At a Glance
- Tasks: Teach and support learners with complex needs in life skills and personal development.
- Company: Join Queen Alexandra College, a vibrant institution dedicated to empowering students with special educational needs.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, wellness programmes, and access to fitness facilities.
- Other info: Positions available full-time or part-time during term time only.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while growing your career in an inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree and teaching qualifications required; experience with SEN learners is essential.
The predicted salary is between 22799 - 30886 £ per year.
Preparation for Life Tutor
Application Deadline: 30 June 2026
Department: Teaching
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Harborne, Birmingham, UK
Reporting To: Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning
Compensation: £27,734 - £32,106 / year
Description
The post holder will have teaching and tutoring responsibility for a group of learners with complex needs (moderate to severe learning difficulties) at Pre-Entry Level. The post holder will be able to plan for and adapt to students who require highly individualised approaches to learning adult life skills within the community, both in and out of the classroom.
Hours: 36 Hours / 39 Working Weeks (8.45 - 16.45)
Salary: Tutor Salaries are banded based on qualified status and experience. Q1 - £27,734.40 - £32,106.24 Q2 - £33,557.76 - £36,460.80 Q3 - £37,895.04 - £39,363.84
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver, plan, and assess the curriculum in an innovative, responsible and flexible manner using a highly individualised approach in collaboration with the Curriculum Area Manager, ensuring the Intent, Implementation and Impact is clear.
- Plan, assess and record the individual achievements of each learner against EHCP Plans, individual targets and in accordance with RARPA quality processes and funding agency criteria (where applicable).
- Deliver quality teaching and learning in line with professional standards and tailored to individual learner needs grounded in an informed understanding of their EHCP, goals after QAC in particular, and other assessments.
- Prepare schemes of work and differentiated lesson planning to make clear the purpose and intent of the taught sessions.
- Lead sessions in accordance with good practice in terms of timed, scaffolded and sequenced learning that ensures lesson objectives are implemented and students’ progress can be checked.
- Ensure assessments include appropriate means of feedback and feedforward; and progress recorded and shared with learners.
- Contribute to the development of the curriculum through preparation, research, liaison with colleagues and relevant external agencies and management of resources. This should be appropriate to learner needs, outcomes set and conforms to the requirements of examination boards (if required) and funding agencies.
- Evaluate the quality and success of the curriculum and implement into the curriculum quality improvement plan and self-assessment report.
- To have a clear understanding of the Education Inspection Framework, in line with OFSTED inspections.
- Participate in the PSHE curriculum and pastoral welfare of learners, specifically as a group tutor and personal tutor who is an integral part in helping shape, support, monitor the learner journey.
- Plan, assess and deliver course content in areas such as Employability, Preparation for Adulthood, Functional Skills or other similar provisions within your timetable as directed by the Curriculum Area Manager.
- Prepare lesson resources that are tailored to individual needs and include a variety of stimulating means to maximise engagement including appropriate use of digital devices, assistive technology, IT interactive resources and practical activities.
- Work with the college Transitions, Community Services team and/or other external agencies to support the preparation of life during and after college.
- Promote the aims and ethos of the College both within the teaching and learning context and within the corporate life of the College.
- Participate in staff training and development within the requirements of the College's programmes and priorities. The post-holder will be expected to develop communication methods for learners with moderate to severe learning difficulties and to become a competent user of the technological support available to students with visual impairments / SLD and/or other learning difficulties as required.
- Engage in any individual or collaborative research and consultative work agreed by senior management as relevant to the area of work.
- Contribute on an occasional and voluntary basis to the corporate life of the College.
- Perform such other duties as are commensurate with the status and nature of the post.
Other Duties
- Receiving appropriate training, instruction and information to carry out emergency procedures safely and effectively.
- Responding to emergency situations in line with organisational policies and procedures.
- Supporting the organisation’s compliance with relevant Health and Safety legislation.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- A level 2 or higher English language and maths qualification.
- A level 4 or 5 or higher teaching qualification.
- Experience of sequenced steps, individualised approaches to curriculum, and using differentiation of materials.
- Excellent organisational, communication, ICT, behaviour management, and flexibility skills.
- An understanding of confidentiality and data protection rules and regulations.
- The skills to contribute effectively and professionally within a multi-disciplinary teamwork environment.
Benefits
- Access to on site car parking
- Use of QAC Fitness Centre (subject to opening hours)
- Cycle to Work Scheme (Salary Sacrifice)
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme Helpline (BHSF)
- Access to Education Support Free Helpline for Teachers & Education Staff
- QAC Mental Health First Aiders & activities to support health and wellbeing
- BHSF Benefits Package including Healthcare Plans, discounted shopping/services
- Annual Flu vaccination/voucher
- Access to other benefit/discount schemes (which may be subject to charge) e.g. Blue Light Card, TOTUM (NUS), Charity Worker Discounts, Discounts for Teachers
- Dell Advantage programme - a free programme that offers savings to students, parents and all staff at QAC - up to 20% off.
- Health and Wellbeing Services (Occupational Health/Counselling)
- Free Tea/Coffee and Staff Room facilities
- Dining Room facilities with hot/cold food (free meal provided for those supporting students at mealtimes)
- Additional discretionary concessionary/closure days as part of leave entitlement (including closure over Christmas/New Year period)
- Reward and Recognition Policy – Living the Values Awards (team & individual) and long service
- Enhanced/Occupational paid leave e.g. maternity/paternity (subject to qualifying criteria)
- Occupational sick pay (based on length of service)
- On site wellbeing activities (e.g. yoga, meditation)
- Support for training/ CPD (either by way of study leave and/or funding)
- Flexible working arrangements including Flexible Working Policy Agreements, Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) in prior agreement with line manager.
This list is not exhaustive and may be subject to review and/or change.
Preparation for Life Tutor employer: Queen Alexandra College
As a Positive Behaviour & Engagement Officer at our college in Harborne, Birmingham, you will join a supportive and collaborative environment dedicated to fostering student engagement and wellbeing. We offer a range of benefits including access to fitness facilities, flexible working arrangements, and comprehensive health support, all while promoting a culture of continuous professional development. Our commitment to safeguarding and person-centred approaches ensures that you will be part of a team that values empathy, respect, and the growth of both students and staff.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Preparation for Life Tutor
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Education Inspection Framework and OFSTED standards. Understanding these will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and show that you're committed to maintaining high educational standards.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the special educational needs (SEN) community. Attend local events or online forums where you can connect with others in the field, as personal recommendations can often lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific strategies for teaching learners with complex needs. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully tailored your approach to meet individual learning requirements in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Queen Alexandra College's ethos and recent developments. Being knowledgeable about the college's mission and values will allow you to align your answers with their goals during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Preparation for Life Tutor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the job description. Focus on your teaching qualifications, experience with SEN learners, and any specific strategies you've used to support students with complex needs.
Craft a Strong Personal Statement:In your personal statement, emphasise your passion for working with students with special educational needs. Discuss how your previous experiences have prepared you for this role and how you can contribute to the inclusive environment at Queen Alexandra College.
Highlight Relevant Skills:Clearly outline your organisational skills, ability to manage behaviours that challenge, and experience with individualised approaches to learning. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've successfully implemented these skills in past roles.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in an educational setting.
How to prepare for a job interview at Queen Alexandra College
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the key responsibilities of a Preparation for Life Tutor. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with delivering individualised approaches to learning, especially for learners with complex needs.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Strategies
During the interview, be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully planned and delivered lessons tailored to students with moderate to severe learning difficulties. Highlight any innovative methods or technologies you've used to engage learners.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of EHCPs
Familiarise yourself with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and be prepared to discuss how you would assess and record individual achievements against these plans. This shows your commitment to personalised education and understanding of student needs.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Think of insightful questions to ask the interview panel about the college's approach to supporting students with special educational needs. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you.
