Learning Mentor, Harbour School Dorset
Grade E £26,403-£28,142 full time equivalent; actual salary £21,068-£22,456 for 34.5 hours per week (Friday afternoons off), term time only working. Plus, generous sick pay and pension scheme.
Hours: 8.30am-4pm Monday – Thursday, 8.30am-1pm Friday
About us:
We've been on quite the journey at Harbour School Dorset over the last 3 years. We opened our new school, tripled our student/staffing numbers, and now we're entering the final stages of our journey as our student numbers reach the maximum of 150 this September…and that's where you come in
At Harbour School Dorset, part of the Delta Education Trust, we specialise in making magic happen every day, okay, maybe not actual magic, but you get the idea We're passionate about creating an environment where every child, regardless of their challenges, can shine.
We specialise in supporting young people with Autistic Spectrum Condition and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. We're looking for super-organised, people-loving, multitasking gurus, and part superhero (cape optional), to join our growing team as Teaching Assistants.
Role Overview:
Your role as a Learning Mentor will involve helping students engage with their learning, supporting their emotional well-being, and feel confident in school.
You'll be a key part of the classroom team, and a calming presence in moments of emotional turbulence (because let's face it, the classroom can be a bit of an emotional rollercoaster). You'll be the glue that holds everything together, the calm in the storm, the person who can help our students navigate their school day without it feeling overwhelming.
Key Responsibilities:
* Be the superhero sidekick students need in the classroom, helping them access learning in their own unique way, whether it's helping them stay focused, managing behaviour, or just being there to listen.
* Assist in delivering personalised support for students with ASC and SEMH; making learning fun and accessible and helping them feel at home in the classroom. Be the emotional support they didn't know they needed.
* Use your organisational skills to manage the day-to-day needs of students and keep things running smoothly. Think of yourself as the backstage manager of a very lively show (but with fewer glittery costumes).
* Help create a positive, inclusive classroom environment where students feel safe to be themselves (even if that "self" involves a few wobbly moments).
* Collaborate with teachers, other staff members, because teamwork makes the dream work
What We're Looking For:
* Excellent communication skills
* Reliability, great organisational skills, and the ability to juggle. Not just balls or flaming torches (unless you're into that), but multiple tasks at once with the kind of grace only a true multitasker has.
* Experience of working with children (not essential) – especially those who've faced challenges. If you've worked with kids who have additional needs or disabilities, you're basically our superhero in disguise.
* The ability to stay calm and collected in high-pressure situations – some days can be challenging but you can bounce back when things are tricky.
* A genuine passion for working with young people and the patience of a saint (or at least the patience of someone who's had their fair share of 'fascinating' classroom moments).
* The ability to adapt your style to each student, because no two days (or students) are the same.
* Enthusiasm and the right attitude are just as important
Why Join Us?
* The chance to make a huge difference in the lives of young people, one small victory at a time.
* Friday afternoons off
* Comprehensive support, Induction and training package
* We're a supportive team who'll have your back during the good, the bad, and the "Did that really just happen?" moments.
* Professional development opportunities because we're all about helping you grow, both as a person and in your ability to juggle six things at once
Closing Date: 2nd November 2025
Interview Date: w/c 10th November 2025
Please note: Applications may be viewed on receipt and interviews arranged sooner than the above date.
(Click 'Apply' to be taken to our website, where links to the following documents can be found)
Please complete our Support Staff Application Form and return it to if you would like to apply. See our Learning Mentor Job Description for further details on the role and our HSD Child-Protection-and-Safeguarding-Policy
The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, this role involves directly working with children and significant contact with children, and therefore we expect all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Please ensure a full work history is completed in your application form including any gaps of employment. Applicants will be required to complete satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check for this post prior to commencement. The Trust is an equal opportunities employer.
If successfully shortlisted the HR Department will also be conducting an individual online search including social media platforms of your 'name, education and employment', to demonstrate due diligence following 'Keeping Children Safe in Education' guidance. The search will not form part of the actual shortlisting process and any concerns arising from the search will be discussed directly with you.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Pay: £26,403.00-£28,142.00 per year
Expected hours: 34.5 per week
Benefits:
* Cycle to work scheme
* Enhanced maternity leave
* Enhanced paternity leave
* Referral programme
* Sick pay
Work Location: In person