Behaviour Mentor – Primary School Pastoral Support

Location: Watford, Hertfordshire Job Title: Behaviour Mentor School Setting: Primary School (Reception–Year 6) Pay Rate: £90–£120 per day (dependent on experience) Contract Type: Full-time, long-term, term-time only Start Date: Immediate or by agreement Role Overview We are seeking a dedicated, empathetic, and proactive Behaviour Mentor to join a vibrant primary school in Watford, Hertfordshire . This school prides itself on nurturing every child’s social, emotional, and academic development and is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all pupils. As a Behaviour Mentor, you will work closely with children who face challenges in managing their behaviour, emotions, or engagement in learning. Many of the pupils may struggle with emotional regulation, low self-esteem, anxiety, ADHD, or other SEMH-related difficulties. Some may also have experienced disruption in their education or challenging family circumstances that impact their learning and behaviour. This is a highly rewarding role for someone who thrives on building trusting relationships with young children, providing consistent support, and working closely with teachers and pastoral staff to enable every child to reach their potential. Purpose of the Behaviour Mentor Role The primary purpose of this role is to support children in overcoming barriers to learning caused by behavioural or emotional difficulties. You will work both proactively and reactively: Proactively: Delivering targeted support sessions, promoting positive behaviour, and helping children develop self-regulation and social skills. Reactively: Supporting children during moments of distress, conflict, or disengagement, helping them return calmly to learning. The school follows a restorative, trauma-informed approach , recognising that challenging behaviour is often a form of communication. As a Behaviour Mentor, you will help children understand and manage their feelings, develop empathy, and cultivate positive relationships with peers and adults. Key Responsibilities As a Behaviour Mentor in Watford, your responsibilities will include: Providing 1:1 mentoring for children who require additional support for emotional or behavioural needs. Delivering small group interventions focusing on social skills, self-confidence, emotional regulation, and resilience. Supporting children in the classroom to improve engagement, focus, and positive behaviour. Assisting during unstructured times such as breaks, lunchtimes, and transitions to reduce conflict and promote positive social interaction. De-escalating challenging behaviour calmly and professionally. Supporting children following incidents, helping them reflect on their behaviour and learn from experiences. Collaborating with teachers, SENCOs, teaching assistants, and senior leaders to develop and implement behaviour support plans. Monitoring progress, maintaining detailed records, and reporting outcomes to pastoral leaders. Promoting restorative practices and encouraging children to develop problem-solving and self-management strategies. Upholding safeguarding policies and professional boundaries at all times. The School Environment This primary school in Watford serves a diverse and engaged community. The school is highly committed to inclusion and believes that every child deserves a chance to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. Teachers and support staff work collaboratively to create a structured and nurturing environment, and Behaviour Mentors are a vital part of this framework. The leadership team is supportive and values the contribution of Behaviour Mentors in shaping positive student outcomes. Staff are provided with induction, supervision, and opportunities for professional development. The school uses trauma-informed and restorative approaches alongside traditional behaviour management strategies. Staff are trained to recognise the underlying causes of behaviour, helping children develop long-term coping strategies rather than relying solely on punitive measures. Students You Will Support Children supported by the Behaviour Mentor may: Display challenging or disruptive behaviour. Struggle with emotional regulation, anxiety, or frustration. Have SEMH needs, ADHD, or attachment-related difficulties. Find peer relationships or following routines challenging. Be at risk of disengagement from learning or social activities. Your role will be to provide a stabilising presence, enabling children to feel safe, understood, and confident in themselves and their learning environment. Who This Role Is Suitable For This role is ideal for individuals who: Have experience working with primary-aged children in education, care, or youth work. Are patient, empathetic, and emotionally resilient. Can manage challenging behaviour effectively and compassionately. Are confident in building strong, professional relationships with young children. Are motivated to support inclusion, pastoral care, and children’s social-emotional development. Graduates in psychology, education, social sciences, or related fields are encouraged to apply, as are experienced Behaviour Mentors looking for 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 training and professional development. Desirable Experience Previous Behaviour Mentor or Teaching Assistant experience. Knowledge of SEMH, ADHD, or primary-level behaviour strategies. Familiarity with trauma-informed or restorative practices. 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 education and pastoral roles. A positive, inclusive, and professional working culture. Why This Role Is Impactful As a Behaviour Mentor in Watford, you will directly influence the lives of children who face emotional or behavioural challenges. Your consistent support, guidance, and encouragement can help children build resilience, develop emotional regulation, and engage confidently in their learning. If you are passionate about inclusion, committed to supporting primary-aged children, and motivated to make a difference, this Behaviour Mentor role in Watford offers a highly rewarding opportunity to create lasting change.