Learning Mentors work in schools and colleges through providing planned support to targeted pupils and students with the broad aim of identifying and tackling barriers to learning thus transforming attitudes towards school and college, the ability of pupils and students to cope with the challenges that they face, and ultimately their ability to achieve their true potential. Their links with pastoral and learning support in schools/colleges contribute to the freeing up of teachers to teach, and make significant impacts on individual and whole school/college achievement.
Their work typically takes the form of regular one-to-one and group sessions with pupils identified as requiring help, during which the learning mentor and pupil will agree targets and strategies (related, for example, to academic work, attendance, behaviour, relationships and learning). Learning Mentors also carry out a range of other duties related to improving the achievement of identified pupils.
Learning Mentors will typically form a relationship with the pupil, school staff and parents or carers in order to improve the pupil's engagement with learning and ensure that they achieve appropriately.
Newly appointed Learning Mentors should ask their line managers or Learning Mentor Co-ordinators about the National Five Day Initial Training Programme for Learning Mentors, and related training and support opportunities.
Information on further initiatives for Learning Mentors can be found on the following page: www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/learningmentors/newlms/
