Virtual School Learning Mentors

The role of a learning mentor is to support our cared for children and young people throughout the local authority with their well-being in education.

The virtual school has four learning mentors, three school aged learning mentors and one post 16 mentor. Each has a dedicated caseload of children and young people that have been referred to them for support.

Our mentors are ELSA trained (emotional literacy support assistant), meaning they are well equipped to offer support with social skills, emotions, anger management, self-esteem, friendships, and bereavement support to the young people they work with.

Mentor support

Our mentors link with the virtual school advisor, designated teachers, social care and sometimes other partners to best plan the support that is required for each young person. Our mentors offer support in various ways including:

• school transition support
• placement breakdowns or moves
• developing social skills and friendships
• help to manage anxiety confidence and self-esteem
• study skills and homework help
• emotional wellbeing and feelings
• work and support with education
• employment and training

The support sessions can be done at their school or educational setting, or they can take place at their home or an agreed public setting.

Page last reviewed: 14 February 2024