Learning Mentor

Information for children

My name is Mrs Walker I am the Learning Mentor at Our Lady’s Primary School. I work within your school to help you with any problems you feel you may not be able to understand or deal with alone. You may feel as if no one cares and you can't easily tell your parents, carers or teachers because you may be worried they may not understand. You may feel worried about talking because you are scared. There may be many reasons. At times you may feel as if you can't concentrate or work as well as you could or usually do,because a problem is getting worse, too big and out of control. Talking to me may help to stop you feeling frustrated with everything. I will listen, offer practical help and advice, and help you to make the most of your time at Our Lady’s Primary School. I am here to support and represent you.

When and where do I see you?

It may be at playtime, lunchtime or during lesson time. Write your worry down or just your name and post it in the worry box. We will meet in the Hakuna Matata room.

Information for Parents

Mrs Walker is the Learning Mentor who works within school to help children and families with any difficulties they may be experiencing. She is available to listen, offer support and practical advice

How can a Learning Mentor help? What do they do?

By working with pupils and families to form trusting relationships. She is someone to talk to, or will know someone else who can help. She will be able to look at practical solutions to some problems and hopefully share your successes with you and disappointments.

A Learning Mentor is here to:

Listen
Offer support
Promote positive behaviour
Identify the barriers to learning and set targets
Offer encouragement and build self-esteem and confidence
Support individuals and groups of children
Support Teachers and other members of staff
Support Parents/carers

The Role of the Learning Mentor

For Children:

Build confidence, raise self-esteem and motivation
Improve social skills, form relationships with friends, family and staff
Improve attendance and punctuality
Remove barriers to learning
Help children to achieve their potential

For Families:

Improve support and communication between home and school
Access to outside agencies and someone to talk to in confidence

For school:

More effective and efficient communication between parents/carers, teachers and outside agencies
Reduction in anti-social behaviour

What strategies does the Learning Mentor use to help a child further or reach their full potential?

1:1 mentoring session to discuss problems and address how these may be overcome via solution focus based approaches.
Individual sessions focusing on particular issues such as bullying, attendance etc
Group activities such as circle time and friendship groups
Utilisation of Childs own hobbies or interests to enhance performance
Support with Homework
Peer mentoring and budding
Liaise with parents and other agencies when in best interest of the child/family and school.

What can parents carers do to help?

Discuss any concerns with the Learning Mentor
Talk to your child about concerns they may have and contact the school
Seek advice and support from the Learning Mentor at any time
Attend parents evening
Keep up to date with school news letters
Read school website on a regular basis.

The Learning Mentor is here to support, encourage both pupils and families to overcome challenges and any barriers to effective and creative learning both inside school and outside school. In order for this to be achieved realistically, excellent communication between school and home is essential.