Learning Mentor - Term Time - Special Needs Position

The Sallygate School, Dover

• Ref:KCC886-6137-111S
• Posted:21/07/2025
• Pay:24,387 FTE + SEN Allowance £2,679
• Start Date:To be confirmed
• App Close Date:15/08/2025 at 23:00
• Interviews:To be confirmed

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Learning Mentor

£24,387 FTE + SEN Allowance £2,679 – 41 weeks out of 52

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 of several therapeutic residential children’s homes, an independent therapeutic fostering agency and a multi-disciplinary therapy service, including SaLT & OT service.

Job Summary

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.

• Duties and Responsibilities

The Learning Mentor will support the personal, social and educational development of pupils who may be facing barriers to engagement. Working across the school day, the postholder will act as a consistent, caring adult, contributing to a positive, safe, and inclusive learning environment for all pupils.

Supporting Pupils:

• 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, breaktimes, 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.

Information about the school

The Sallygate School is an Independent Special School catering to the unique needs of pupils with SEMH which opened in 2011. Located in the heart of the Alkham Valley, near Dover, the Sallygate School is part of Channels & Choices Therapeutic Community which comprises of several therapeutic residential children’s homes, an independent therapeutic fostering agency and a multi-disciplinary therapy service, including SaLT & OT service.

At Sallygate School, we believe in providing a comprehensive and sequenced curriculum pathway that caters to the diverse needs of all our learners. We understand that each student has unique abilities, learning styles, and developmental requirements. Our sequenced curriculum ensures a structured and supportive learning journey for every individual, enabling them to achieve their full potential.

In the Sallygate School’s most recent OFSTED Inspection in 2025.

We reserve the right to carry out social media checks on all new applicants.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Tiffany Higgins
• Address:Channels And Choices , Kearsney Manor, Alkham Road, River, Kent, CT16 3EQ
• Telephone: 01304 361888
• Email: tiffany.higgins@channelsandchoices.co.uk