Teaching Assistant; Learning Mentor - Harbour School

Role Overview

What skills and experience we’re looking for

Compassionate. Supportive. Purposeful.

Do you believe every young person deserves a second chance to thrive? At Harbour School Dorset, we’re looking for a Learning Mentor who can help students rebuild confidence, reconnect with learning, and believe in themselves again.

Our students are all different — and so are we. We’re looking for someone who can see beyond behaviour to the person underneath, listen without judgement, and celebrate every small step forward. If you know that progress doesn’t always come in straight lines, but every breakthrough matters, we’d love to hear from you…

As a Learning Mentor, you’ll help students engage in learning, manage their emotions, and build confidence in themselves and their future. No two days will be the same — some will bring small wins, others new challenges — but every one will matter. You’ll be part of a caring, creative team that values connection, consistency, and kindness.

What impact could you really have? Here’s what one of our students has to say:

"Throughout my time at Harbour School I have worked with the learning mentors to help me develop and learn new skills to progress within my education. The teachers at school ensure I have an academic education and the learning mentors ensure I have the life skills and education to live a successful and happy life. 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. Without the learning mentors, my schooling would be harder to complete and understand."

• Great communication and teamwork skills
• A calm, patient approach — even under pressure
• A natural connection with young people and a genuine desire to help them grow
• Reliability, flexibility, and good organisation
• Experience supporting children or young people (helpful, not essential)
• A belief that every bit of progress is worth celebrating

What the school offers its staff

About us:

Harbour School Dorset has grown rapidly in recent years — a new school, a thriving team, and a vibrant community of over 150 students.

As part of the Southern Education Trust, we provide a supportive environment for young people with Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

We believe that with the right care, consistency and understanding, every student can thrive.

Why you’ll love working with us:

• Make a real difference in the lives of young people, one small victory at a time
• Friday afternoons off
• Comprehensive induction, support and training
• A supportive team who’ll have your back — through the good, the bad, and the “Did that really just happen?” moments
• Ongoing professional development and career progression within Southern Education Trust
• A school that celebrates progress, not just results
• A rewarding, varied role where every day makes a difference

Become part of our journey, by completing our Support Staff Application Form and returning it to recruitmentcation if you would like to apply. See our Learning Mentor Job Description for further details on the role and our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy.

Closing date: 15th February 2026

Interview date: w/c 23rd February 2026

Please note:

Applications will be viewed on receipt and interviews may be organised earlier than the above date.

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.