Ashley College - Mentor and Attendance Lead

The school

Ashley College supports vulnerable pupils with medical needs, primarily emotional and mental health needs. Through the promotion of our core values of resilience, self-confidence, tolerance, and respect we provide a safe and nurturing environment where children and young people feel listened to, valued, supported, gain confidence and thrive, ready to face challenges. Our aim is ‘Building confidence for the future’.

At the centre we cater for 20 KS3-KS4 pupils, taught in small groups, some may have blended learning packages. We also provide a home tuition service for up to 12 KS1-KS4 pupils at any one time, who are unable to leave their home. In addition, we provide teaching and learning at a 5-bed mental health CAMHs unit.

Pupils referred to us often have diagnosed complex medical conditions, mental health and emotional disorders and can be very vulnerable. Several of our pupils are Emotionally Based School Avoiders (EBSA). The majority of our pupils have significant gaps in their learning due to ill health and periods of extended absence from their mainstream schools. Our pupils have serious barriers to learning, may be on medications which affect mood and concentration and are subject to severe anxieties and mental illness. All the pupils have a broad spectrum of needs and abilities, some may also have Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND), and present with a wide range of abilities – from pupils working below the level of the national curriculum to GCSE A*(Level 9). Ashley College was judged ‘Outstanding’ (OFSTED Mar2024). We believe that the key to our success is the high level of academic and pastoral support we offer our pupils in a caring and nurturing environment.

As a small team of dedicated staff who are flexible in how we work to deliver a broad, personalised and diverse curriculum, which caters for the needs of individual pupils. Our centre based group sizes are small, with no more than 8 pupils per class and our pupils make excellent progress from their starting points. Our aim is re-engage and provide continuity of education for these pupils, to enable them to transition back into mainstream schooling or an appropriate permanent provision. We are creative in how we support each pupil with a therapeutic and academic curriculum which provides a wide range of qualifications including GCSE, Vocational courses and Functional Skills.

Our ‘healthy body, healthy mind’ philosophy extends to our therapeutic curriculum and pupils are taught life skills such as cookery, preparing for work life, equine and also participate in yoga, Qi Gong, gym and gardening.

We have an excellent CPD programme rooted in evidence-based practice, as well as regular staff wellbeing sessions. Staff have free access to 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme. The role advertised is mostly centre based, but can be at pupils’ homes. We have an excellent CPD programme rooted in evidence-based practice, ample opportunities for collaboration with colleagues, as well as regular staff wellbeing sessions. Staff have free access to 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme. The role advertised is mostly centre based.

The role

Are you a qualified teacher who is looking for more flexible working hours? This role would suit teachers who are either: retired or wanting flexible part-time work to suit other commitments they may have.

• Tuition is provided term time during normal school hours.
• We are looking for experienced KS1-4 teachers to provide 1:1 home tuition to students who are unable to attend our centre.
• We require teachers with Special School teaching experience.
• The hours can be flexible to suit your need
• We provide excellent CPD and support to our home tutors

The person

To lead on, and be responsible for all matters relating to raising pupil attendance. Challenge pupils to take responsibility, improve attitudes to school life to improve attendance.

The Mentor and Attendance Lead will:

• Work with the attendance officer, the Pastoral Deputy Headteacher, EWOs, parents and staff to ensure good attendance for pupils at Ashley College
• Ensure the accurate recording and monitoring of pupil attendance
• Contribute to the writing and updating of policies and procedures that relate to attendance
• Ensure daily calls are made, monitor attendance (daily, weekly and half termly) and ensure mainstream schools are sent weekly attendance data.
• Analyse attendance half termly for Ashley College (Centre, Home Tuition + Crystal House) and produce a report with recommendations on raising attendance
• Each morning, meet with the Deputy Headteacher (DHT) to discuss pupils being called by tutors
• Meet with DHT to identify pupils that should be referred to the EWOs
• Ensure appropriate forms for EWOs referral are completed and actions followed
• Raise any safeguarding concerns immediately to the DSL

Pastoral Care:

• With Pastoral Deputy, prepare, review and share Attendance, Rewards and Sanctions Policies
• Lead on attendance and work effectively with the EWOs and DHT
• Ensure daily register is completed by the attendance officer
• Ensure admin support staff maintain up to date and relevant attendance data
• Work with form tutors to ensure attendance support and that expectations are high
• Liaise with parents and staff on attendance concerns for individual pupils

Pupils:

• Ensure, with all staff, pupils’ compliance with school rules on uniform and appearance to maintain high standards
• Promote good attendance through rewards and sanctions
• Ensure appropriate certificates and vouchers are issued to pupils according to policy
• Provide one-on-one support to pupils with behavioural difficulties, helping them to overcome challenges and achieve good attendance
• Implement strategies and interventions to manage and improve attendance, in collaboration with teaching staff and SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator).
• Provide support for pupils who may find it difficult or be reluctant to engage in education
• Building rapport with pupils, building positive relationships, promoting confidence, self-esteem, and emotional well-being to influence improved attendance

Staff:

• Meet with tutors to monitor the effectiveness of form tutors and provide support and training
• Ensure tutors make daily call to identified pupils
• Work with Attendance officer, reception and EWOs to maximise attendance

Community:

• Ensure good and consistent communication with parents to raise attendance
• Ensure mainstream schools are provided with pupil attendance data weekly
• Attend multi agency meetings to discuss attendance and improvements required with targeted parents.
• Attend and participate in regular meetings, and in training and other activities as required
• Produce clear, concise, accurate information for Senior Leadership Team and Management Committee

Mentor Support:

To work with the Deputy Headteacher (Teaching and Learning) and Careers Advisor to ensure pupils receive the correct support and guidance for their next placement. The Careers Support will:

• Support pupils to look at and apply for appropriate colleges, apprenticeships or suitable careers
• Be aware of local college offers and application processes and dates
• Support visits and interviews to colleges
• Plan careers visits to fairs and conventions
• Support pupils on how to write a good CV and cover letter
• Enable pupils to understand the job application process and the current labour market
• Help enable pupils to develop skills for college or work interviews
• Carry out consultations with individual pupils delivering advice
• Carry out administrative tasks such as report writing and record keeping
• Source further education colleges and careers information products from elsewhere for use within school
• Keep up to date with labour market information, legislation and professional and academic developments by visiting employers, training providers and training events run by educational and professional bodies

The list of duties in the job description should not be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. There will be other duties and requirements associated with your job and, in addition, as a term of your employment you may be required to undertake various other duties as may reasonably be required by the Senior Leadership Team. 

Brent Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a DBS check.