SEND / SEMH Alternative Provision Tutor – Newcastle-under-Lyme
Location: Newcastle-under-Lyme
Hours: Monday to Friday, 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Weekly Hours: 10 hours per week
Role Type: Part-time, self-employed / subcontractor
Start Date: As soon as possible
Pay: Competitive hourly rate depending on experience
We are looking for a patient, resilient and experienced SEND / SEMH tutor to support a Year 4 pupil currently receiving part-time alternative provision in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
This role requires a calm, consistent and trauma-informed approach. The pupil can find structured learning difficult and currently benefits from short, low-pressure activity blocks, movement-based learning, sensory breaks and play-based engagement.
This is not a traditional tutoring role where academic progress is the immediate priority. The main focus is to help the pupil build trust, feel safe, remain engaged in sessions, and gradually increase tolerance towards structured learning.
About the Pupil
The pupil is currently working below age-related expectations, particularly in literacy. However, engagement and emotional regulation are the main barriers to learning at this stage.
The pupil responds well to:
- Play-based learning
- Movement and sensory activities
- Dancing and music-based engagement
- Short, achievable tasks
- Visual resources and practical activities
- Calm, predictable routines
- Positive reinforcement and relationship-based support
The pupil may become dysregulated when overwhelmed and can present with behaviours such as absconding attempts, throwing objects, hitting, biting or kicking. Therefore, the successful tutor must be confident using de-escalation strategies, calm redirection and regulation-first practice.
A 2:1 staffing model will be in place at all times for safety and engagement.
Main Responsibilities
- Deliver 1:1 alternative provision support as part of a 2:1 staffing model
- Build a safe, trusting and consistent relationship with the pupil
- Use play-based, sensory-informed and movement-based learning approaches
- Gradually introduce literacy and numeracy through short, achievable tasks
- Support emotional regulation and positive engagement
- Use visual resources, practical activities and flexible learning methods
- Follow safeguarding, behaviour and risk-management procedures
- Complete brief session notes and feedback after each session
- Work calmly and professionally when the pupil is dysregulated
- Support the pupil towards improved attendance, engagement and confidence
The Ideal Candidate Will Have
- Experience supporting children with SEND, SEMH, trauma-informed needs or complex behaviour
- Confidence working with pupils who may dysregulate or attempt to leave sessions
- A calm, patient and non-confrontational approach
- Strong behaviour management and de-escalation skills
- Experience using play-based or sensory-informed learning strategies
- Ability to adapt sessions depending on the pupil’s regulation and engagement levels
- A good understanding of safeguarding and professional boundaries
- Reliability, consistency and strong communication skills
Essential Requirements
- Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to apply for one
- Experience working with children or young people with SEND and/or SEMH needs
- Ability to commit to Monday to Friday, 12:00pm – 2:00pm
- Two professional references
- Right to work in the UK
Desirable
- Epilepsy awareness or experience supporting pupils with medical needs
- Team Teach, MAPA, PRICE or other de-escalation training
- Experience in alternative provision, outreach tutoring, schools, residential care or SEND support
- Teaching, tutoring, mentoring, youth work or support worker background
About the Role
This role would suit someone who understands that progress may look like the pupil staying in the room, engaging for a short period, accepting a transition, completing a small task, or responding positively to adult support.
The right person will be calm, consistent, emotionally resilient and able to celebrate small wins. Relationship-building, regulation and safety will come before academic demand.
To apply, please send your CV and a short summary of your experience supporting pupils with SEND, SEMH or complex behaviour needs.
Pay: £17.50-£25.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
