Alternative Education Tutor

To assist with the design, development, and delivery of alternative education pathways, supporting and leading both practical and academic activities, providing learning opportunities for socially and educationally excluded young people. To encourage, inspire and facilitate student participation and engagement with learning, personal & social development, and educational attainment.

Responsibilities

• Teaching & Learning Delivery
  • Build and maintain positive relationships with young people across all Blend delivery sites, providing a non‑judgmental adult role model with a commitment to inclusive practice.
  • Work effectively in individual and team contexts, in conjunction with designated staff and volunteers, in accordance with flexible timetable requirements.
  • Provide consistent and comprehensive evidence of student participation in activities, including photographs, observation records, witness statements, etc.
  • Support / lead the delivery of SMSC, Accreditation and Maths & English sessions to groups or individual students.
  • Contribute to the design of inclusive & outcome‑focused learning opportunities in conjunction with the Alternative Education & Post‑16 Manager and Specialist Teacher.
  • Help to develop and deliver schemes of work, appropriate learning tasks and vocational activities that meet the needs of the young people.
  • Share best practice with other staff, in terms of effective planning, delivery, evaluating and adjusting teaching & learning approaches.
• Networking & Partnerships
  • Be aware of student referral routes, thereby ensuring confident and competent liaison with referring agencies when necessary.
  • Inform the Alternative Education & Post‑16 Manager and/or Specialist Teacher of any significant communication with referring agencies promptly.
  • Maintain professional relationships with other agencies and professionals in the interests of maximising opportunities for positive learning experiences for young people.
  • Be consistently prompt & professional in your approach to communication with partner agencies.
• Operations & Quality Assurance
  • Assist with the timely completion of lesson plans, behaviour monitoring, progress tracking documents, and all associated quality assurance documents.
  • Complete a risk assessment prior to undertaking any activities for which there is not an existing RA in place.
  • Contribute to the completion of pupil tracking documents, progress reports and moderation documents from referring agencies as required.
• Policy & Procedure
  • Work in accordance with all Blend Youth Project core policies & procedures, thereby promoting learning experiences which are safe, inclusive & learner focused.
  • Be aware of, and comply with policies relating to safeguarding, equality & diversity, and health & safety, ensuring that they are securely embedded within your delivery.
  • Be responsible for all aspects of learner health & safety, ensuring that all areas of curriculum delivery have been appropriately risk‑assessed.
• Self‑Management and Professional Development
  • Assist with the preparation of reports as required by the Alternative Education & Post‑16 Manager and/or Specialist Teacher.
  • Attend meetings /supervision sessions as requested by the Alternative Education & Post‑16 Manager & Specialist Teacher.
  • Identify your CPD needs and undertake training and professional development opportunities as agreed with your Line Manager.
• Other Team Responsibilities
  • As part of the wider Valley CIDS Youth Team, attend team meetings as requested by your Line Manager.
  • Uphold and promote the ethos and values of Valley CIDS/Blend Youth Project at all times.
  • Develop a good knowledge of the organisation's other projects/services.
  • Be involved in Valley CIDS and Blend Youth Project promotional events.

Characteristics & Values

• Can embrace fully the ethos, vision, and values of Valley CIDS/Blend Youth Project.
• Has a passion and enthusiasm for young people's well‑being, learning & development.
• Has a passion and enthusiasm for alternative education learning contexts.
• Is self‑motivated, resourceful and has the ability to motivate young people.
• Committed to promoting inclusion & anti‑discriminatory practice in all aspects of work.
• Well organised and able to work effectively alone or as part of a team.

Skills

• Ability to communicate effectively with young people and colleagues.
• Comprehensive ICT skills and competent in the use of Microsoft Office software.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment with staff and volunteers.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with visiting representatives of external agencies.
• Ability to plan and deliver engaging, inspiring, and inclusive sessions, linked to accredited outcomes.

Knowledge

• Lesson planning and educational/learning outcome.
• Safeguarding and Child Protection procedures.
• Commitment to Equal Opportunities practices.

Experience

• Delivering education in alternative education learning environments.
• Working with young people who have social, emotional, and/or behavioural difficulties.
• Responding effectively to challenging behaviour to promote engagement.
• Planning lessons, teaching & learning in an alternative education context.
• Assessing practical activities.

Qualifications

• Essential:
  • Minimum Level 2 Maths and English qualifications.
  • Willingness to undertake further training & CPD opportunities.
  • Experience of working with young people who have social, emotional, and/or behavioural difficulties.
  • Experience of responding effectively to challenging behaviour to promote engagement.
  • Willingness to travel between and work across multiple sites (Ripley, Heanor, Jacksdale, Swanwick, Chesterfield).
  • A full UK Driving License with access to a car.
• Desirable:
  • Minimum Level 3 teaching/assessing qualification.
  • Knowledge & understanding of a range of alternative education accreditation routes.
  • Knowledge of statutory policies & good practice frameworks.
  • Knowledge of Health & Safety & risk assessment issues and procedures.
  • Experience of lesson planning, teaching & learning in an alternative education context.
  • Experience of assessing practical activities.

Benefits

• Enhanced Annual Leave
• Company Sick Pay Scheme
• 20% discount in all Lighthouse Charity Shops
• Company Pension
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to exclusive shopping and lifestyle discounts
• Christmas Saver Scheme
• Company Events