Vocational Trainer – Family Learning in Chelmsford

Permanent, Part Time £34,668 per annum (Full time equivalent) Location: Chelmsford Working Style: Community-based worker Closing Date: 8th November 2026

Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Applicants must have a current, unrestricted right to work in the UK.

Help families learn, grow and succeed together. At Adult Community Learning (ACL), we believe learning has the power to transform lives, build confidence and create new opportunities. We’re looking for a passionate and engaging Vocational Trainer - Family Learning to deliver high-quality teaching, learning and assessment that supports parents, carers and families to develop skills, confidence and knowledge that improve outcomes for children and families.

This is more than just a teaching role. It’s an opportunity to empower families, strengthen communities and make a real difference to people’s lives through learning. Whether you’re an experienced tutor or a professional with expertise in family learning, parenting support, early years, SEND or community education, we’d love to hear from you.

As part of Essex County Council, ACL is the largest provider of adult learning in Essex, supporting thousands of learners each year to gain qualifications, improve wellbeing, build confidence and progress into further learning, work and community involvement.

You’ll deliver a diverse range of family learning opportunities, supporting parents and carers across Essex through subjects such as Parenting, SEND, Early Years, English, Maths and other tailored programmes. Delivery takes place in schools, community venues and online, helping us reach families where they are and create accessible learning opportunities for all.

This is a part-time position working 21.9 hours per week, with a pro rata salary of £20,531.55 per annum. Classes will be delivered during mornings, afternoons, evenings, and some weekends. Working patterns will be discussed at interview.

What you’ll be doing:

• Deliver engaging family learning programmes that support parents, carers and families to develop skills, confidence and positive learning behaviours.
• Develop lesson plans, schemes of work and learning resources that support learner needs and curriculum outcomes.
• Adapt learning activities to meet the needs of diverse learners and remove barriers to participation.
• Use assessment methods to monitor learner progress and provide constructive feedback.
• Maintain accurate learner attendance, progress and achievement records using ACL systems.
• Deliver learning in a variety of settings, including schools, community venues and online environments.
• Build positive relationships with schools, community organisations and partner agencies to promote learning opportunities and engage new learners.
• Support parents and carers to develop the knowledge and confidence needed to support their children’s learning and development.
• Deliver occasional evening and school holiday provision where required.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is passionate about supporting families and improving life chances through education.
• Has strong knowledge of Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 English and Maths.
• Can create engaging, learner-centred sessions that build confidence and skills.
• Understands the challenges and opportunities facing parents, carers and adult learners.
• Creates positive and inclusive learning environments where learners feel supported to succeed.
• Has excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

What you’ll bring:

Essential:

• Subject knowledge of Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 English and Maths.
• Experience of teaching, training, coaching or supporting learners.
• Good digital and ICT skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion.

Desirable:

• A recognised teaching qualification (AET, CET, DET, PGCE or equivalent), or willingness to work towards one.
• Experience delivering Family Learning or adult learning programmes.
• Experience working with parents, carers and families.
• Knowledge of learner assessment and progress tracking.
• Experience of working with schools, community groups or educational settings.

If you’re passionate about helping parents and carers develop the skills and confidence to support their children’s learning, we’d love to hear from you.

What to expect:

Our recruitment process is made up of two stages. The first stage is a 1-hour Micro Teach Presentation, where you’ll have the opportunity to showcase your teaching approach and subject expertise. Successful candidates will then progress to a 1-hour Competency and Behavioural-Based Interview, allowing us to learn more about your experience, skills, and how you align with our values and the requirements of the role.

Why join ACL?

• Make a lasting difference to families and communities across Essex.
• Be part of the largest provider of adult learning in Essex.
• Access ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• Join a supportive and collaborative team.
• Benefit from Essex County Council’s excellent employee benefits package.
• Help transform lives through learning.

Why Essex?

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in Everyone’s Essex. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

Once you’ve secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs. At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.

As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained.

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, blogs, news, events and industry related news at Essex County Council, please join The Essex Talent Community.

If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email nikita.white@essex.gov.uk.