At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with barriers to education through innovative, animal-assisted learning.
- Company: The Reptile Academy, a leading social enterprise in alternative education.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive pay, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to transforming education for vulnerable learners.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working with animals and nature.
- 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.
Specialist Alternative Provision Tutors & Mentors employer: The Reptile Academy Ltd
The Reptile Academy Ltd is an exceptional employer dedicated to rethinking education through innovative, animal-assisted learning and personalised support for young people facing significant barriers. With a flexible work culture that values individual expertise and lived experience, employees benefit from comprehensive training, a supportive team environment, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable learners across Dorset, Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Alternative Provision Tutors & Mentors
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Reptile Academy and its unique approach! Research their methods, values, and the specific needs of the young people they support. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or other platforms. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for standing out during the interview process. Personal connections can give you an edge!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical scenarios! Since the role involves building trust and confidence, think about how you would handle real-life situations with students. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully engaged with young people in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our mission of rethinking education.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Alternative Provision Tutors & Mentors
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Personalised Cover Letter:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor it specifically to the role of Specialist Alternative Provision Tutor or Mentor. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with our unique approach to education, focusing on building trust and confidence in young people.
Showcase Your Experience:In your CV, don’t just list your qualifications; share specific examples of how you've supported children and young people, especially those with SEND or SEMH needs. We want to see how your background makes you a great fit for our team!
Be Authentic:We value authenticity, so let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for education and animal-assisted learning, and don’t hesitate to mention any lived experiences that have shaped your approach to working with young people.
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 mission to rethink education!
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 tutor role. Be ready to discuss how you can deliver lessons creatively and practically, particularly in areas like Functional Skills or animal-assisted education.
✨Show Your Warmth
This role is all about building trusted relationships with young people. 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.
✨Flexibility is Key
The Reptile Academy values flexibility in its tutors. Be prepared to discuss how you can adapt your teaching style to meet the diverse needs of learners. Highlight any experience you have in outreach or community delivery, as this will show you can work in various settings.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Safeguarding
Since safeguarding is a top priority, be ready to talk about your understanding of safeguarding practices and how you ensure a safe learning environment. Mention any relevant training or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to protecting vulnerable learners.
