Liaison Officer/Learning Mentor

Are you committed to making a measurable difference to the lives of primary-aged children? Do you believe every child can thrive with the right relationships, routine and targeted support? Join Jigsaw, a small, specialist Pupil Referral Unit where your skills, empathy and coordination will enable children with social, emotional and/or behavioural needs to access learning, rebuild confidence and transition back to mainstream school.

About Jigsaw
Jigsaw is a welcoming PRU providing short-term, intensive support for primary-aged children whose SEMH needs impede learning. We deliver a broad and balanced curriculum alongside personalised plans, working closely with parents, mainstream schools and partner agencies to create learning environments that are innovative, motivational and impactful.

Our practice is rooted in inclusivity, respect and unconditional positive regard, with a trauma- and attachment-aware culture at the heart of everything we do.

School priorities:

• Embedding trauma- and attachment-informed approaches
• Reviewing and securing robust curriculum coverage
• Improving speaking and listening across the unit

We follow the OFSTED inspection framework and place safeguarding and wellbeing at the centre of our practice.

About the role

The post of Liaison Officer / Learning Mentor combines casework, multi-agency liaison and hands-on mentoring. You will work within a structured supervision system to provide complementary support to teachers and support staff, removing barriers to learning both in and out of the classroom so pupils can achieve their potential and, where appropriate, transition back to mainstream education.

Key responsibilities:

• Build trusting 1:1 mentoring relationships with pupils, supporting them to meet targets in individual action plans and recording progress.
• Undertake comprehensive assessments for allocated pupils, co‑creating personalised action plans with staff, families and partner professionals.
• Coordinate and lead multi-agency communication and referrals, acting as the primary point of contact between families, mainstream schools and external services (e.g., Social Services, Education Welfare Service, CAMHS). Attend and, where appropriate, chair meetings (CP conferences, CIN meetings, core groups, PEPs, LAC reviews).
• Support and deputise for the unit’s designated teacher/deputy designated teacher for safeguarding and looked-after children — ensuring timely follow-up and effective information-sharing.
• Promote positive behaviour, independence and resilience using consistent, child-centred, restorative and trauma-aware strategies.
• Support class teachers and the SENCO to meet the needs of pupils with SEND and champion inclusive practice across the unit.
• Maintain accurate records, prepare reports for reviews and meetings, and ensure confidentiality and compliance with safeguarding procedures.
• Work with families to secure engagement, provide practical support and signpost to community resources and specialist services.
• Contribute to whole‑unit priorities (trauma/attachment approaches, curriculum development, speaking & listening) and share best practice through network meetings.
• Undertake relevant training and professional development and participate in performance management and supervision.

Safeguarding and pre-employment checks

Jigsaw is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and we expect all staff to share this commitment to keeping children safe. Any offer of employment will be subject to statutory pre-employment checks including satisfactory references and Enhanced DBS and Barred List checks. This post is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (as amended in 2013 & 2020) and shortlisted candidates will be required to disclose any relevant criminal history prior to interview. In accordance with our statutory obligations under Keeping Children Safe in Education Jigsaw is required to conduct an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted candidates. This may help identify any incidents or issues that have happened and are publicly available online, which we may want to explore with you at the interview.

What we offer

• The opportunity to make a direct, measurable impact on children’s lives and long-term outcomes.
• A supportive, collaborative team culture committed to professional development and shared best practice.
• Regular supervision and opportunities to contribute to school improvement priorities.
• A small, well‑resourced PRU environment where initiative is valued.

Application notes:

• Ensure your application addresses the job purpose and responsibilities outlined.
• The post requires full adherence to our safeguarding, health & safety and confidentiality policies.
• Please ensure there are no unaccounted-for gaps in employment or training history on the application form.

Jigsaw is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We look forward to hearing how you can contribute to helping children flourish.  Visits to school prior to shortlisting are strongly encouraged and can be arranged by calling the school office.