will provide personalised, consistent support that enables pupils to thrive both academically and emotionally within a structured, nurturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
Support autistic pupils with complex SEND to access learning and develop confidence
Act as a positive role model, building trusting and supportive relationships with pupils
Prepare learning materials and assist pupils with classroom and practical activities
Deliver personalised, hands-on support tailored to individual needs and learning styles
Work closely with teachers and the wider multidisciplinary team to embed a therapeutic, pupil-centred approach
Support pupils’ communication, social interaction, emotional regulation and behaviour
Encourage engagement in learning while promoting wellbeing and personal development
Maintain accurate records of pupil progress and provide clear feedback to teaching staff
Experience working with autistic pupils or within a SEND setting is highly desirable. We are seeking enthusiastic, resilient individuals who are committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people.
About You
You will have:
GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent)
Experience working within a SEND setting, ideally supporting autistic pupils
A clear commitment to high professional standards, quality practice and continuous improvement
About Us
New Barn School, part of Options Autism, provides inclusive, nurturing education for autistic children and young people with complex needs across three sites. We deliver personalised learning, therapeutic support, and vocational opportunities tailored to each pupil’s Education, Health and Care Plan. Pupils learn in small, supportive settings that promote confidence, independence, and emotional wellbeing. Built on strong partnerships with families, New Barn empowers every learner to thrive and prepare for life beyond school.
For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.
We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.
Why Join Us?
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
Life Assurance
Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
“Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
Hundreds of UK and international discounts
Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
Critical illness cover
Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
*Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
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