At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils' wellbeing and lead reading initiatives in a nurturing school environment.
- Company: Polaris Children's Services, dedicated to improving young lives for over 30 years.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, life assurance, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to professional growth and emotional wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, experience with SEMH pupils, and strong IT skills.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 24000 £ per year.
Polaris Children's Services - Lyttelton House School
Contract: Full-Time, Term Time Only
Basic Salary: 24,000 FTE
Benefits: Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme
Location: Andover, Hampshire
Proposed Start Date: May 2026
About Our School
Located in Andover, Hampshire, our school has the capacity for up to 60 pupils and offers a safe and supportive environment for pupils aged 5 to 16 years with a range of complex needs. We believe in fostering a positive and nurturing environment where every child feels valued, respected and empowered. Our commitment to a holistic approach ensures that academic progress is complemented by emotional wellbeing and personal growth.
We are part of the Polaris Community and have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years. Within the Polaris Community, we have fifteen SEN schools across the UK that work together to provide each young person with a tailored, diverse and appropriate education in a safe, supportive environment that promotes engagement, inspires learning and encourages achievement. We're also incredibly proud that 100% of our education services have been rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.
Role Responsibilities
- Support the improvement of wellbeing, readiness for learning, resilience and behaviour management within Lyttelton House School
- Work with members of the Education Team to support young people's personal and academic development by removing barriers to learning
- Promote positive learning behaviours with young people
- Lead classes during PPA and absence cover (planning will be supported by teaching staff)
- Deliver an enrichment 'Golden Time' activity
- Provide in-class support for academic, pastoral, emotional or behavioural needs
- Respond to immediate concerns, clarifying and resolving situations appropriately
- Create and collate information relating to lessons and interventions delivered
- Assist in the preparation of information for meetings relating to pupils
- Act as an advocate for the ethos of Lyttelton House School
- Lead on Reading and Phonics, reviewing progress made by young people
- Develop the role of Pupil Voice, liaising with the Senior Leadership Team regarding the Pupil Council
- Develop relationships with parents/carers, taking an active role in transitions and consultation visits
Requirements
- A strong basic education, with a minimum of GCSE Grade C (or equivalent) in English Language and Mathematics, and sound IT skills
- Previous experience in a similar role (e.g. HLTA)
- Experience of working with pupils with SEMH within an educational setting
- Confidence to take additional responsibility in a specific area of school (e.g. Food Hygiene, Forest School, Lunchtimes, School Yoga, etc.)
- Experience of behaviour management and related techniques
- Commitment to professional development and willingness to learn
What We Offer
- A workplace that values the emotional health and wellbeing of everybody (you included)
- A commitment to support your development through a wide range of professional opportunities
- An opportunity to make a significant contribution to the lives and lifelong learning of vulnerable children who deserve high-quality teaching in a safe educational provision
- A friendly and inclusive team who are passionate about improving outcomes
The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check, the cost of which will be met by Polaris Community.
Polaris Community is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates. Polaris Community is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.
SEN Tutor & Reading Lead | Pupil Wellbeing & Phonics employer: Polaris Community
Polaris Children's Services is an exceptional employer located in Andover, Hampshire, dedicated to fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for both staff and pupils. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from a range of growth opportunities while making a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable children. Our inclusive team culture prioritises emotional wellbeing, ensuring that every member feels valued and empowered in their role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Tutor & Reading Lead | Pupil Wellbeing & Phonics
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Lyttelton House School and understand their ethos and values. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can provide insider tips about the school culture and what they look for in a candidate, which can give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for scenario-based questions! Think about how you would handle specific situations related to pupil wellbeing and behaviour management. Practising these responses can help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨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 the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Tutor & Reading Lead | Pupil Wellbeing & Phonics
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of SEN Tutor & Reading Lead. We want to see how you can contribute to our positive and nurturing environment!
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for working with young people shine through! Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to improving the lives of children with complex needs, as this is super important to us.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Polaris Community
✨Know the School's Ethos
Before your interview, take some time to understand the ethos of Lyttelton House School and the Polaris Community. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to emotional wellbeing and personal growth, as this will help you align your answers with their values during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience working with pupils with SEMH needs. Prepare specific examples of how you've supported students in overcoming barriers to learning and how you've managed behaviour effectively. This will demonstrate your capability for the role.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the school's approach to pupil voice or how they support staff development. Asking thoughtful questions shows your genuine interest in the position and the school.
✨Highlight Your Commitment to Development
Make sure to express your commitment to professional development. Share any relevant training or courses you've undertaken, and discuss how you plan to continue growing in your role. This aligns perfectly with the school's focus on supporting staff development.
