Job Description

Teaching Assistant (Learning Mentor), Harbour School Dorset

26,403-28,142 full time equivalent; actual salary 21,068-22,456 for 34.5 hours per week (Friday afternoons off), and term time only working. Plus, generous sick pay and pension scheme.

Hours: 8.30am-4pm Monday - Thursday, 8.30am-1pm Friday

Kindness. Creativity. Collaboration.

Do you believe every young person deserves to feel seen, valued, and understood - just as they are?

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 that's where you come in. You'll help them find calm when things feel overwhelming, celebrate the small steps forward, and remind them they're capable of more than they think.

You'll work alongside teachers and support staff to help students with ASC or SEMH needs reach their learning and behaviour goals. Through trusted relationships, you'll guide them to grow in confidence and independence; while keeping parents, carers and professionals connected in their journey.

As part of our caring, creative and collaborative team, you'll help students manage their emotions, engage with learning, and grow life skills that really matter. Progress doesn't always come in straight lines, but every breakthrough counts.

"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" - Harbour School Student

If that makes your heart smile, you might be exactly who we're looking for.

We'd love to hear from you if you:

Communicate with warmth, empathy and patience Stay calm under pressure and find creative ways through challenges Have a natural connection with young people and a genuine desire to help them grow Are reliable, flexible and well organised Have experience supporting children or young people (helpful, not essential) A belief that every bit of progress is worth celebrating

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.

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 Supportive induction, training and professional development opportunities A supportive team who'll have your back - through the good, the bad, and the "Did that really just happen?" moments A school that celebrates progress, not just results
At Harbour School Dorset, every day is different, and every success counts. If you're someone who stays calm, believes in second chances, and wants to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you.

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.

(Click apply to be taken to our website, where links to the below documents can be found. Alternatively, contact us to request an application pack.)

Please complete our

Support Staff Application Form

and return it to

recruitment@deltaeducationtrust.com

if you would like to apply. See our

Learning Mentor

for further details on the role and our

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: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: 26,403.00-28,142.00 per year

Benefits:

Cycle to work scheme Enhanced maternity leave Enhanced paternity leave Referral programme Sick pay
Work Location: In person