Job Description
Job Title
HLTA / Unqualified Teacher - Maths & English Functional Skills
Reports To
Headteacher / Education Lead
Location
[Insert Location]
Salary
£27,785 - £35,259 actual
Contract Type
Full-Time / Permanent
Job Purpose
To plan and deliver engaging and differentiated Maths and English Functional Skills lessons to pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. The postholder will create a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment that supports pupils to re-engage with education, achieve accredited qualifications, and develop confidence, resilience, and independence.
The successful candidate will build strong, positive relationships with pupils, many of whom may have experienced disrupted education, trauma, adverse childhood experiences, or significant barriers to learning.
Key Responsibilities
Teaching and Learning
- Deliver high-quality Maths and English Functional Skills lessons from Entry Level to Level 2.
- Plan and adapt lessons to meet the diverse academic, emotional, and behavioural needs of pupils.
- Use creative and engaging teaching strategies to promote participation and achievement.
- Develop individual learning targets and support pupils to make sustained progress.
- Assess, monitor, and record pupil attainment and progress.
- Prepare pupils for accreditation and Functional Skills examinations.
- Support pupils in developing confidence, self-esteem, resilience, and a positive attitude towards learning.
- Create learning opportunities that develop employability, independence, and life skills.
SEMH and Behaviour Support
- Develop positive, trusting relationships with pupils to support engagement and attendance.
- Use a trauma-informed and therapeutic approach to behaviour management.
- Support pupils in understanding and regulating their emotions.
- Implement behaviour support plans, risk assessments, and individual education plans where appropriate.
- Work proactively to de-escalate challenging situations and maintain a calm learning environment.
- Promote emotional wellbeing, personal growth, and positive social interaction.
Safeguarding and Pupil Welfare
- Safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils.
- Maintain vigilance regarding potential safeguarding concerns and report appropriately.
- Support pupils' emotional wellbeing and mental health needs.
- Work closely with parents/carers, external agencies, therapists, and professionals to ensure a coordinated approach to support.
Assessment, Monitoring and Reporting
- Maintain accurate records of learning, attendance, achievement, and progress.
- Contribute to EHCP reviews, progress meetings, and annual reviews where required.
- Complete reports and pupil reviews within agreed timescales.
- Support the school's quality improvement and self-evaluation processes.
Team Contribution
- Work collaboratively with teaching staff, pastoral teams, therapists, and senior leaders.
- Attend staff meetings, training, supervision, and professional development activities.
- Contribute positively to the wider life of the school and enrichment activities.
Person Specification
Essential
- GCSE Grade 4/C or above in English and Maths (or equivalent).
- Experience working with children or young people with SEMH needs and/or challenging behaviour.
- Experience teaching or supporting the delivery of Maths and English.
- Ability to build positive, productive relationships with vulnerable learners.
- Understanding of trauma-informed practice and its impact on learning.
- Strong classroom management and de-escalation skills.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting pupil welfare.
Desirable
- HLTA qualification or equivalent.
- Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) or working towards.
- Experience delivering Functional Skills qualifications.
- Experience within an alternative provision, SEMH school, PRU, or specialist setting.
- Knowledge of EHCP processes and SEND legislation.
- Team Teach, PRICE, or other positive behaviour support training.
- Mental Health First Aid qualification.
Key Competencies
- Resilience and emotional intelligence.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Empathy and a non-judgemental approach.
- Strong relationship-building skills.
- Flexibility and creativity in teaching.
- Excellent behaviour and classroom management.
- Commitment to inclusion and pupil-centred practice.
- Ability to motivate hard-to-reach learners and celebrate success.
Safeguarding Statement
Pennie is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check, online searches in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), and all relevant pre-employment checks.
Pay: £27,785.00-£35,259.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
