At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people through animal-assisted education and mentoring in a flexible role.
- Company: The Reptile Academy, an award-winning social enterprise focused on innovative education.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to personalised learning and animal welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people facing educational barriers.
- Qualifications: Degree-level qualifications or relevant experience in education or support roles.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: The Reptile Academy Ltd – REACH: Reptile Education & Activity Centre for Herpetofauna
Hours: Flexible / Part-time / Sessional Opportunities Available (as required by LEA)
Pay: Competitive and dependent on qualifications, experience and specialist expertise
Location: Centre-based, Outreach and Community Delivery across Dorset, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
Help us rethink education. The Reptile Academy is a highly accredited award-winning specialist education and animal welfare social enterprise delivering Alternative Provision, SEND support, mentoring and animal-assisted educational programmes, with a growing requirement for AP tutors/mentors with other subject area knowledge.
We work with children and young people who often have significant barriers to education, including:
- Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC)
- ADHD
- SEMH needs
- EBSA / School Anxiety
- Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences
- Sensory needs
- SEND and EHCP learners
Our approach is different. We use relationship-based practice, practical learning, animal-assisted education and highly personalised support to help young people rebuild confidence, re-engage with learning and progress towards successful futures. This is not classroom teaching in the traditional sense. Many of our young people are academically able and have many individual strengths. The challenge is often not the subject. It is trust, confidence, anxiety, sensory overwhelm and helping a young person believe education can feel safe again.
We are therefore seeking exceptional individuals who can combine subject expertise with warmth, flexibility and the ability to build trusted relationships.
We are particularly interested in hearing from:
- Specialist AP Tutor – English & Functional Skills
- Functional Skills and GCSE English delivery
- Literacy interventions
- Experience with ASDAN and AQA UAS English
- Building confidence through practical learning
- Specialist AP Tutor – Mathematics & Functional Skills
- Functional Skills Maths
- Experience with ASDAN and AQA UAS Maths
- Delivering maths creatively and practically
- Specialist AP Tutor – Science & Living Science
- KS1–KS4 Science which is our Core Pathway
- Biology and STEM desirable
- Chemistry and Physics desirable
- Practical science approaches
- Experience with ASDAN and AQA UAS
- Animal-assisted science learning
- Specialist AP Tutor – Creative Arts & Pathways
- Art, Design, Creative Media or related subjects
- Experience with ASDAN and AQA UAS
- Youth work
- SEND support
- Confidence-building
- Emotional literacy
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Degree-level qualifications and/or substantial relevant experience within their specialist area (we value lived experience as much as formal qualifications)
- Experience supporting children and young people
- Experience working with SEND, SEMH, AP or vulnerable learners
- Ability to build positive, trusted relationships
- Ability to deliver highly personalised learning
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Willingness to undertake full safer recruitment processes
- Commitment to safeguarding and professional boundaries
- Ability to work flexibly across centre and outreach provision
We would particularly welcome applicants with experience in:
- Alternative Provision
- ASDAN / AQA Unit Award Scheme
- Autism and ADHD
- Trauma-informed approaches
- EBSA / school avoidance
- Animal-assisted practice
- Youth work
- Animal Management
- SEND education
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is welcomed but is not essential, as we are looking for wider skills and experience beyond QTS.
Safer Recruitment
The Reptile Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Successful applicants will be required to undertake:
- Enhanced DBS checks with Child and Adults Barred Searches
- Reference checks
- Right to Work checks
- Full induction and training
- Inclusion on our Single Central Record
Induction & Training
All successful applicants will undertake our induction programme, including Safeguarding Level 2/3, SEND and Alternative Provision, Health & Safety, Emergency procedures, AQA/ASDAN systems and more. Applicants should be aware that our Core delivery is Living Science / Animal Care, and therefore should be comfortable working in a setting with animals.
Interested?
Please send:
- CV including two referees
- Covering letter
- Details of subject specialisms
- Relevant experience working with children or young people
to: Subject: AP Team Recruitment – [Your Name]
Be part of a team changing lives through education, science and animal-assisted learning.
Animal‐Assisted AP Tutor & Mentor — Flexible Hours employer: The Reptile Academy Ltd
The Reptile Academy Ltd is an exceptional employer that prioritises innovative education and animal welfare, offering flexible part-time opportunities for AP Tutors and Mentors across Dorset, Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole. With a strong commitment to personal development, a supportive work culture, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people facing educational barriers, employees can thrive in a dynamic environment that values relationship-based practice and practical learning. Join us in rethinking education and empowering students through animal-assisted programmes and tailored support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Animal‐Assisted AP Tutor & Mentor — Flexible Hours
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Reptile Academy and its mission! Research their approach to education and animal-assisted learning. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or at local events. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you, which can make all the difference in landing that role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical demonstrations! Since the role involves hands-on learning, be ready to showcase your teaching style and how you engage with students. Think about creative ways to present your subject expertise while building trust and confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Reptile Academy family and making a real impact in education.
We think you need these skills to ace Animal‐Assisted AP Tutor & Mentor — Flexible Hours
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Personalised Covering Letter:When writing your covering letter, make sure to tailor it specifically to the role of Animal‐Assisted AP Tutor & Mentor. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with our mission at The Reptile Academy. Show us your passion for education and animal-assisted learning!
Showcase Your Experience:In your CV, don’t just list your qualifications; tell us about your hands-on experience working with children and young people, especially those with SEND or SEMH needs. We want to see how you've made a difference in their lives and how you can bring that to our team.
Be Authentic:We value authenticity, so let your personality shine through in your application. Share your unique approach to building relationships and trust with young people. This is key to our work, and we want to know how you connect with learners on a personal level.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to be part of our community at The Reptile Academy!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Reptile Academy Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your subject knowledge, especially if you're applying for a specialist role like English or Maths. Be ready to discuss how you can deliver lessons creatively and practically, as this is key to engaging the young people you'll be working with.
✨Show Your Warmth
This role is all about building trusted relationships. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully connected with students, especially those with SEND or SEMH needs. Share how you’ve helped them overcome barriers to learning.
✨Be Flexible and Adaptable
Since the job involves outreach and community delivery, highlight your ability to adapt to different environments and situations. Discuss any previous experience you have in flexible teaching or mentoring roles, and how you can tailor your approach to meet individual needs.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Safeguarding
The Reptile Academy places a strong emphasis on safeguarding. Be prepared to talk about your understanding of safeguarding practices and why they are important, as well as any relevant training you've completed. This will show that you take the responsibility seriously.
