Learning Mentor

Salary: £25,480 FTE + SEN Allowance £2,679k. Position:
Full Time (37.49 hours per week). Positions available:
1. Closing date: 31st January 2026.

Job title:

Learning Mentor.

The Sallygate School is an Independent Special School catering to the unique needs of pupils with SEMH. Located in the heart of the Alkham Valley, near Dover, the Sallygate School is part of Channels & Choices Therapeutic Community which comprises several therapeutic residential children’s homes, an independent therapeutic fostering agency and a multi-disciplinary therapy service, including SaLT & OT service.

As a Learning Mentor at Sallygate School, you will play a vital role in supporting the social, emotional and academic development of children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Working as part of a dedicated multidisciplinary team, you will build trusting relationships with pupils, helping them to overcome barriers to learning, develop resilience, and thrive within a safe, nurturing, and aspirational school environment.

You will provide structured mentoring support both in and outside the classroom, contribute to behaviour regulation strategies, promote positive engagement in learning, and act as a key adult for pupils requiring individualised interventions. Using trauma-informed, attachment-aware, and therapeutic approaches, you will guide pupils in managing their emotions, building self-esteem, and developing the personal and interpersonal skills needed for success in education and life.

At the heart of this role is a commitment to modelling and promoting our core values of Respect, Kindness, Resilience and Tolerance. These values shape every interaction we have with our pupils and with one another. As a Learning Mentor, you will actively demonstrate these values by showing unconditional positive regard, promoting restorative relationships, encouraging perseverance, and fostering an inclusive environment where difference is celebrated and everyone is treated with dignity.

This role requires compassion, creativity, and the ability to remain calm and consistent in challenging situations. It is ideal for someone who believes in restorative practices, co-regulation, and the power of strong, respectful relationships to transform outcomes for vulnerable learners.

• Build strong, trusting relationships with pupils as a key adult, using empathy, consistency, and clear boundaries to foster a sense of safety and belonging.
• Provide individual and small group mentoring sessions that support pupils’ emotional regulation, confidence, and readiness to learn.
• Use restorative approaches and trauma-informed strategies to help pupils reflect on behaviour, rebuild relationships, and develop positive coping mechanisms.
• Support pupils in transitions across the day (arrival, break times, lessons, end of day), maintaining a calm presence and helping them access learning successfully.
• Encourage pupil voice and participation in school life, championing a culture of Respect, Kindness, Resilience and Tolerance in all interactions.

• Work collaboratively with teaching staff and Pupil Support Staff to maintain engagement and reduce disruption within the classroom.
• Proactively identify potential flash points or barriers to participation and use pre-emptive strategies to maintain a calm and inclusive classroom environment.
• Supervise and engage pupils in structured activities during unstructured times (e.g. break, lunch, transitions), promoting social skills and reducing incidents of dysregulation.

• Monitor and report any safeguarding concerns in line with school policies and statutory guidance, recording accurately and sensitively on school systems.
• Actively contribute to the safeguarding culture of the school, attending relevant training and remaining vigilant to signs of distress or abuse.
• Provide emotional support to pupils in moments of crisis or dysregulation, using co-regulation, therapeutic conversation and reflection.
• Work closely with parents, residential homes, foster carers, social workers and…