SEMH Tutor
Location: Sunderland
Salary: £24,575 - £26,622
Hours: Full Time 37 per week
Contract: Permanent
Leave: 25 days + statutory holidays (Springboard also operates a Christmas closure period, which is paid and does not reduce employees' annual leave entitlement)
About Springboard
Springboard is a registered charity dedicated to building sustainable, thriving communities by equipping people with the essential skills they need for work and life. Through our Study Programmes, Apprenticeships and Adult Skills courses, we create confident, employable, life‑ready learners.
With almost 50 years of experience, we are proud to be an Ofsted GOOD provider. We are committed to delivering high‑quality learning experiences, adapting to individual needs, and maintaining a culture of support, respect and ambition. We also hold the Matrix Award for Information, Advice and Guidance and the Better Health at Work Gold Standard.
The Role
We are seeking a dedicated, compassionate and resilient SEMH Tutor to work with post-16 learners who experience social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.
This role focuses on building strong relationships, supporting emotional regulation, and enabling learners to re-engage with education and progress towards positive futures. You will work with learners both with and without Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), ensuring support is responsive to individual need rather than diagnosis.
The ideal candidate will have experience of working with learners who may present with anxiety, trauma, attachment needs, or disengagement from education, and will apply trauma-informed approaches to teaching and support.
Key Responsibilities
Learner Engagement and Support
- Plan, deliver and assess personalised learning programmes that meet the academic, vocational and developmental needs of learners.
- Build consistent, trusting relationships that promote safety, belonging and engagement.
- Support learners to access learning through flexible, creative and adaptive approaches.
- Promote learner attendance, punctuality and sustained engagement.
- Recognise behaviour as communication and respond in a calm, relational and non-judgemental way.
SEMH and Trauma-Informed Practice
- Embed trauma-informed and relationship-based approaches in all aspects of practice.
- Create safe, predictable and supportive learning environments.
- Support learners with emotional regulation, co-regulation and de-escalation strategies.
- Understand and respond to the impact of trauma, adverse experiences and mental health needs on learning and behaviour.
- Use restorative approaches rather than punitive measures.
Teaching, Learning and Progress
- Adapt teaching strategies and materials to meet diverse SEMH needs and learning styles.
- Monitor, assess and record learner progress, celebrating small steps and meaningful progress.
- Support learners to develop emotional resilience, confidence and independence.
- Encourage and secure learner achievement, attainment and progression.
Holistic Support and Collaboration
- Work collaboratively with support staff, pastoral teams, employers and external agencies.
- Contribute to person-centred planning, including EHCP outcomes where applicable.
- Provide regular, clear feedback to learners and stakeholders.
- Support all aspects of the learner journey from recruitment through to progression.
Preparation for Adulthood
- Support learners to develop essential life skills, employability skills and independence.
- Prepare learners for further education, employment or training.
- Promote self-awareness, responsibility and positive decision-making.
Safeguarding and Wellbeing
- Promote and safeguard the welfare of all learners.
- Identify and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns.
- Contribute to a culture of wellbeing, inclusion and respect.
Professional Responsibilities
- Engage in continuous professional development, particularly in SEMH and trauma-informed practice.
- Stay up to date with best practice in supporting learners with SEMH needs.
- Undertake administrative tasks including assessment evidence, progress tracking and risk assessments.
Person Specification
Essential
- Teaching and assessing qualifications (or willingness to work towards).
- Experience working with post-16 learners with SEMH needs or presenting behaviours linked to emotional and mental health.
- Understanding of trauma-informed practice and relational approaches.
- Understanding of the SEND Code of Practice and inclusive education principles.
- Awareness of neurodiversity; including ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia and related learning needs.
- Ability to build positive, consistent relationships with learners who may be disengaged or anxious.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to remain calm and effective in challenging situations.
- Commitment to inclusive, learner-centred practice.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Up-to-date Digital skills.
- Minimum Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths and English.
- Willingness to travel where required.
Desirable
- Experience working with learners with EHCPs.
- Knowledge of attachment-aware practice, restorative approaches or behaviour regulation strategies.
- Experience of teaching, assessing and quality assurance processes.
- Relevant qualification in education, youth work, mental health or a related field.
Additional Information
Springboard is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all learners. All staff are expected to share this commitment. Safeguarding checks will be carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, including an online search for shortlisted applicants.
This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and two satisfactory references.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will support you.
This vacancy is subject to the completion of an internal redeployment process. The employer reserves the right to withdraw or amend the recruitment process accordingly.
Pay: £24,575.00-£28,736.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Free parking
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
