Job Description
Download printable version
A unique opportunity has arisen for an Engagement Mentor to join the Children's Support Service on a 2 Year Fixed Term contract. CSS is an Ofsted "Good" rated and highly regarded Alternative Provision based in the South of Essex. This post will be based across both of our sites in Basildon and Wickford, across both Primary and Secondary sectors.
2 Year Fixed term
Term Time plus 5 inset days
37 hours per week (Mon to Thur 8:30 - 4:30, Fri 8:30 - 4:00)
Scale 7 Point 19 (Range 19-24) Actual Salary = £28,111 including Outer Fringe Allowance
At Children's Support Service you won't just be another member of staff - you'll be a vital part of a passionate team dedicated to transforming the lives of children who need us most. Our children face barriers to learning, and it's our mission to help them overcome these challenges and truly "be the best they can be."
Working with us means being part of a close-knit, supportive community where every voice is heard and every contribution is valued. We celebrate our successes together, support each other through challenges, and genuinely care about the wellbeing of our team.
Everything we do is guided by three powerful principles:
Respect- We value every individual's unique journey and treat everyone with dignity and kindness
Resilience- We help our pupils bounce back from setbacks and never give up
Aspiration- We hold high expectations and believe in the potential of every child and every team member
This isn't your typical school environment. You'll work with pupils who face significant challenges - from SEND to social, emotional and mental health needs. Every breakthrough, every smile, every moment of progress is a victory you'll have helped to achieve. You'll see the direct impact of your work, and you'll go home knowing you've made a genuine difference.
If you're looking for more than just a job - if you want a role where you'll be challenged, supported, valued and inspired - Children's Support Service is the place for you. Come and be part of something special. Come and help our pupils be the best they can be.
Working for CSS, you will:
· Receive a high level of support from dedicated, experienced and skilled colleagues
· Work in a dynamic, diverse and enjoyable setting
· Achieve a healthy work/life balance
· Make a meaningful difference to the lives of children
You should be someone who:
· Shows compassion and kindness to all pupils
· Builds positive connections with pupils, and promote a sense of belonging
· Instils hope and aspiration
· Preferably has previous experience of working with vulnerable and disadvantaged pupils
· Has knowledge of the curriculum and some experience of alternative provisions
· Can support with personalised learning programmes, including remote learning, class based and off-site activities
· Can support outdoor activities
· Can deliver 1:1 educational intervention programmes
· Has GCSE standard, or equivalent, of Maths and English
Our service is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The appointment will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and full employment checks, good references and medical clearance.
CSS staff benefit from our subscription to the "Education Support Partnership", which provides mental health and wellbeing support services for all staff, including 24/7 access to advice, support and counselling for our whole team.
Start date: September 2026
Visits are encouraged - please email HR.Team@css-essex.co.uk or telephone CSS Wickford on 01268 552482 to arrange a visit.
Please note that C.V.s are not accepted as part of applications.
Information about the School:
The Children's Support Service is a short stay alternative provision in Essex. We educate and support children from KS1 - KS4 as well as providing an outreach service which works to support students, staff and schools in the local area. Our schools are based in Basildon (secondary) and Wickford (primary and secondary).
Our Medical Education Team work across South and West Essex and focus on not only educating children and young people but crucially reintegrating our students back into their mainstream school.
We now offer, in partnership with Essex Local Authority Education Access Team, an education and reintegration programme for students who have been permanently excluded from any part of Essex back to their local mainstream school.
Most of our students are referred to us due to challenges they may have faced in school; many come with additional needs and require academic, emotional and social support. We pride ourselves on overcoming these challenges and ensuring every student is successful.
We offer a wide range of subjects and match a mainstream setting through our core curriculum offer. At the same time, as a 'needs -led' provision we offer extensive enrichment opportunities to our students.
We collaborate with schools and professionals who need our support, and aim to reintegrate students back into mainstream education or prepare them for other lifelong learning opportunities.
Our staff create positive, safe, caring and supportive learning environments, helping to inspire every child to 'be the best they can be.'
CSS staff benefit from flexible working arrangements, our subscription to an Employee Assistance Programme, which provides mental health and well-being support services for all staff, including 24/7 access to advice, support and counselling for our whole team.
Please note that car insurance including "business use" is required.
Information about the School
The Children’s Support Service is a short stay alternative provision in Essex. We educate and support children from KS1 - KS4 as well as providing an outreach service which works to support students, staff and schools in the local area. Our schools are based in Basildon (secondary) and Wickford (primary and secondary).
Our Medical Education Team work across South and West Essex and focus on not only educating children and young people but crucially reintegrating our students back into their mainstream school.
We now offer, in partnership with Essex Local Authority Education Access Team, an education and reintegration programme for students who have been permanently excluded from any part of Essex back to their local mainstream school.
Most of our students are referred to us due to challenges they may have faced in school; many come with additional needs and require academic, emotional and social support. We pride ourselves on overcoming these challenges and ensuring every student is successful.
We offer a wide range of subjects and match a mainstream setting through our core curriculum offer. At the same time, as a 'needs -led' provision we offer extensive enrichment opportunities to our students.
We collaborate with schools and professionals who need our support, and aim to reintegrate students back into mainstream education or prepare them for other lifelong learning opportunities.
Our staff create positive, safe, caring and supportive learning environments, helping to inspire every child to 'be the best they can be.'
CSS staff benefit from flexible working arrangements, our subscription to an Employee Assistance Programme, which provides mental health and well-being support services for all staff, including 24/7 access to advice, support and counselling for our whole team.
Please note that car insurance including "business use" is required.