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
About the Role
We are looking for a creative, flexible and compassionate Functional Skills Tutor to join our Alternative Provision based on a working farm. The successful candidate will support young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), many of whom have experienced trauma and may have diagnoses such as autism, ADHD, social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH), anxiety, communication difficulties or other additional needs.
Working within our unique animal-assisted and land-based learning environment, you will deliver engaging Functional Skills English and Maths that are relevant, practical and meaningful. You will help learners develop confidence, achieve recognised qualifications and prepare for further education, employment and adulthood by embedding learning into real-life vocational experiences.
Key Responsibilities
Learning and Qualification Support
- Deliver engaging Functional Skills English and/or Maths sessions from Entry Level to Level 2.
- Plan and deliver creative lessons linked to land-based, work-based and farm-based activities.
- Adapt teaching to meet the needs of learners with EHCPs, autism, ADHD, trauma-related needs and other additional learning needs.
- Use practical, hands-on learning approaches to build confidence and develop skills.
- Prepare learners for Functional Skills assessments where appropriate.
- Break learning into manageable steps and celebrate learner progress.
- Support learners to develop independence, resilience, communication and employability skills.
Support for Young People
- Build positive, trusting and consistent relationships with learners.
- Create a safe, nurturing and inclusive learning environment.
- Use trauma-informed approaches to support learners who may experience anxiety, emotional dysregulation or low self-esteem.
- Work with learners individually and in small groups, adapting learning to meet individual needs.
- Promote emotional wellbeing, confidence and positive behaviour using restorative approaches.
Animal Care and Land-Based Provision
- Embed English and Maths into vocational activities including animal care, horticulture, conservation, agriculture, estate maintenance and farm enterprise.
- Work collaboratively with vocational tutors and farm staff to create meaningful learning opportunities.
- Support learners to understand how English and Maths are used within real working environments.
- Encourage safe working practices around animals, tools, machinery and outdoor learning environments.
- Contribute to the development of creative and innovative learning opportunities.
Safeguarding and Wellbeing
- Safeguard and promote the welfare of all young people.
- Follow safeguarding, behaviour, health and safety and risk assessment procedures.
- Maintain accurate learner records, progress reports and assessment information.
- Report concerns promptly and accurately in line with organisational procedures.
- Promote a safe, inclusive and respectful learning environment.
Communication and Partnership Working
- Work closely with the SENCO, vocational tutors, therapists, parents/carers and external professionals.
- Contribute to EHCP reviews, progress meetings and target setting.
- Share information appropriately to ensure learners receive consistent support.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues to continuously improve learner outcomes.
Person Specification
Essential Experience
- Relevant teaching qualification, such as PGCE, Cert Ed, DTLLS, Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training or equivalent.
- Experience teaching Functional Skills English and/or Maths.
- Experience supporting young people with SEND, EHCPs or additional learning needs.
- Understanding of autism, ADHD, SEMH and trauma-informed practice.
- Ability to plan and deliver differentiated, engaging lessons.
- Strong behaviour management based on positive relationships and consistency.
- Excellent communication, organisation and record-keeping skills.
Desirable Experience
- Experience working within Alternative Provision, specialist education or PRU settings.
- Experience preparing learners for Functional Skills assessments.
- Experience delivering Entry Level to Level 2 Functional Skills.
- Knowledge of animal care, farming, horticulture or outdoor education.
- Training in Team Teach, restorative practice, autism awareness or ADHD support.
- Experience supporting learners with barriers to education, anxiety or school refusal.
Qualifications
Essential
- Relevant teaching qualification (PGCE, Cert Ed, DTLLS, Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training or equivalent).
- GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent).
Desirable
- Assessor qualification.
- Experience preparing learners for Functional Skills examinations.
- First Aid qualification.
- Safeguarding training.
Additional Requirements
- Enhanced DBS check required – we will do this for you if you don’t have one
- Commitment to ongoing professional development.
- Willingness to work outdoors and within a practical farm environment.
- Ability to work safely around animals, tools and equipment.
Our Commitment
We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment where young people are supported to overcome barriers, develop practical skills and achieve their aspirations. Through personalised, vocational and animal-assisted learning, we help learners gain meaningful qualifications, build confidence and prepare for successful futures.
Accessibility and Reasonable Adjustments
Animal Antiks is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. If you have a disability or long-term health condition and require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. We will work with you to ensure you can fully participate in the selection process.
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