Mentor (Pupil Support Worker) - The Harbour School

The Harbour School Limited; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

The Harbour School Limited is seeking a dedicated Mentor to join Vista Campus, supporting pupils with complex SEMH needs who have an Education, Health and Care Plan. You’ll work with teachers in small groups and one-to-one, helping students engage with learning and rebuild confidence.

The role emphasizes emotional regulation, resilience, and collaboration with families and external professionals to provide holistic support.

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs (C or above) in English and Maths, or Level 2 in Literacy & Numeracy with relevant experience.
• Experience of working with children, SEMH or related fields.
• Patience, empathy, and ability to build positive relationships.
• Ability to stay calm and adaptable in challenging situations.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with teachers to support students in small groups and one-to-one, helping them engage with learning and rebuild confidence.
• Encourage resilience, emotional regulation, and positive choices, even on the hardest days.
• Work closely with families and external professionals to provide the support our students need.
• Celebrate the small wins – showing up is a victory for some students.
• Help students achieve their individual learning and behaviour targets.
• Supervise and support targeted students inside and outside of the classroom, promoting engagement.

Skills

Child-centred approach

Emotional regulation

Team player

Emotional support

SEMH experience

Perseverance

Education

GCSEs English & Maths

Job description

Mentor (Pupil Support Worker) – Vista Campus, The Harbour School

Permanent, Full time (37 hours), or part time (24 hours, Monday-Wednesday), Term time only

Please note: UK driving licence and vehicle with business insurance is essential

Do you want to be the adult who helps a young person feel confident enough to take part, brave enough to try something new, and proud of what their body and mind can achieve?

Are you looking for a role where every day is different, every challenge is real, and every success – no matter how small – is truly life-changing?

Some students don’t fit into the mainstream – and that’s okay. They need a different kind of school, and we need a different kind of person. Someone who sees beyond the behaviour, who understands that trust takes time, and who knows that sometimes, just getting through the door is a victory.

We’re looking for a dedicated Mentor to join The Vista Campus (Horizon Service) at The Harbour School, supporting children and young people in our primary provision with complex social, emotional and mental health needs who have an Education, Health and Care Plan.

What you’ll be doing:

• Work closely with teachers to support students in small groups and one-to-one, helping them engage with learning and rebuild confidence.

• Encourage resilience, emotional regulation, and positive choices, even on the hardest days.

• Work closely with families, and external professionals to provide the support our students need.

• Celebrate the small wins – because for some of our students, just showing up is a victory.

• Help students achieve their individual learning and behaviour targets.

• Supervise and support targeted students, both inside and outside of the classroom, promoting engagement and positive learning experiences.

Who we’re looking for:

• Sees the child, not the behaviour and can be a champion for young people who’ve struggled in mainstream education.

• Stays steady when emotions run high, is patient, understanding, and skilled at building positive relationships.

• Is a team player, who’s patient and understands that progress takes time.

• Helps students navigate emotions, frustrations, and challenges – showing them that adults can be reliable.

• Has experience of working with children and has knowledge or experience in SEMH, alternative provision, youth work, or a related field – or just a deep understanding of how tough life can be for some kids.

• Has 5 GCSE’s with a minimum grade C or above in English and Mathematics, or at least equivalent Level 2 qualifications in Literacy & Numeracy with relevant experience

• Never gives up. Even on the tough days. Especially on the tough days.

If you’re the kind of person who celebrates the small wins, stays calm in any situation, and believes in second (and third… and fourth) chances, we want to hear from you.