Job description
SEN Learning Mentor
Location: Poole
Salary: £13.68 - £16.12 per hour (Depending on Experience)
Start Date: Immediate or September 2025
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Are you passionate about supporting young people with special educational needs to overcome barriers and thrive in a nurturing learning environment?
GSL Education are seeking a dedicated SEN Learning Mentor to join a welcoming and specialist provision in Poole. This is a full-time, permanent role ideal for individuals who are proactive, patient, and passionate about inclusion and child development.
About the Role:
As a SEN Learning Mentor, you will support pupils across a range of abilities, helping them engage in learning and develop their social, emotional, and behavioural skills. Working closely with teachers, SENCOs, and therapists, you’ll play a key role in promoting students’ confidence, independence, and resilience.
About the School:
The school provides high-quality education for pupils aged 4 to 19 with a wide range of learning difficulties, offering a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where every child is valued and supported to reach their full potential. With a broad and balanced curriculum tailored to individual needs—including specialist pathways in Early Years, Post-16 education, supported internships, and life skills development—pupils are encouraged to become as independent as possible and well-prepared for life beyond school. The dedicated staff team creates personalised learning experiences and fosters strong partnerships with families and external agencies. The school promotes core British values, mutual respect for different faiths and beliefs, and places safeguarding at the heart of everything it does, ensuring all pupils are protected, supported, and cared for in a nurturing environment. A positive Ofsted rating reflects the school’s commitment to high standards, inclusive practice, and pupil progress. Through its outreach work and collaboration with the wider community, the school also supports other schools in meeting the needs of children with special educational needs and disabilities, driven by a strong belief that every child can succeed with the right support, encouragement, and opportunities.
To be a SEN Learning Mentor, your responsibilities will be:
- Provide one-to-one mentoring and small group support to students with a range of SEN needs
- Help implement individual education plans (IEPs), EHCP targets, and positive behaviour support strategies
- Foster positive relationships to encourage emotional regulation and engagement
- Assist with lesson delivery, using creative and adaptive approaches to suit individual learners
- Promote a calm and supportive atmosphere within the classroom and during transitions
- Monitor student progress and provide regular feedback to staff and families
- Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to meet the holistic needs of each student
- Where necessary, assist with personal care in a respectful and sensitive manner
Candidate Requirements:
- Previous experience working with children or young people with SEN, particularly ASC and complex needs as a Learning Mentor or similar.
- CACHE Level 2/3 or similar qualifications in Childcare, Learning Support, or Youth Work are desirable
- A degree in Psychology, Education or a similar field.
- An empathetic, calm, and encouraging approach
- Strong behaviour management and mentoring skills
- Understanding of emotional regulation, de-escalation techniques, and sensory needs
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting pupil welfare
To thrive in this role, you should:
- Have the right to work in the UK.
- Have an up-to-date CV with two relevant references from the last two years.
- Possess an enhanced DBS registered to the update service or be willing to apply for one through GSL Education.
Why Join GSL Education?
- Competitive hourly rates reflecting experience and qualifications
- Permanent role within a supportive and inclusive specialist setting
- Access to CPD and training opportunities
- A dedicated consultant to support your career journey
Please be advised that this role requires a strong knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection, and successful applicants must satisfy all background safer recruitment checks, including providing an enhanced DBS certificate registered on the update service or completing an application for a new check.
As an ethical, independent recruitment agency, GSL Education are committed to providing quality teaching and support staff across the UK.
For more information or to register your interest in the SEN Learning Mentor role, or to be considered, please click ‘apply now’ to submit your full and up-to-date CV, and one of our dedicated consultants will be in touch.