Job Description: ABA Tutor at Pathways School
SALARY RANGE: £23,000-£26,000, depending on experience
HOURS: 37.5 hours per week
ACCOUNTABLE TO: Headteacher, Behaviour Analyst
LOCATION: Pathways School, Shrewsbury Avenue, Harrow HA3 9LX
PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Two Terms
HOLIDAY: The school year for students is 39 weeks. All school closures are non-working days.
OTHER BENEFITS: Pension: 5% or 8% matched contributions after 3 months in post.
PLEASE NOTE: Pathways School does not offer visa sponsorship at this time
CPD: Option to undertake RBT qualification after 12 months in post.
Safeguarding. The following criminal record checks are required:
- Enhanced DBS with Children's Barred List Check
- Overseas Criminal Record Check (if required)
- Prohibition Check (teaching role)
- Online Search
OVERVIEW:
Pathways School is seeking ABA Tutors for September 2026.
Pathways School opened in September 2022 as an independent specialist secondary school for young people aged 11 to 19 who have autism and learning disabilities. We were graded Good in our first OfSTED inspection in May 2023.
We believe every individual has the potential to learn and should be free of behaviours and activities that cause injury, pain or stress, or limit opportunities to access learning and community involvement.
The school is part of Positive Behaviour Support for Learning, a registered charity dedicated to transforming the lives of vulnerable children and young people living with autism. To do this we use Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) within a framework of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) to support the development of our students.
We are seeking energetic and organised individuals who share our values and who can bring dedication and enthusiasm to their role.
Previous experience as an ABA Tutor and knowledge of autism would be valuable. However, we are also interested in hearing from candidates seeking a change of direction in their career.
JOB PURPOSE:
- To work with the team of ABA Tutors to plan and provide support for young people with autism and learning disabilities, using the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis, and within the framework of Positive Behaviour Support.
- To support the Behaviour Analysts and Teachers in ensuring that assessments and curriculum delivery are carried out effectively in a safe school environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- To work as part of a classroom team providing ABA instruction to children with autism and related communication disorders on an individual basis, in pairs or in small groups.
- To analyse students’ behaviour to allow for a function of the behaviour to be identified and to deal with the behaviour where appropriate in a calm and professional manner and in accordance with individual pupil behaviour plans, risk assessments and school policy. This may include the use of positive handling techniques.
- To develop an understanding of assessments used within the school that track pupil progress and development of Individual Education Plans (EfL, ABLLS, VBMAPP, AFLS, Engagement Model).
- To ensure that individual and class timetables are always adhered to.
- To be flexible and willing to follow any variations in staff timetabling and pupil cover – including last minute changes implemented by the Headteacher when necessary.
- To collect and record clear and accurate data on all programmes, including accurate analysis and recording of sequence-analysis-data (Antecedent-Behaviour-Consequence).
- To provide intimate care (e.g., toileting, nappy changing, medication and support with feeding) for children within the school as required.
- To supervise indoor/outdoor playtime for all children on a rota basis.
- To supervise and support children on activities and trips outside of the school, including swimming.
- To be responsible for the safeguarding and health and safety of students, including the maintaining of a safe environment, following, and implementing relevant policies and risk assessments as appropriate.
- To reflect on the emerging data to track daily and weekly progress accurately.
- To monitor and maintain your student’s resources and programme folders and ensure they are kept up to date and ready for an unfamiliar teacher.
- To ensure the production, organisation and maintenance of curricular and teaching materials are age appropriate, functional, and relevant to your learner.
- To inform the Behaviour Analyst of 2-week flatlines on programmes within your data so that progress can be monitored, and teaching procedures amended where applicable.
- To complete the home-school book daily in accordance with relevant school policy and ensure good home-school communication.
- To record incidents and pastoral or safeguarding notes on the school MIS
- To actively participate in staff meetings, training, and performance competencies on a regular basis. To undertake appropriate professional development on a range of relevant issues as agreed by the school management. To play an active role in own training and progression in understanding and ability to apply the principles and procedures of PBS and ABA.
- Safeguarding the security, safety, and wellbeing of students always during school hours, in school and out in the community reporting any concerns in accordance with the Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
- To monitor general health and safety within the classroom, rectifying any concerns or reporting to Headteacher as needed
- To understand, adhere to and actively always implement all the policies and procedures of the school
- To develop knowledge of autistic spectrum disorders including the effect upon individuals and families and to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of PBS and ABA procedures and practice
- To undertake additional tasks as directed by the Headteacher or Behaviour Analyst.
- To operate and comply with the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998 and relevant Pathways School policies during undertaking the role.
- To plan and lead occasional group activities
- To be responsible for ensuring good ABA practice is followed within the class.
- To support training both directly and indirectly through modelling good teaching and practice.
PERSON SPECIFICATION:
Qualifications and training
- GCSE or equivalent level, including at least a Grade 4 (previously Grade C) in English and Maths
- First-aid training, or willingness to complete it
Experience
- Experience working in a school environment or other educational setting
- Experience working with children / young people
- Experience planning and delivering learning activities
Skills and knowledge
- Good literacy and numeracy skills
- Good organisational skills
- Ability to build effective working relationships with pupils and adults
- Skills and expertise in understanding the needs of all pupils
- Knowledge of how to help adapt and deliver support to meet individual needs
- Subject and curriculum knowledge relevant to the role, and ability to apply this effectively in supporting teachers and pupils
- Excellent verbal communication skills
- Active listening skills
- The ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- Knowledge of guidance and requirements around safeguarding children
- Good ICT skills, particularly using ICT to support learning
- Understanding of roles and responsibilities within the classroom and whole school context
Personal qualities
- Enjoyment of working with children
- Sensitivity and understanding, to help build good relationships with pupils
- A commitment to getting the best outcomes for all pupils, and promoting the ethos and values of the school
- Commitment to maintaining confidentiality at all times
- Commitment to safeguarding pupil’s wellbeing and equality
- Resilient, positive, forward looking and enthusiastic about making a difference
- Capacity to inspire, motivate and challenge children and young people
HIRING PROCESS:
- Applications will be reviewed and accepted or rejected
- Accepted applicants will be contacted and asked to complete an application form
- Applications will be shortlisted and these applicants will be then invited to take part in an individual interview with the Headteacher of Pathways and another member of the leadership team
Safeguarding Statement
Pathways Schoo is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As a special school, we work with some of the most vulnerable children and young people, many of whom have complex needs. Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do, and we maintain a culture of vigilance and care.
All appointments are subject to rigorous safeguarding checks, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, verification of identity and qualifications, satisfactory references, and right to work in the UK. As part of our safer recruitment process, online searches may be carried out on shortlisted candidates.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £23,000.00-£26,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
Experience:
- school: 1 year (preferred)
- Working with people with autism: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person
