At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with SEMH and ASC needs, helping them feel safe and reconnect with learning.
- Company: Harbour School Dorset, dedicated to making a real difference in young people's lives.
- Benefits: Meaningful work, personal growth, and the chance to make a lasting impact.
- Other info: Join a supportive team in a unique environment focused on emotional and social development.
- Why this job: Be part of transformative moments that change lives and build trust with students.
- Qualifications: Emotional resilience, patience, and a passion for supporting young people.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 £ per year.
Every day won’t be easy. Every day will matter. Progress is slow. Impact is huge. At Harbour School Dorset, we support young people with significant Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) and Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) needs. Many have struggled in mainstream settings. Some have lost trust in adults. Some will push you away before they let you in.
You know what a Teaching Assistant role is – this is not that role. We’ll be honest. This role takes patience, resilience, emotional strength and consistency. Progress can be slow. Building trust can take months. Some days will feel like two steps back. And then, one day… A student who wouldn’t enter the classroom sits beside you. A young person who never spoke says your name. A student who didn’t trust adults asks for help. Those moments are everything.
What you’ll be doing: As a Learning Mentor, you’ll help students feel safe, regulate emotions, rebuild confidence and reconnect with learning. This is not a traditional classroom support role. Some days you’ll be sitting on the floor for hours beside a distressed student, taking a walk, being shouted at – or celebrating something as small (and as huge) as a student writing their name. Academic progress matters – but connection comes first.
This is the difference you’ll make.
Who we’re looking for: You will thrive in this role if you are:
- Calm under pressure; emotionally resilient and reflective
- Able to stay consistent even when rejected
- Patient and non-judgemental
- Comfortable with slow progress and small steps
- Motivated by impact rather than quick wins
Experience with young people, SEMH, ASC or trauma-informed work is helpful – but attitude, resilience and emotional intelligence are also so valuable.
Learning Mentor in England employer: Harbour School Dorset
At Harbour School Dorset, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people with SEMH and ASC needs. Our supportive work culture fosters emotional resilience and personal growth, providing our Learning Mentors with unique opportunities to develop their skills while making a profound difference in students' lives. Located in a nurturing environment, we offer a rewarding experience where every small victory is celebrated, ensuring that our team feels valued and empowered in their vital roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Mentor in England
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values. Research Harbour School Dorset and understand their approach to supporting students with SEMH and ASC needs. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your emotional resilience stories. Think of times when you've faced challenges and how you overcame them. Be ready to share these experiences in interviews, as they’ll highlight your patience and ability to connect with young people who may be struggling.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your non-judgemental attitude. During interviews, emphasise your ability to create safe spaces for students. Share examples of how you've supported individuals in difficult situations without passing judgement – this is key for building trust.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about joining our team at Harbour School Dorset. Don’t miss out on the chance to make a real impact!
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Mentor in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your personality and passion for supporting young people with SEMH and ASC needs. Share your experiences and how they’ve shaped your approach to mentoring.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Even if you haven't worked in a similar role before, think about any experiences that demonstrate your patience, resilience, and emotional intelligence. Whether it's volunteering, personal experiences, or other jobs, make sure to connect them to the skills we’re looking for.
Show Your Understanding of the Role:Take some time to really understand what being a Learning Mentor means. Reflect on the challenges and rewards mentioned in the job description, and express how you’re ready to embrace both. This will show us that you’re serious about making a difference.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harbour School Dorset
✨Understand the Role Deeply
Before your interview, take some time to really understand what being a Learning Mentor involves. This isn’t just about academic support; it’s about building trust and emotional connections with students. Familiarise yourself with the challenges they face and think about how you can contribute positively.
✨Showcase Your Emotional Resilience
During the interview, be prepared to discuss situations where you've demonstrated patience and resilience. Share specific examples of how you've handled difficult emotional situations, whether in a professional or personal context. This will show that you have the emotional strength needed for this role.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Progress
Talk about your understanding that progress can be slow and that small victories are significant. Share any experiences where you’ve celebrated minor achievements with others, as this aligns perfectly with the ethos of the role. It’s all about the journey, not just the destination!
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the school's approach to supporting students with SEMH and ASC needs or how they measure success in the role. Asking thoughtful questions shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if the environment is right for you.
