Every classroom across the UK has students causing trouble, lashing out or struggling to focus on their education.
Teachers are finding it harder and harder to run a classroom on their own. It’s not because teachers don’t care. It’s because the needs of some students – especially those navigating trauma, neurodivergence, or ongoing emotional challenges – go deeper than the curriculum.
This is exactly why we do what we do.
At Lexia, we place dedicated mentors in schools to offer relational, non-judgemental support to young people who need more than a lesson plan. These aren’t just short-term interventions – they’re real relationships, built over time, that can change the way a young person sees themselves, and their future.
Let’s explore how Lexia mentors are helping schools thrive.
Supporting the Student – Not Just Stopping the Behaviour
Many young people who struggle with regulation aren’t “difficult.” They are dysregulated, overwhelmed, or carrying more trauma than anyone realises.
Lexia mentors offer:
- Calm, relational co-regulation during challenging moments
- Consistent presence across the school day
- Social and emotional support that complements teaching staff
- Space to talk, decompress, and reset in a safe environment
Unlike some support roles that float between sites, Lexia mentors are embedded in one school. That means young people see the same face every day. For students with attachment difficulties or anxiety, this familiarity builds trust – and trust builds progress.
When Teachers Need Backup, We’re There
Teachers are doing incredible work. But when a child’s needs move beyond the lesson – when there’s a meltdown, a panic attack, or a silent withdrawal – it can become incredibly challenging for even the most skilled staff members to manage.
Lexia mentors aren’t there to replace teachers. We’re there to support the system around them.
Here’s what that looks like:
- Supporting students 1:1 when they need to leave class
- Helping to regulate behaviour before it escalates
- Providing reflective spaces to talk through emotions
- Being that one adult, that a student knows will always show up with heart
We’re part of the team. Just with a different toolkit.
Trained to De-Escalate, Not to Punish
All Lexia mentors receive Level 2 Team Teach training – a nationally recognised approach to positive behaviour support and de-escalation. It’s not about control. It’s about understanding what’s underneath the behaviour and responding with compassion and skill.
This training helps schools:
- Reduce incidents of restraint or exclusion
- Improve emotional safety for students and staff
- Build a culture of restorative, relational practice
- Keep more young people in class, learning and thriving
We believe every young person deserves to feel safe, seen, and supported. Our mentors make that possible – even in the toughest moments.
No Teaching Degree Needed – Just Heart and Commitment
Lexia mentors don’t need to be qualified teachers. And that’s the point.
We look for individuals with emotional intelligence, life experience, and a genuine drive to make a difference. Whether you’re from youth work, care, coaching, or just someone with the right values – we train and support you every step of the way.
Because a great mentor doesn’t just show up. They show up with heart.
What Happens When You Have a Lexia Mentor?
When a Lexia mentor becomes part of your school, you get:
- A consistent adult who builds strong, trusting relationships
- Lower levels of disruption and dysregulation in class
- Extra capacity during high-stress times (transitions, break-times, etc.)
- A bridge between students and staff – especially when communication breaks down
And most importantly: young people who begin to believe in themselves again.
Want to Be That Person?
We’re always looking for people who want to make a real impact – on real lives.
If you’ve got the heart, resilience, and commitment to show up for young people who need it most, a Lexia mentor role could be for you. You’ll get full training, ongoing support, and a chance to be part of something that matters.
Because schools don’t just need more staff. They need more people who care.
