Mentoring for PupilsMentors work with schools and parents to raise standards and expectations, either one-to-one or in small groups. They work in the classroom to help pupils overcome social, emotional and behavioural problems which act as barriers to learning. They also help pupils experiencing organisational difficulties or needing support with study skills, planning and revision.
How mentors work
A mentor can support a student by
- Listening
- Discussing relevant issues
- Exploring problems
- Giving an awareness of the world of work
- Being available for support
The kinds of problems mentors can help with
- Unmotivated students
- Lack of family support
- Able students from disadvantaged homes with no history of higher education
- Lack of self-esteem
- Lack of teacher expertise in a particular topic area or area of career interest
- Attendance and punctuality, risk of exclusion
Different types of mentor
Mentors are many things - a positive role model, an adviser, an experienced friend. Learning mentors are salaried staff with expertise in their role, but many schools also make use of a network of volunteer mentors who might have specific subject or commercial work experience.
Volunteer mentoring relationships can often be very effective for young people because a volunteer is often seen as less of an authority figure. They often come from the same background as the young person needing support and are therefore perceived as being from the 'real world'.
Becoming a mentor
For more information, or if you are interested in becoming a learning mentor you should contact the school where you would be like to mentor.
If you are a business interested in taking part in mentoring please  download our flyer (38 kb) or contact
Rhyl Dorrington
Business mentoring project manager
Tel: 020 7525 2868
rhyl.dorrington@southwark.gov.uk
Southwark Education Business Alliance
South London Science and Technology Centre
Wilson Road
London
SE5 8PD
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External organisations
The Mentoring and Befriending Foundation is the national strategic body and also provides guidance and support to organisations and practitioners involved in mentoring and befriending.
Find out more about the importance the Department of Children, Schools and Families places on the work of learning mentors and the relevant legislation.
Contact
Excellence in Cities coordinator
Tel: 020 7252 7548
childrens.info@southwark.gov.uk
Learning mentor service
Victory Schoolhouse
Rodney Road
London
SE17 1PT |