Learning Mentor Outdoor Education - Dorchester Learning Centre

Dorset Council UK; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education provider in Dorchester is looking for an Outdoor Education Learning Mentor. This role, based in a unique outdoor setting, involves mentoring children with challenging behaviours while promoting resilience, teamwork, and practical skills through engaging environmental activities. More than just a job, this position allows you to impact young lives positively.

Qualifications

• Experience working with young people with SEMH or behavioural needs.
• Confident and competent in outdoor environments.
• Willing to train for relevant outdoor qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Support and mentor pupils with challenging behaviours in an outdoor setting.
• Participate in activities like mountain biking and paddle boarding.
• Help students build social, emotional, and practical skills.

Skills

Resilience

Teamwork

Physical Activity

Patience

Flexibility

Education

Relevant outdoor qualifications

Job description

Dorchester Learning Centre aims to provide the very best in education and support for all children who (for a variety of reasons) find themselves outside of mainstream school education.

This role is Term Time only working 39 weeks per year - Pay Award Pending

We’re looking for an additional enthusiastic and resilient Outdoor Education Learning Mentor to join our dedicated and expanding Outdoor Education team at Dorchester Learning Centre, working with small groups of children who thrive with our fresh, dynamic approach to their learning.

This isn’t a classroom job. You’ll be working in the natural environment in all weather. You’ll help pupils develop resilience, confidence, and teamwork through land and water based adventurous activities. Think mountain biking through woodland trails, coastal hiking, paddle boarding on tidal water, and working with fire and tools within Forest School activities. The attached job description doesn't reflect the full duties of the post.

What You’ll Do

• Be a calm and consistent adult presence as part of the Outdoor Education team
• Support and mentor pupils with challenging behaviours in an outdoor setting
• Participate in activities such as mountain biking, hiking, paddle boarding, sailing, and bush craft
• Help students re-engage with learning and build social, emotional, and practical skills
• Work in all weathers and all seasons, leading by example with energy and perseverance
  
  

We’re Looking For Someone Who

• Has experience working with young people with SEMH or behavioural needs
• Is confident and competent in outdoor environments
• Is physically active and unafraid of hard work, mud, or cold mornings
• Can remain patient, flexible, and positive in challenging situations
• Holds (or is willing to train for) relevant outdoor qualifications (desirable, not essential)
  
  

This is more than a job - it’s a chance to positively affect young lives one muddy day at a time.

Dorchester Learning Centre provides education for the most vulnerable students in Dorset. We are the only school in Dorset that has the Trauma and Mental Health Informed School accreditation. We are a learning community that is child centred, putting the needs of our students first. We look to appoint dynamic, creative and resilient individuals to our roles within our school. We know from Ofsted and our experience that we get the best out of our students when they have secure and positive relationships with staff and that they are able to learn most effectively when these are in place.

Please do not upload a CV. Applications should be made by fully completing the on-line form. We encourage you to apply for this post as soon as possible, as we will be shortlisting upon receipt of application forms and might bring the closing date forward.

The Dorchester Learning Centre has a main teaching base close to Dorchester (Monkton Park). The cohort ranges in age from 5 - 16. Visits to the school are encouraged and recommended. Please contact Debbie Guyler [e-mail] to make an appointment or telephone [phone].