Hello!
Currently my 09 Cooper S (UK model) is spitting oil onto the turbo housing which gets a tad hot and smelly and scares a few old biddies with the smoke coming out of my hood. I’m fairly certain it will just be a valve cover gasket replacement as the vast majority of the oil is around the bolt nearest the turbo but if someone with experience could confirm / tell me I’m blind then I would be greatly appreciative!!

 

Based on this picture, looks like your cam cover is starting to melt... I would consider a full cover replacement

 

Is there something I should do to stop a new one melting?

 

I've seen guy apply heat tape to that leading edge... You could also try to fab a metal heat deflector... There is also a bonnet scoop deflector that could be added that deflects cool air from the scoop to that area...