Learning Mentor with OPAL Play Coordination

To support pupils’ social, emotional and behavioural development, enabling them to access learning successfully, while leading the development and implementation of high-quality outdoor play through the OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) approach. The postholder will ensure that unstructured times are used proactively to develop pupils’ social skills, emotional regulation and behaviour, contributing positively to wellbeing, safety and learning across the school. Key Responsibilities 1. Learning Mentor Responsibilities (Core Role) Provide targeted support for pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs Deliver 1:1 and small group interventions focused on: Emotional regulation Social skills Behaviour for learning Support pupils at key points in the day (e.g. transitions, start/end of day) Build positive, professional relationships with pupils and families Work alongside teaching staff to identify and remove barriers to learning Maintain accurate and timely records (including MyConcern and intervention tracking) Contribute to safeguarding processes in line with Department for Education statutory guidance Liaise with external agencies where appropriate 2. OPAL Play Coordination (Strategic Responsibility) Play Leadership Lead the implementation and ongoing development of the OPAL approach across the school Design, organise and review play environments to maximise engagement, inclusion and safety Ensure a wide range of play opportunities that support physical, creative and social development SEMH Development Through Play (Key Integration) Use playtimes as a structured opportunity to: Teach and reinforce social skills (e.g. turn-taking, cooperation, conflict resolution) Support pupils in developing emotional regulation in real-life contexts Promote inclusion and reduce social isolation Identify pupils who: Struggle with unstructured times Experience friendship difficulties Display dysregulated or unsafe behaviours Provide in-the-moment coaching and support, including: Modelling appropriate language and behaviour Facilitating peer interactions Supporting resolution of conflict using restorative approaches Plan and deliver targeted play-based support for identified pupils, linking directly to Learning Mentor interventions Behaviour Through Play Promote consistent expectations for behaviour during playtimes Model and embed agreed adult responses aligned with the school Behaviour Policy Use observation to identify patterns (e.g. hotspots, repeat behaviours, specific pupil needs) Staff Development Support and coach lunchtime supervisors to improve the quality of interactions with pupils Model effective practice in real time Deliver briefings and guidance to ensure consist