Salary (pro-rata): £21,375 – £25,650 | FTE: £29,250 – £35,100
Contract: Full-time, term-time only (38 weeks, 37.5 hours per week)
About Spark Vale Academy
Spark Vale Academy is a new independent specialist school and part of the multi-award-winning Spark Academy group. We support young people aged 11–18 with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, and wider Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), all with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
We are a trauma-informed school, built on the belief that every young person deserves to feel safe, understood, and capable of thriving. Our mission is simple yet powerful: Spark Vale Academy is a place where everyone Belongs, Grows and Thrives.
At present we have 4 pupils on roll. As we grow, we are committed to keeping class sizes very small, ensuring personalised teaching and strong relationships. This role offers a rare opportunity to join us at the start of our journey, helping shape the school's ethos, curriculum, and culture.
We are seeking an ambitious, passionate, and committed English, PSHE and Life Skills Tutor to join our team and help establish Spark Vale Academy as a centre of excellence for trauma-informed and inclusive education.
Role Overview
This is a unique opportunity to:
* Teach Functional Skills English (Entry Level to Level 2), with flexibility to support both Primary and Secondary-level learners depending on individual needs.
* Embed English within a broad, therapeutic curriculum that includes PSHE and Life Skills, preparing students for adulthood as well as qualifications.
* Deliver lessons in small groups (no more than 7 students, often fewer), ensuring personalised support and strong progress.
* Apply trauma-informed and SEMH-sensitive approaches, fostering an environment of trust, regulation, and resilience.
* Work closely with the Headteacher, therapists, and support staff to ensure every student's needs are met holistically.
* Contribute to the shaping of a new and growing school, with opportunities to influence curriculum design, school culture, and whole-school improvement.
We are looking for someone who is not only skilled in teaching English, but also committed, adaptable, and a strong team player. This role requires creativity, resilience, and above all, a belief that every young person deserves to feel valued, safe, and successful.
Key Responsibilities:
Teaching and Learning
* Deliver engaging, trauma-informed lessons in English, PSHE and Life Skills.
* Teach across levels: Functional Skills English (primarily), with some Primary and Secondary content.
* Adapt teaching to ASC, SEMH, and SEND needs, ensuring lessons are accessible and meaningful.
* Embed literacy and communication skills into daily life, supporting independence and personal growth.
* Teach PSHE and Life Skills topics, including wellbeing, resilience, relationships, online safety, finance, and careers.
* Create and review Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) for personalised goals.
* Work collaboratively with classroom support staff to maintain high engagement.
Student Progress and Assessment
* Track academic, social, and emotional progress.
* Prepare students for Functional Skills English exams and SEND-appropriate qualifications.
* Provide evidence for EHCP reviews and annual reviews.
Curriculum Development
* Contribute to a creative, stage-not-age curriculum.
* Ensure PSHE provision reflects statutory guidance but is adapted for SEND learners.
* Support project-based and real-life learning (e.g. trips, community activities)
Collaboration and Communication
* Work with therapists, families, and other professionals for a holistic approach.
* Communicate regularly with parents/carers, celebrating progress.
* Share good practice with colleagues and contribute to school initiatives.
Professional Development
* Engage in CPD, especially trauma-informed practice and SEMH strategies.
* Stay up to date with Functional Skills English and SEND pedagogy.
* Contribute to whole-school improvement projects.
Safeguarding and School Ethos
* Uphold Spark Vale's strong safeguarding culture.
* Promote trauma-informed behaviour and wellbeing approaches.
* Role model the school's values: Belong, Grow, Thrive.
Other Responsibilities
* Be open to adapting responsibilities to the changing needs of pupils and therefore the school as it grows.
Person Specification
Essential
* Strong subject knowledge in English, particularly Functional Skills, with the ability to support Primary and Secondary literacy.
* Confidence in teaching or facilitating PSHE and Life Skills to prepare pupils for adulthood and independence.
* A demonstrable commitment to inclusive and trauma-informed practice, aligned with our values of Belong, Grow, Thrive.
* Ability to adapt teaching methods to support learners with ASC, SEMH, and a range of SEND needs.
* Strong behaviour management using therapeutic and restorative approaches.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with pupils, families, and multi-agency professionals.
* Reflective, resilient, adaptable, and a strong team player willing to grow with the school.
Desirable
* Experience of working with young people with ASC, SEMH or SEND in a specialist or mainstream setting.
* Knowledge of statutory frameworks for PSHE and familiarity with Preparation for Adulthood outcomes.
* Experience contributing to ILPs, EHCP reviews, or progress reporting.
* Recognised teaching qualification (QTS, PGCE, DET) – not essential; we welcome unqualified teachers or tutors with strong subject expertise.
* Willingness to engage in continuous professional development, especially in trauma-informed and therapeutic education.
Why Join Spark Vale Academy?
* Values-led culture: A place where everyone Belongs, Grows and Thrives.
* Trauma-Informed Practice: A therapeutic, nurturing school that prioritises wellbeing.
* Professional Development: Ongoing CPD and leadership opportunities.
* Small Classes: Currently 4 pupils on roll, growing gradually but with very small class sizes maintained.
* Supportive Team: Collaborative, inclusive staff culture.
* Wellbeing Focus: Wellbeing initiatives and regular appreciation events.
Safeguarding Statement
Spark Vale Academy is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of the children and young people we work with. As such, all posts are subject to a safer recruitment process, including criminal records and vetting checks.
All successful applicants will undergo employment reference checks and a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. Please note, this role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013, and 2020.
Equality & Diversity Statement
Spark Vale Academy is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or religion.
We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process for candidates with additional needs.
How to Apply
We follow a three-step application process to ensure we select the best candidates while upholding safer recruitment standards:
1. Initial Application (Pre-Screening Step): Submit your CV (including full employment history) and a covering letter, explaining:
* Why you are interested in this role.
* How your experience and skills align with the position.
* Note: A CV alone will not be accepted as a formal application. Candidates must complete the full application form if shortlisted.
2. Formal Application Form & Shortlisting: If shortlisted, you will be invited to complete our full application form, which includes:
* Comprehensive employment history (with no gaps unexplained).
* References (at least two, including one from your most recent employer).
* Declaration of any safeguarding concerns, disciplinary actions, or criminal history.
* Suitability to work with children confirmation.
* Important: At least one reference will be requested before the interview stage as part of our commitment to safeguarding.
3. Interview & Pre-Employment Checks: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview, which will include:
* Competency-based questions related to working with SEN students.
* Safeguarding scenario-based questions to assess awareness and responses.
* Clarification of employment history or references (if needed).
If successful, a conditional offer will be made subject to the following checks:
* Enhanced DBS clearance
* Reference verification (including safeguarding checks)
* Right-to-work in the UK verification
* Prohibition from Teaching Check (where applicable)
Apply Today: This is a rare opportunity to be part of an innovative school at its inception, shape its culture, and build a career with significant growth potential. Apply now and help transform the lives of young people with autism while advancing your own professional journey in SEN education.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £29,250.00-£35,100.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Employee discount
* Employee mentoring programme
* Free parking
* Referral programme
* Store discount
Work Location: In person