Outdoor Learning Mentor - Dorset

As part of Delta, Education Trust, The Quay School’s vision is “Learning together in pursuit of happiness”. This means we really care whether pupils love or hate their learning, so we work hard to create a space where pupils learn together to become knowledgeable, self-aware, independent and happy people who make a positive difference, wherever life takes them. Are you an enthusiastic individual who can bring this vision to life and make a real difference to children’s lives?

We require someone who can take an innovative approach to achieving the desired results for our students and who can empower young people to see the importance of qualifications as a foundation to a successful journey in life.

Russell our Headteacher and his senior team are always looking for awesome people to join them, and right now are looking for an Outdoor Learning Mentor to work with our Instructor Team to support an outdoor education focused curriculum for 11-16 year olds.

Based in Poole, Dorset, the school’s location provides us with a wide range of excellent nearby locations for climbing, abseiling, stand up paddle boarding, mountain biking, coasteering and more. We are looking for a person with a particular interest in supporting the most vulnerable students, including those with behavioural, emotional and social issues. Giving them the opportunities they deserve is a job like no other.

The successful applicant will be a highly motivated and flexible individual who can form positive relationships with students with a wide range of special needs in order to make a difference for some of the most vulnerable adolescents across Poole and surrounding areas.

You will be part of an inclusive and collaborative team that, no matter what the challenge may be, are ready to face it head on and are committed to seeing it through.

Learning can look different for everyone; learning is continuous and enabled by the broad curriculum, therapeutic interventions, and the environment the school and staffing team create. It’s only through your awesome teaching that we will create that environment together to ensure the pupils progress towards a happy life that they can enjoy.

Louis was a student on our Vocational Outdoor course in Year 11. After starting on the course in July, he has developed a passion for climbing and now volunteers at our local indoor wall. He wants to be a climbing instructor when he finishes school & has been looking into relevant college courses with the help of our careers advisor. This opportunity would not have been available to him without the support he receives from the outdoor staff that work with him.

The Quay School is an OFSTED rated Outstanding, National Teaching School Hub and a progressive educational establishment that supports young people through difficult times in their lives.

You will have the opportunity to develop your career in a School and Delta Education Trust, a small but growing Trust. Our ethos is encompassed in our vision “Learning together in pursuit of happiness”. We put this into practice by ensuring:  

• All decisions are made in the best interests of staff, students and families.  
• High support, high challenge and evidence informed in everything we do.
• We work collaboratively and make team, not individual, decisions.  
• We acknowledge our mistakes and use them to learn and improve.  
• We are always open to learning and seeking new ideas.  

Visits to the school are welcomed, please contact Lee Wilkins (Assistant Headteacher) on 01202 674205 to arrange an appointment.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, this role involves directly working with children and significant contact with children, and therefore we expect all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Please ensure a full work history is completed in your application form including any gaps of employment. Applicants will be required to complete satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check for this post prior to commencement. The Trust is an equal opportunities employer. 

If successfully shortlisted the HR Department will also be conducting an individual online search including social media platforms of your ‘name, education and employment’, to demonstrate due diligence following the updated ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education 2022' guidance. The search will not form part of the actual shortlisting process and any concerns arising from the search will be discussed directly with you. 

Closing date: 1st October 2023

Interview date: TBC

Please note applications will be viewed on receipt, we reserve the right to close the role early.

To become part of our journey, please contact HR@deltaeducationtrust.com