At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide 1:1 home tuition in Functional Skills English and Maths, using Science to engage the student.
- Company: Study Mind, dedicated to supporting learners with special educational needs.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, rewarding experience, and the chance to make a real difference in a student's life.
- Other info: Home-based role in Harlow, Essex, with a focus on building trust and confidence.
- Why this job: Help a young person overcome barriers to education and prepare for adulthood.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEN learners, particularly those with anxiety and medical needs.
Location: Home-Based Tuition – Harlow, Essex (CM17)
Hours: 8 Hours Per Week – 2 Hours Per Day, 4 Days Per Week
Start Date: September 2026
Subjects: Functional Skills English & Maths, with Science
About the Role
Study Mind is seeking an experienced SEN Tutor to provide 1:1 face-to-face tuition for a 16-year-old learner with an EHCP who has been unable to access mainstream education for several years due to significant medical and anxiety-related needs. The successful tutor will deliver Functional Skills English and Maths, while using the student's strong interest in Science to make learning purposeful and engaging. This is a relationship-led placement where consistency, patience and gradual re-engagement are essential.
About the Student
Our student is a caring, polite and thoughtful young person who enjoys conversation and has a particular passion for animals and Science. She independently explores Science through online tutorials and is motivated by preparing for adulthood and future employment. She currently experiences significant anxiety and finds engaging with unfamiliar adults particularly difficult. However, she has previously developed an excellent relationship with a consistent 1:1 tutor and can engage positively in learning once trust has been established.
The Role Will Include
- Delivering 8 hours of 1:1 home tuition each week.
- Teaching Functional Skills English and Maths at a level established through initial assessment.
- Using Science and the student's interests to develop literacy, extended writing and data-handling skills.
- Completing gentle baseline assessments during the opening weeks to establish current working levels.
- Supporting progression towards an appropriate Functional Skills qualification.
- Rebuilding confidence in education following a significant period away from school.
Ideal Tutor Experience
- Experience supporting young people with significant anxiety and barriers to accessing education.
- Experience with learners with medical needs and fluctuating energy or engagement.
- Experience teaching Functional Skills English and Maths from Entry Level through to Level 2.
- Experience with learners who have experienced substantial gaps in education.
- Experience with anxiety-based school avoidance and gradual educational re-engagement.
- Experience with post-16 learners preparing for independence, qualifications and employment.
Learning Approach
- Build a strong, trusting relationship before increasing academic demands.
- Provide calm, predictable and consistent sessions in the same learning space.
- Break information into clear, manageable steps with repetition where required.
- Provide reassurance and direct modelling before expecting independent work.
- Recognise non-verbal communication and signs of anxiety, fatigue or disengagement.
- Maintain a flexible approach around the student's health and energy levels.
- Use her interests in animals and Science as positive routes into learning.
Important Requirements
A male tutor is preferred by the family, following the student's previous positive experience with a male tutor. The tutor should have strong SEN experience and be comfortable supporting a learner with significant anxiety alongside a long-term medical condition. Immediate and private bathroom access must be maintained throughout sessions, and learning can extend into the family garden when the student chooses.
Tuition Details
Location: Home-based tuition in Harlow, Essex (CM17).
Hours: 8 hours per week, delivered as 2-hour sessions across 4 days.
Preferred Times: 1:00pm–3:00pm. Morning sessions should be avoided due to the student's health needs, medication routine and fatigue.
If you’re an experienced SEN or Functional Skills Tutor who can combine strong academic teaching with patience, consistency and a sensitive relationship-led approach, we’d love to hear from you.
SEN Functional Skills Tutor employer: Study Mind
As an SEN Tutor in Maldon, you will be part of a supportive community dedicated to making a meaningful impact in a young person's life. We offer competitive pay, flexible hours, and ongoing support from fellow tutors, ensuring you have the resources needed to thrive in your role. Join us to help students overcome challenges and build confidence in a nurturing environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Functional Skills Tutor
✨Tap into Local Networks
Get yourself out there and find local education fairs or community events related to adult continuing education. These are golden opportunities to meet potential employers, showcase your passion, and even score some part-time roles directly in your area.
✨Engage with Adult Learning Communities
Join online groups and forums dedicated to adult education, like those on Facebook or LinkedIn. Get involved in discussions, share your insights, and connect with industry professionals. You never know when a part-time opportunity might pop up in these spaces!
✨Volunteer for Local Educational Initiatives
Look for local organisations that offer educational programmes for adults and see if they need volunteers. This can not only strengthen your CV but also expand your network. You might just catch the eye of someone looking to fill a part-time position within their team.
✨Check Out Our Website for Openings
Keep an eye on our website for part-time job listings at Study Mind. Applying directly through us not only gets your application in front of the right eyes but also shows you're keen to be part of our team in the adult education space.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Functional Skills Tutor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:When you're applying for a role in adult continuing education, make sure to showcase any experience you've had with teaching or mentoring adults. If you’ve run workshops, developed learning materials, or facilitated training sessions, put those front and centre – it shows us that you understand the unique needs of adult learners.
Focus on Your Educational Philosophy:For a part-time role, it's key to convey your educational philosophy in your application. We want to see how you motivate and inspire learners, so share your thoughts on how to create an engaging learning environment for adults. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Get specific with your CV! Emphasise certifications related to adult education or teaching if you have them. If you've taken courses on adult learning theories or instructional design, mention those too. It's all about showing us you're equipped to elevate adult learners' experiences.
Flexibility and Availability:Since this is a part-time gig, make sure to highlight your availability in your cover letter. We want to know when you can start and how many hours you can commit. If you have experience designing curricula or schedules that fit into busy adults’ lives, let us know how you can adapt your approach!
How to prepare for a job interview at Study Mind
✨Show Off Your Teaching Vibe
In adult continuing education, it's all about connecting with learners. Highlight your experience in engaging students, especially adults, and share any creative methods you've used. We want to see how you make learning enjoyable and relevant.
✨Know Your Adult Learners
Spend some time thinking about the specific needs of adult learners in your field. Be ready to discuss how you tailor your teaching methods to accommodate different backgrounds and learning styles. This will show Study Mind that you're well-versed in the unique dynamics of adult education.
✨Prepare for a Part-Time Mindset
As this is a part-time position, it's crucial to demonstrate your understanding of balancing multiple commitments. Come with examples of how you've managed your time effectively in previous roles, showing that you're ready to hit the ground running while keeping things flexible.
✨Bring Evidence of Your Impact
If you've got testimonials, portfolios, or any data showing that your teaching has improved learners' skills or confidence, bring them along to share. We want to help you showcase your impact effectively and demonstrate how you can bring value to Study Mind’s adult education programmes.