Learning Mentor (Teaching Assistant)
Harbour School Dorset, BH20 6NU37 days remaining to apply
Start date details
As soon as possible
Closing date
1 September 2025 at 12pm (midday)
Date listed
23 July 2025
Job details
Job role
- Teaching assistant
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Key stage 2, Key stage 3, Key stage 4, Key stage 5
Working pattern
- Full time, part time: 34.5 hours per week (Friday afternoons off), term time only working Hours: 8.30am-4pm Monday – Thursday, 8.30am-1pm Friday
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- Grade E £26,095-£27,814
Actual salary
- £20,822-£22,194 for 34.5 hours per week (Friday afternoons off), term time only working. Plus, generous sick pay and pension scheme.
What skills and experience we're looking for
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!
What the school offers its staff
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.
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!
Further information about the job
Please note: Applications will be reviewed when the school re-opens in September.
To apply: Please complete our Support Staff Application Form (PDF version attached, Word version available via our website) and return it to HR@deltaeducationtrust.com if you would like to apply.
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.
Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.
Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children
You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Applying for the job
Apply for the job by following the link below.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on school website (opens in new tab)Upload additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About Harbour School Dorset
- School type
- Free School, ages 10 to 19
- School size
- 140 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 10 to 19
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Harbour School Dorset website
- Email address
- hr@deltaeducationtrust.com
School location
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