At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage and mentor pupils using sport to boost their confidence and teamwork skills.
- Company: Crowdys Hill School, a dynamic special school in Swindon.
- Benefits: Supportive staff, strong CPD programme, and health care scheme after probation.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a sense of achievement every day.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while enjoying a fun and rewarding environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with children, strong interest in sports, and good communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 £ per year.
Crowdys Hill School is a dynamic and expanding special school for pupils in the Swindon area and beyond. We have over 340 pupils on roll, ranging from 4-19 years of age. All our students have moderate or severe learning difficulties and social communication difficulties. Some have autism, ADHD or other more complex needs.
Your role will be to use sport and physical activity as a tool to engage, motivate and mentor pupils at Crowdys Hill School. The Sports Mentor will support pupils’ emotional wellbeing, behaviour and personal development, helping them to build confidence, resilience, teamwork and positive attitudes to learning.
Some of the key fields you will be responsible for include:
- Use sport and physical activities to engage pupils and promote positive behaviour and relational practice
- Provide mentoring support to individual pupils and small groups
- Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils to support confidence and self‑esteem
- Support pupils to develop teamwork, communication and leadership skills
- Re‑engage pupils who may be disengaged from learning through structured physical activities
- Support pupils to regulate using agreed strategies and de‑escalation techniques
- Promote healthy lifestyles and positive attitudes towards physical activity
- Support structured break, lunchtime and intervention activities
It is important to us that you feel comfortable and confident in your role, so although you may not have all the skills we are looking for there are some essential features our appointee will need to have, including:
- Experience working with children or young people
- Strong interest or background in sport, fitness or physical activity
- Ability to build positive relationships with pupils
- Calm, patient and resilient approach to behaviour management
- Good communication and teamwork skills
- Commitment to safeguarding and inclusion
- Experience working in a special school, alternative provision or SEMH setting
- Understanding of SEND and trauma‑informed practice
What we can offer you in return:
- An excellent supportive staff committed to achieving exceptionally ambitious standards.
- An interesting, diverse, and exciting career.
- Caring, fun pupils that enjoy coming to school to learn.
- A strong CPD programme.
- Opportunities for future professional development.
- Strong ethos and a commitment to collaborative working.
- A sense of achievement at the end of every day.
- After completing a successful probation period of 6 months you will be entitled to join our Health Care Scheme run by Vitality.
Crowdys Hill School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to background checks, an Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure and employment checks. Online searches will be carried out and references will be called for and checked prior to interview. The right to work in the UK, qualifications and proof of address will be checked at the time of the interview.
Sports Mentor in Swindon employer: Crowdys Hill School
Crowdys Hill School is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for both staff and pupils. With a strong commitment to professional development, our team enjoys a collaborative work culture that values resilience and creativity in mentoring students with diverse needs. Located in Swindon, we offer a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people while benefiting from a robust CPD programme and a caring community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sports Mentor in Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Before your interview, check out Crowdys Hill School's website and social media. Understanding their ethos will help you connect your passion for sports with their mission to support pupils' emotional wellbeing.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your mentoring skills! Think of specific examples where you've helped young people build confidence or teamwork. We want to hear how you’ve made a difference in their lives through sport or physical activity.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss behaviour management strategies. Since you'll be working with pupils who may have complex needs, share your calm and patient approach to handling challenging situations. This will show that you're prepared for the role!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! At the end of your interview, ask about the CPD opportunities or how the school supports staff wellbeing. This shows your commitment to growth and that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Sports Mentor in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Sport:Make sure to highlight your love for sport and physical activity in your application. We want to see how you can use that passion to engage and motivate our pupils at Crowdys Hill School.
Tailor Your Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on any work you've done with children or young people, especially in special education settings. We’re looking for those relatable experiences that show you can build positive relationships with our pupils.
Be Yourself:Let your personality shine through in your application! We value authenticity and want to know who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your approach to mentoring and how you connect with students.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting role at Crowdys Hill School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Crowdys Hill School
✨Know Your Stuff About SEND
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and trauma-informed practices. Being able to discuss how these concepts relate to your role as a Sports Mentor will show that you’re not just passionate about sports, but also about supporting the emotional wellbeing of pupils.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences working with children or young people, especially in a special school or alternative provision setting. Highlight how you've used sport to engage and motivate students, and be ready to discuss any successful strategies you've implemented.
✨Build Rapport During the Interview
Remember, building positive relationships is key in this role. Use the interview to demonstrate your ability to connect with others. Be friendly, approachable, and show genuine interest in the interviewers and their work at Crowdys Hill School.
✨Prepare for Behaviour Management Scenarios
Think about potential behaviour management scenarios you might face as a Sports Mentor. Be ready to discuss your calm and patient approach, and share techniques you’ve used in the past to de-escalate situations and support pupils in regulating their emotions.
