Learning Mentors
Some children often face challenges which can make school and/or home life difficult for them. These challenges can present as social & emotional difficulties. Some children can struggle to regulate and make sense of their overwhelming emotions. It may be that a child finds it hard to make friends or maintain their friendships. It might be that a child has experienced a great loss and they need some support and guidance through their thoughts and feelings. It could be that they simply need the opportunity to talk.We as Learning Mentors, aim to provide calming and therapeutic support, through weekly 30 minute sessions. We each have our own space, where we work with children 1:1 or sometimes for group interventions. Each child is thought about individually. A plan is put into place, specifically designed to guide them through their challenges, with the end goal being to make changes for the better. Our children thrive most when at their happiest and safest – we hope our intervention can really help them feel this way.
Mrs J Senior-White
"I’m Mrs Jade Senior-White, one of the Learning Mentors at Snapethorpe Primary School.I have spent 3 years here at Snapethorpe, working with a range of children from all year groups.I began working in schools at the age of 17, when I became an apprentice teaching assistant in a specialist provision. This is definitely where my enthusiasm for working with children sparked. Since then, I have gained much more experience and knowledge. For 5 years, I was based in a Nurture Room, creating a safe and welcoming base to help children with social and emotional challenges.I continue to strive for development in all areas of my own learning. I have become a Mental Health First Aider, I have trained in Bereavement and Loss and also have extensive training in Play Therapy. By continuing to better myself, I can ensure that my time working with children really makes a difference".
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Miss Whittell
"My name is Miss Zoe Whittell and I have worked at Snapethorpe Primary School for six years. I recently started the role as Learning Mentor in September 2021. Before I was an experienced Teaching Assistant in Years 2 and 3 where I built a great knowledge of the school environment. As a Teaching Assistant my main responsibility was the duty of care to the children of the school and this has continued as a Learning Mentor. I have developed children's confidence in their ability to learn by delivering group interventions or working with children 1:1. The experience and knowledge that I have gained from being a Teaching Assistant has given me a good introduction in being a Learning Mentor. I provide support to children by listening, being patient and giving empathy, I provide a calm and orderly environment which enables them to feel valued, safe and protected.
As I am new to the role as Learning Mentor, I am continuing to develop my understanding of the role by attending training courses, I have recently become a Mental Health First Aider and have attended courses on Low Mood in Children and Bereavement and Loss, as well as supporting children with anxiety.
I am thoroughly enjoying being a Learning Mentor and working with a range of children with different abilities and I am looking forward to the future as one of Snapethorpe's Learning Mentors."
