Job Description: Functional Skills Assessor
We’re looking for a creative, adaptable and learner-focused Functional Skills Assessor who can bring Math’s and English to life through practical, meaningful experiences. This role is ideal for someone who is confident delivering Entry Level 1 to Level 3 and Levels 1 and 2 Functional Skills, but who is also excited by learning outside of the traditional classroom environment.
About Animal Antiks Group
Animal Antiks Group is a Buckinghamshire-based organisation providing education, vocational training, and therapeutic support for young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). We operate across three connected divisions:
· Animal Antiks: our farm-based vocational training hub
· Different Steps CIC: our accredited learning provider (ASDAN and City & Guilds qualifications)
· Animal Antiks Charity: therapeutic outdoor support for young people who need it most
We're passionate about making a real difference for young people who've often struggled in traditional educational settings, and that means we need a fantastic team behind the scenes to make everything tick. That's where you come in!
Our mission is simple: Open Hearts, Unlock Minds and Inspire People.
The Role
Contract Type & Salary
- Salary: £28,000 – £30,000 pro rata
- Term-time only
- Part-time equivalent based on academic year delivery
We’re looking for a creative, adaptable and learner-focused Functional Skills Assessor who can bring Maths and English to life through practical, meaningful experiences. You will deliver Entry Level 1–3 and Level 1–2 Functional Skills in Maths and English, using a highly practical, outdoor and animal-assisted approach to learning.
This role is ideal for someone who is confident delivering Functional Skills but who is also excited by non-traditional teaching methods. You will be working with learners who have been displaced by the education system and may have experienced trauma linked to formal classroom environments. Learning will often be delivered on a 1:1 basis or in very small groups of 2–3 learners.
You must be flexible, fun, structured and able to manage behaviour positively while building trust and engagement with learners.
Key Responsibilities
Animal Assisted & Outdoor Learning Delivery
You will be expected to embed Maths and English into real-world, practical and outdoor learning experiences. Examples include:
- Measuring fields and calculating how many fence panels are needed to enclose an area
- Using animal feed quantities to teach ratios, weights and conversions
- Calculating how much bedding or feed is needed over a set period and budgeting costs
- Timing grooming sessions and using results for data handling, averages and comparison
- Planning animal care rotas to teach sequencing, organisation and time management
- Measuring water trough capacity and calculating daily animal water intake
- Using walking routes with animals to teach distance, speed and time
- Comparing animal weights to explore estimation and number sense
- Recording animal behaviour patterns and turning them into simple charts or graphs
- Using seasonal routines (worming, clipping, feeding cycles) to support sequencing and calendar-based learning
You will also be involved in supporting learners with hands-on animal care such as grooming, feeding, enrichment activities and safe animal handling as part of their learning experience.
Assessment & Progression
· Assess learners against Functional Skills criteria
· Prepare learners for external examinations
· Provide regular feedback and update individual learning plans
· Support learners to build confidence and independence in learning
Behaviour & Learner Support
· Build strong, trusting relationships with learners
· Use trauma-informed and relational approaches to behaviour support
· Respond calmly and consistently to behavioural needs
· Support emotional regulation through practical and outdoor learning
Person Specification
Essential
· Ability to deliver Functional Skills Maths and English (Entry Level 1–3 and Level 1–2)
· Experience working with young people with additional needs or disengagement from education
· Confident working outdoors and in non-traditional learning environments
· Strong communication and behaviour management skills
· Flexible, creative and learner-centred approach
Desirable
· Teaching qualification (e.g. Level 3 Award in Education and Training or equivalent)
· Experience in animal-assisted learning or outdoor education
· Experience working with SEMH or trauma-informed practice
· Experience preparing learners for Functional Skills examinations
How to Apply
If this sounds like your kind of role we would love to hear from you, please send your CV to [email protected]
Safeguarding
Animal Antiks Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, full employment history and any other pre-employment checks required for the role.
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community
Pay: £28,000.00-£30,000.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
Experience:
- SEND: 1 year (preferred)
- Teaching: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person
