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 focused on slow but impactful progress.
- 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.
“The learning mentors encourage me to express myself in a constructive and useful way. They make me feel safe and valued, help me work through my emotions, and ensure I do not feel judged for how I am feeling.” 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 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
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values before your interview. Research Harbour School Dorset, understand their approach to supporting students with SEMH and ASC needs, and think about how your experiences align with their mission. This will help you connect on a deeper level during your conversation.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your emotional resilience stories! Think of specific examples where you've shown patience and support in challenging situations. These real-life anecdotes will demonstrate your ability to handle the ups and downs of being a Learning Mentor.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your approach to building trust with young people. Share strategies that have worked for you in the past, and be open about how you plan to create a safe space for students at Harbour School Dorset. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and making a difference in the lives of young people.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Mentor
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 face them head-on. We appreciate candidates who get what this role is all about!
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 at Harbour School Dorset!
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. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by students with SEMH and ASC needs. This will help you articulate how your skills and experiences align with the role.
✨Showcase Your Emotional Resilience
During the interview, be prepared to discuss situations where you've demonstrated patience and emotional strength. Share examples of how you've built trust with others, especially in challenging circumstances. This will highlight your suitability for a role that requires a calm and non-judgemental approach.
✨Emphasise Connection Over Curriculum
Make it clear that you understand the importance of building relationships before academic progress. Share your thoughts on how you would create a safe environment for students and why you believe connection is key to their learning journey.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about specific scenarios you might face as a Learning Mentor. Think about how you would handle a distressed student or a situation where a student is resistant to help. Practising your responses can help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.
