At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young learners with SEMH needs to engage and succeed in their education.
- Company: Join Northumberland College, an Ofsted Outstanding institution with a focus on inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, flexible working, and extensive wellbeing support.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team dedicated to professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by helping students overcome barriers and thrive.
- Qualifications: Level 2 English and Maths; experience with young people preferred.
The predicted salary is between 25949 - 25949 € per year.
Location: Northumberland
Salary: £25,949 per annum pro rata
Post Type: Full Time Term Time
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Thursday 04 June 2026
Reference: 0299-26
About The College
Northumberland College is Ofsted Outstanding and is currently building a multi‑million, state‑of‑the‑art new college campus in Ashington, due to open in 2026. The successful candidate will be based at the new campus where a purpose‑built construction, housing, advanced manufacturing and engineering centre will be located. Curriculum spans technical, vocational further and higher education and includes large apprenticeship provision and dedicated centres for young people with SEND. The College has two main campuses in Ashington and Ponteland and a significant number of satellite delivery centres across the region.
Our Journey & Values
As an employer we prioritise cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where staff can thrive and grow. We recognise that our employees are our greatest asset and are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall well‑being.
Taking Teaching Further & Additional Incentives
If you’re making the move into further education teaching, you may be eligible for the Taking Teaching Further (TTF) programme, a funded route to help industry professionals retrain as FE teachers. In addition, for roles in high‑need subjects or regions you may benefit from the government’s targeted retention incentive (formerly “levelling‑up premium”) payments, worth up to £6,000 for eligible teachers in their first five years and teaching certain shortage subjects. Eligibility for both TTF and the Targeted Retention Incentive varies by role, subject area and provider and they do not apply to every vacancy.
About The Candidate
You are calm, consistent and able to build trust quickly with young people who may have had poor experiences of education. You listen well, act with integrity and stay solution‑focused when situations are challenging. You believe in inclusion and hold high expectations for every learner, regardless of their starting point. You work well with others, communicate clearly and take responsibility for your impact. You are motivated by helping learners feel that they belong and can succeed.
How will this person be a Changemaker?
You will remove barriers that stop learners from engaging, helping them rebuild confidence, improve attendance and take part in learning. You will influence practice across teams by modelling effective SEMH support and strengthening the link between home and college. Your work will directly improve outcomes for learners who are most at risk of disengagement.
About The Role
This role sits within the ‘Connect2’ SEMH hub at Ashington and focuses on supporting learners to successfully transition into college and sustain participation. You will act as a key link between home and college, ensuring consistent communication and early intervention. This is a strong opportunity to shape inclusive practice, work closely with teaching staff and develop expertise in SEMH, trauma‑informed approaches and learner engagement. You will gain experience working across curriculum areas, using data systems to track impact and contributing to multi‑agency working.
Role Responsibilities
- Provide one‑to‑one and small group support to improve learner engagement, attendance and behaviour
- Build effective relationships with learners, families and staff to support transition and belonging
- Identify barriers to participation and implement targeted support strategies
- Monitor attendance, punctuality and engagement, taking early action where concerns arise
- Work with teaching staff to adapt approaches that support access to learning
- Record interventions, track progress and contribute to reviews and meetings
Qualifications
- Level 2 English and Maths or equivalent
- Relevant qualification in youth work, education, health and social care or similar
Essential Skills And Experience
- Experience working with young people with SEMH needs
- Strong communication and relationship building skills
- Ability to manage challenging behaviour in a calm and consistent way
- Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Ability to plan, deliver and review targeted support
- Good organisational skills and accurate record‑keeping
Desirable Skills And Experience
- Knowledge of trauma‑informed or restorative approaches
- Experience working in an education or FE setting
- Understanding of safeguarding and SEND processes
- Experience supporting learners with EHCPs
What’s in it for you?
Join EPNE and you’ll be part of a culture that prioritises your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.
- Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays (excluding Term Time Only contracts)
- Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
- LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme – depending on role
- Access to the myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more
- We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans
- Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing
- Free parking on most campuses
- Free Gym access available at Bede Campus
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion
At Education Partnership North East (EPNE), we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We know that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams to enhance the education and support we provide to our learners and communities. We recognise that talented individuals may not always follow a traditional career path and may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you are excited about the role and believe you can make a positive contribution, we encourage you to apply. As a Disability Confident Employer and Armed Forces Covenant Member, and with Ofsted Outstanding status across all campuses, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and high‑performing environment where everyone can thrive.
Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check. We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
Inclusive Participation Coach in North East employer: Northumberland College
Northumberland College is an outstanding employer that prioritises a supportive and inclusive work culture, offering extensive professional development opportunities and a generous benefits package, including up to 48 days of holiday and flexible working options. Located at the new state-of-the-art campus in Ashington, employees can thrive in a dynamic environment dedicated to enhancing learner engagement and success, particularly for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). With a commitment to diversity and well-being, Northumberland College fosters a community where every staff member can make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Inclusive Participation Coach in North East
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those who work with SEND. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the college and its values. Show us how your passion for inclusion aligns with our mission. Bring examples of how you've supported learners in the past!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Role-play common interview questions with a friend or family member. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Inclusive Participation Coach in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you can bring your unique strengths to the role of Inclusive Participation Coach!
Showcase Your Passion for Inclusion:In your written application, highlight your commitment to inclusion and how you've supported learners in the past. We love seeing candidates who genuinely care about making a difference in the lives of young people.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate when candidates communicate effectively, as it reflects the skills needed for the role.
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 opportunity at Northumberland College.
How to prepare for a job interview at Northumberland College
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of an Inclusive Participation Coach. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, especially around supporting learners with SEMH needs and building relationships with families and staff. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported young people, particularly those with challenging behaviours or SEND. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easy for the interviewers to see how your skills align with their needs.
✨Emphasise Your Values
Northumberland College values inclusion and support. Be ready to discuss how you embody these values in your work. Share your beliefs about the importance of creating a welcoming environment for all learners and how you’ve contributed to fostering a sense of belonging in previous roles.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions. Inquire about the college's approach to SEMH support or how they measure the success of their inclusive practices. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the college is the right fit for you.
