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- Tasks: Engage and inspire prison learners through creative Functional Skills Maths classes.
- Company: Join MK College Group, dedicated to transforming lives through education in a supportive environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy 35 days annual leave, professional development, and discounts with NUS Card.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping learners build confidence and skills for their future.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for teaching are essential; experience with diverse learners is a plus.
- Other info: Flexible working hours available; security clearance required for all prison service positions.
The predicted salary is between 30500 - 38000 £ per year.
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Reference: MAY20250279
Expiry date: 22:59, Thu, 19th Jun 2025
Location: Isle of Sheppey
Location: HMP Swaleside, Brabazon Road, Eastchurch, Sheerness, Kent, ME12 4AX
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, 52 weeks per year
Flexible Working: We welcome applications from those seeking flexible hours.
Salary: Up to £38,144 per annum (Subject to experience)
Apprenticeships: Development opportunities are available through Apprenticeship standards
Reporting To: Education Manager
MK College Group have an exciting new opportunity for a creative Functional Skills Maths Lecturer to join the team based at HMP Swaleside. As a Functional Skills Maths Lecturer, you will be actively engaging prison-based learners with creative classes and resources. Many of the learners have a diverse range of needs and learning abilities; they will often have had a negative experience with education. As a successful Functional Skills Maths Teacher, you will truly inspire them and provide learners with a positive learning experience.
This role will involve outreach work outside of the main classroom setting. You will be connecting with learners in a professional manner, supporting them with their learning, enabling them to achieve success through not only qualifications but developing the confidence and softer skills that they can apply to employment as well as other areas of education.
We are seeking an individual who can communicate well with learners to inspire and motivate them. Your lessons will need to be adaptable, innovative, and imaginative.
MK College will treat all applicants fairly and with respect, irrespective of their background, disability or any other individual characteristic. We particularly encourage applications from people with backgrounds which are currently under-represented within Milton Keynes College. All offers made to successful candidates are subject to satisfactory outcomes to a range of pre-employment checks including a Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS). In addition, security clearance is required for all prison services positions up to Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) level.
OUR BENEFITS:
- 35 days annual leave, 3 additional company closure days and UK Bank Holidays (entitlement will be pro-rated for part-time employees)
- Professional development opportunities, including professional qualifications
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) accessible 24 hours per day, 365 days per year
- A variety of amazing discounts with NUS Card and our reward and recognition platform Encore
ABOUT HMP SWALESIDE:
HMP Swaleside is a Category B prison, holding approximately 950 adult male sentenced offenders. The prison is located on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent and is part of a cluster of three prisons that sit just along from the scenic Elmley Nature Reserve. The education department at HMP Swaleside is a bright and welcoming space that really feels like a college within a prison.
HMP Swaleside’s focus is firmly fixed on reducing reoffending and preventing future victims of crime by preparing offenders for their release through accredited intervention programmes, vocational and skills-based training and education, in a pro-social environment. Courses at HMP Swaleside include Maths, English, IT, ESOL, Art, Music, Multi-Skills, Personal Development and Catering, with dedicated Learning Support staff and much more.
We also encourage our learners to engage in wider projects such as the Koestler Awards that run a nationwide art competition yearly, allowing the talent of those in the justice system to be showcased to the public. The past three years learners from HMP Swaleside have both won awards and been picked for the final exhibition at the Southbank Centre, something we are very proud of.
The education delivery hours are Monday to Thursday 9:00am - 11.30am, 2.00pm - 4.30pm and on Fridays 9:00am - 11.30am, with staff working on-site 8:00am - 5:00pm Mon - Thurs and 8:00am - 12:30pm Fri. Class sizes typically range from 8-12 learners.
HMP Swaleside is easily accessible by car and there is free staff parking on site.
Contact Detail:
Milton Keynes College Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lecturer: Functional Skills Maths – Prison Education – HMP Swaleside
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the unique environment of HMP Swaleside. Understanding the challenges and needs of prison-based learners will help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your commitment to their education during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your creativity in lesson planning. Prepare to discuss innovative teaching methods that engage diverse learners, as this role requires adaptability and imagination to inspire students who may have had negative educational experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight any experience you have in outreach or community engagement. This position involves connecting with learners outside the traditional classroom setting, so demonstrating your ability to build rapport in various environments will be beneficial.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the specific educational programmes offered at HMP Swaleside. Being knowledgeable about their courses and how they contribute to reducing reoffending will show your genuine interest in the role and the impact you can make.
We think you need these skills to ace Lecturer: Functional Skills Maths – Prison Education – HMP Swaleside
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Functional Skills Maths Lecturer in a prison education setting. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV should clearly outline your teaching experience, particularly in functional skills or similar educational settings. Emphasise any experience working with diverse learners or in challenging environments, as this will resonate with the hiring team.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for education and your ability to inspire and motivate learners. Provide specific examples of how you've adapted your teaching methods to meet the needs of different students, especially those who may have had negative experiences with education.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Make sure to mention any relevant qualifications, such as teaching certifications or degrees in education or mathematics. If you have experience with outreach work or supporting learners outside of traditional classroom settings, be sure to include that as well.
How to prepare for a job interview at Milton Keynes College Group
✨Understand the Unique Environment
Familiarise yourself with the prison education setting, particularly HMP Swaleside. Understand the challenges and needs of learners in this environment, as well as the importance of creating a positive and engaging learning experience.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare to discuss how you can deliver innovative and adaptable lessons. Think of examples where you've used creative teaching methods to engage students, especially those who may have had negative experiences with education.
✨Highlight Communication Skills
Emphasise your ability to communicate effectively with diverse learners. Be ready to share specific instances where you've inspired or motivated students, particularly those facing challenges in their learning journey.
✨Discuss Outreach Experience
Since the role involves outreach work, be prepared to talk about any relevant experience you have in connecting with learners outside of traditional classroom settings. Highlight your approach to building rapport and trust with students in non-conventional environments.
