At a Glance
- Tasks: Support KS3 & KS4 students using sport to build relationships and encourage positive behaviour.
- Company: Astro Education connects passionate educators with specialist schools in Manchester.
- Benefits: Full-time, permanent role with school hours and valuable experience in SEN education.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and develop your career in education.
- Why this job: Use your sports skills to make a real difference in young people's lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in coaching or youth work; no prior school experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 28568 - 34916 £ per year.
Location: South Manchester
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Hours: Monday–Friday, School Hours
Students: KS3 & KS4
Role: SEN Teaching Assistant / Behaviour Mentor
Are you a Sports Coach looking to move into education? Are you a Sports Graduate, Football Coach, Sports Coach, PE Graduate or professional sports practitioner looking for your next career opportunity? Astro Education is working with a specialist SEN school in South Manchester that is looking for an enthusiastic, resilient and motivated individual to join their team as a Teaching Assistant and Behaviour Mentor on a full-time, permanent basis.
This role would be particularly well suited to someone who has experience working with young people through football, sport, coaching or youth development and wants to use those skills to make a positive difference in a specialist educational setting. You don't need to have worked in a school before. If you have the right attitude, strong communication skills and experience building relationships with young people, the school can support you in developing your education-based experience.
About Astro Education: At Astro Education, our mission is to connect great schools with great people. We believe in ethical recruitment, transparency and long-term relationships with schools and educators. We work closely with schools across Manchester, taking the time to understand the needs of each setting and the experience of every candidate. Our aim is to ensure the right people are placed in the right environments where they can thrive.
About the Role: You will work with KS3 and KS4 students aged approximately 11–16, supporting them both inside and outside the classroom. The school is looking for someone who can use the positive influence of sport to engage students, build relationships and encourage positive behaviour. Your coaching background can be particularly valuable when working with young people who may find traditional classroom environments challenging.
As a Teaching Assistant and Behaviour Mentor, you will support students with their learning while also helping them develop confidence, emotional regulation, communication and social skills. You will work closely with teachers and the wider SEN and pastoral team, providing consistent support and helping students remain engaged in their education. Sport and physical activity may form an important part of your approach, using activities such as football and team sports to develop relationships, motivation, teamwork, discipline and confidence. You will also support students who may display challenging behaviour, using positive relationships, clear boundaries and appropriate de-escalation strategies to help them manage difficult situations.
What We're Looking For: We are keen to hear from candidates with backgrounds in football coaching, sports coaching, PE, sports development, youth work or community sport. You could be a recent Sports Graduate looking for your first opportunity within education, an experienced Football Coach wanting to move into a school environment, or an established Sports Coach looking for a new challenge. Previous SEN or school experience is desirable but not essential. What matters most is your ability to connect with young people and your willingness to learn.
You will need to be confident, patient and consistent, with the ability to build positive relationships while maintaining clear professional boundaries. You should also be comfortable managing challenging situations and working as part of a wider team.
Why Move Into SEN Education? For sports professionals, moving into SEN education can be a natural progression. The skills developed through coaching – communication, motivation, leadership, teamwork, discipline, resilience and relationship building – are highly transferable to working with young people in a school environment. You will have the opportunity to use your passion for sport to engage students who may have previously struggled to engage with education, while developing valuable experience in SEN, SEMH, behaviour support and education. The school offers a supportive environment where you will work alongside experienced teachers and SEN professionals and develop your understanding of how to support young people with additional needs.
The Role Offers: Full-time, permanent employment, Monday to Friday, working school hours, with the opportunity to work with KS3 and KS4 students in a specialist SEN setting. You will gain valuable experience in Teaching Assistant and Behaviour Mentor responsibilities, while developing your career within education and SEN.
Ideal Candidates: This role could be a great fit for: Football Coaches | Sports Coaches | Sports Graduates | PE Graduates | Sports Development Graduates | Youth Workers | Academy Coaches | Community Sports Coaches | Personal Trainers with youth experience | Graduate Sports Coaches | Behaviour Mentors | Teaching Assistants.
If you are passionate about sport, enjoy working with young people and are ready to take your career in a new direction, we would love to hear from you. Apply now through Astro Education to be considered for this exciting full-time, permanent opportunity at a specialist SEN school in South Manchester.
Sports Coach in Manchester employer: Astro Education
Astro Education is an exceptional employer for Nursery Nurses and Practitioners in Stafford, offering flexible weekly shifts that cater to your availability, whether you prefer full days, mornings, or afternoons. With a strong focus on ethical recruitment and professional development, employees benefit from regular work opportunities across various Early Years settings, ensuring a rewarding and enriching experience while fostering children's growth and wellbeing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sports Coach in Manchester
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
Even though you’re after a full-time role, don’t underestimate internships or volunteering in sports organisations. These positions not only give you hands-on experience but can also lead to permanent openings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your face known in the industry!
✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for sports job fairs and career expos specific to the recreation management field. These events are goldmines for meeting hiring managers from organisations like Astro Education. Bring your A-game and be ready to chat about how you can contribute to their team!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out openings on our site! Our listings will often include positions at excellent organisations in sports recreation management, including Astro Education. Applying directly through our platform increases your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Let's get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Sports Coach in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining Astro Education aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Astro Education
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Astro Education, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.
