Behaviour Mentor - Primary School Pastoral & SEMH Support

Location: Hackney, North London

Job Title: Behaviour Mentor
School Setting: Primary School (Reception–Year 6)
Pay Rate: £90–£125 per day (depending on experience)
Contract Type: Full-time, term-time, long-term
Start Date: Immediate or by agreement

Role Overview

A forward-thinking primary school in Hackney, North London , is seeking an empathetic, patient, and proactive Behaviour Mentor to join its pastoral and SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health) support team. The school is dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment that supports every pupil’s social, emotional, and academic development.

As a Behaviour Mentor, you will provide targeted support to pupils who need guidance managing behaviour, regulating emotions, and fully engaging in classroom learning. Pupils you support may have SEMH needs, ADHD, anxiety, low self-esteem, or difficulties forming positive relationships with peers.

This role is ideal for individuals passionate about mentoring primary-aged children, delivering structured interventions, and collaborating with teachers, SENCOs, and pastoral leads to implement personalised behaviour support plans that help children thrive socially and academically.

Purpose of the Behaviour Mentor Role

The Behaviour Mentor’s purpose is to help pupils overcome barriers to learning caused by behavioural or emotional challenges. This role combines both proactive and reactive support:

• Proactive support: Plan and deliver 1:1 mentoring and small group sessions to develop social skills, emotional regulation, resilience, and confidence.

• Reactive support: Offer immediate guidance during behavioural incidents, helping pupils manage emotions, repair relationships, and reintegrate positively into learning.

The school follows a trauma-informed and restorative approach , recognising that challenging behaviour often reflects unmet emotional or social needs. You will guide pupils in understanding their emotions, developing coping strategies, and building positive relationships with peers and staff.

Key Responsibilities

As a Behaviour Mentor in Hackney, your responsibilities will include:

• Delivering 1:1 mentoring for pupils requiring additional behavioural or emotional support.

• Leading small group sessions focused on social skills, emotional regulation, confidence, and resilience.

• Supporting pupils in classrooms to maintain engagement, focus, and positive behaviour.

• Providing supervision and guidance during unstructured times such as playtimes, lunchtimes, and transitions to prevent conflict and encourage positive peer interactions.

• Calmly de-escalating challenging behaviour using restorative and trauma-informed strategies.

• Supporting pupils after incidents to reflect on behaviour, repair relationships, and develop strategies for the future.

• Collaborating with teachers, SENCOs, and pastoral staff to implement individual behaviour support plans.

• Maintaining accurate records of interventions, incidents, and pupil progress.

• Promoting empathy, restorative practices, and problem-solving skills among pupils.

• Upholding safeguarding policies and professional boundaries at all times.

The School Environment

This primary school in Hackney serves a vibrant and diverse community. It places strong emphasis on inclusion, pastoral care, and emotional wellbeing. Leadership recognises the value of Behaviour Mentors and provides guidance, supervision, and ongoing professional development opportunities.

The school combines trauma-informed and restorative approaches with structured behaviour management systems. Pupils are supported to develop emotional resilience, self-regulation, and positive social skills while achieving academic progress.

Students You Will Support

Children supported by a Behaviour Mentor may:

• Display disruptive, withdrawn, or challenging behaviour.

• Struggle with emotional regulation, low self-esteem, or anxiety.

• Have SEMH needs, ADHD, or attachment-related difficulties.

• Experience challenges in peer relationships, routines, or transitions.

• Be at risk of disengaging from learning or social activities.

Your support will help pupils build confidence, resilience, and positive behavioural strategies, enabling them to fully engage in school life.

Who This Role Is Suitable For

This role is suitable for individuals who:

• Have experience supporting primary-aged children in schools, care, or youth services.

• Are patient, empathetic, and emotionally resilient.

• Can manage challenging behaviour effectively and supportively.

• Are confident in building strong, professional relationships with children.

• Are motivated to work in pastoral care and support inclusion.

Graduates in psychology, education, social sciences, or related fields are encouraged to apply, as are experienced Behaviour Mentors seeking a primary school setting.

Essential Requirements

• Experience supporting children with behavioural or emotional challenges.

• Strong communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.

• Ability to remain calm, professional, and consistent under pressure.

• Commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and equality.

• Willingness to engage in ongoing professional development.

Desirable Experience

• Previous Behaviour Mentor or Teaching Assistant experience in primary schools.

• Knowledge of SEMH, ADHD, or trauma-informed practice.

• Experience delivering 1:1 or small group interventions.

• Relevant qualifications in education, pastoral care, or child development.

What the School Offers

• Competitive daily pay with long-term stability.

• Comprehensive induction and ongoing professional development.

• Supportive teaching, pastoral, and leadership teams.

• Opportunities for career progression within primary education and pastoral care.

• A positive, inclusive, and professional working environment.

Why This Role Is Meaningful

As a Behaviour Mentor in Hackney, you will make a tangible difference in pupils’ social, emotional, and behavioural development. Your guidance, support, and encouragement will help pupils manage emotions, build resilience, and engage positively in learning and social interactions.

If you are passionate about working with primary-aged children, committed to inclusion, and motivated to make a real difference, this Behaviour Mentor role in Hackney provides a highly rewarding and impactful opportunity.