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 passionate team dedicated to transforming education with creativity and compassion.
- 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 a supportive and innovative work culture, offering flexible hours for the role of Animal-Assisted AP Tutor & Mentor. With a strong commitment to employee growth through comprehensive training and a focus on personal development, staff are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people facing educational barriers. Located in the beautiful areas of Dorset, Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole, employees enjoy a unique opportunity to engage with nature and animals while fostering trust and confidence in their students.
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. Familiarise yourself with their approach to education and animal-assisted learning. This will help you connect your skills and experiences to what they value, making you a more appealing candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn or other platforms. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for standing out in the application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for an informal chat or interview by thinking about how you can demonstrate your ability to build trusted relationships with young people. Share specific examples from your past that highlight your warmth and flexibility.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our unique approach to 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. Highlight your experience with SEND and how you can build trusted relationships with young people. We want to see your passion for animal-assisted education shine through!
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In your CV, focus on your relevant experience working with children and young people, especially those with barriers to education. Include any specific examples of how you've supported learners with ASD, ADHD, or trauma. This will help us see how you fit into our unique approach.
Be Authentic and Reflective:We value lived experience just as much as formal qualifications. Don’t hesitate to share your personal journey and how it has shaped your understanding of education and support for vulnerable learners. Authenticity goes a long way in making a connection with us!
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 team 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 work in various settings. Discuss any previous experience you have in adapting your teaching style to meet the needs of different learners, particularly in non-traditional environments.
✨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 how you ensure a safe learning environment for vulnerable children and young people. This will show that you take their welfare seriously.
