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SEND Post 16 Tutor (Preparation for Adulthood) - Job Opportunity at Wilds Lodge School

Stamford, GB
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: June 6, 2025
On-site
£28,000 - £40,000 per year

Benefits

Comprehensive paid training and induction program ensuring professional development from day one
Enhanced sick pay provision exceeding statutory requirements for financial security
Complimentary gym membership promoting work-life balance and employee wellness
Free on-site parking eliminating daily commuting costs and stress
Regular company events fostering team cohesion and workplace community
Group life cover at 2x salary providing substantial financial protection for families
Employee assistance program offering confidential support for personal and professional challenges
Part-funded further education including HLTA, Master's degrees, and teacher training for career advancement
Enhanced family-friendly leave policies supporting work-life integration
Three days paid dependant sickness leave demonstrating family-supportive culture
Christmas vouchers as additional seasonal compensation
Free meals and refreshments during duty hours reducing daily expenses

Key Responsibilities

Design and deliver personalized academic and vocational programs directly aligned with Education Health and Care Plan outcomes, ensuring measurable progress toward independence goals
Lead the implementation of Preparation for Adulthood curriculum for Post-16 learners, building critical life skills and transition readiness for adult independence
Facilitate Forest School activities across multiple age groups, developing outdoor education expertise that enhances therapeutic learning environments
Deliver Prince's Trust programs that build employability skills, confidence, and teamwork capabilities essential for workplace success
Manage animal care programs that develop responsibility, routine-based skills, and emotional regulation through therapeutic animal interaction
Implement ASDAN qualification pathways that provide recognized credentials while developing personal development and workplace preparation skills
Oversee allotment-based learning initiatives that teach sustainability, nutrition, and hands-on engagement with natural environments
Deliver practical cookery and independent living skills programs covering food preparation, hygiene, nutrition, and budgeting for adult independence
Provide specialized behavioral support interventions for learners with Social, Emotional and Mental Health difficulties and Autism Spectrum Disorder
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic support addressing educational, therapeutic, and transition planning needs

Requirements

Education

MPS (or equivalent)

Experience

Experience working with learners who have behavioural difficulties and experience delivering ASDAN, Prince's Trust, or similar alternative curriculum programmes

Required Skills

Broad knowledge of strategies used for teaching children and young people with social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH) Knowledge of EHCPs and the four key Preparation for Adulthood areas Experience working with children with special educational needs (SEN), particularly Autism and SEMH Knowledge of how to develop, provide and deliver behavioural support for learners Ability to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding of staff Full UK driving licence

Certifications

Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS check) Child Protection screening
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The SEND sector is experiencing unprecedented growth due to increasing identification and diagnosis of autism and SEMH needs, with government statistics showing a 140% increase in EHCP issuances over the past decade. This trend is driving demand for specialized Post-16 provision as mainstream settings struggle to meet complex needs. The sector is moving toward more individualized, outcome-focused approaches that emphasize real-world preparation rather than traditional academic pathways. Preparation for Adulthood has become a statutory requirement under the Children and Families Act 2014, creating a standardized framework around employment, independent living, community participation, and health. This legislative change has transformed Post-16 SEND provision from a care-focused model to an outcomes-driven approach that requires specialized expertise in transition planning and life skills development. There is growing recognition of the therapeutic value of alternative curriculum approaches including Forest School, animal-assisted learning, and horticulture-based programs. Research demonstrates these interventions are particularly effective for learners with SEMH and autism, leading to increased investment in outdoor education facilities and specialized training programs across the sector.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of £28,000-£40,000 reflects competitive positioning within the independent SEND sector, where specialized Post-16 roles typically command premiums above mainstream education. The wide range suggests progression based on experience and qualifications, with additional benefits package potentially adding 15-20% to total compensation value.

Role Significance

Typical SEND schools of this size operate with teams of 8-12 teaching staff supported by therapy and care teams. Post-16 provision usually involves 2-3 specialized tutors working collaboratively with therapists, social workers, and external agencies to support 15-25 learners in their transition planning.
This is a mid-level specialist position requiring autonomous delivery of complex programs while contributing to whole-school strategic initiatives. The role carries significant responsibility for learner outcomes during the critical transition to adulthood phase, requiring advanced clinical judgment and the ability to influence multi-agency planning processes.

Key Projects

Development and implementation of individualized transition plans linking education, health, and social care outcomes Design of therapeutic curriculum programs integrating academic learning with practical life skills development Coordination of work experience placements and supported internship programs with local employers Implementation of independence skills assessment and development programs Collaboration on whole-school outdoor education and therapeutic environment development

Success Factors

Deep understanding of the intersection between mental health, autism, and learning, enabling effective differentiation of approaches for complex presenting needs Ability to build therapeutic relationships with vulnerable young people who may have experienced educational trauma or rejection Strong collaboration skills for working effectively within multi-disciplinary teams including therapists, social workers, and family members Flexibility and creativity in curriculum design to make learning engaging and relevant for learners who may have struggled in traditional educational settings Resilience and emotional regulation skills to maintain professional effectiveness while supporting learners through challenging behaviors and emotional crises

Market Demand

High demand exists for qualified SEND Post-16 tutors due to the intersection of increasing need, specialized skill requirements, and limited supply of experienced practitioners. The role combines multiple specialized areas including SEMH support, autism expertise, and alternative curriculum delivery, creating significant barriers to entry that maintain strong market position for qualified candidates.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

SEMH expertise is fundamental as all learners present with social, emotional, and mental health difficulties requiring therapeutic approaches to education. Understanding trauma-informed practice, de-escalation techniques, and positive behavior support is essential for daily practice and learner safety. Autism spectrum disorder knowledge is critical given the high prevalence within the learner population. This includes understanding sensory processing, communication differences, and the need for structure and predictability in learning environments. Knowledge of EHCPs and Preparation for Adulthood frameworks is legally required and forms the foundation for all program planning and outcome measurement. Understanding how to translate statutory requirements into practical learning experiences is essential for role effectiveness.

Beneficial Skills

Forest School training enhances therapeutic intervention options and aligns with growing evidence base for outdoor education benefits for SEMH and autism populations Animal care experience provides additional therapeutic modalities and practical vocational training opportunities that are highly valued by learners and families Horticulture and sustainability knowledge supports the school's outdoor learning approach and provides valuable life skills development opportunities Cookery and independent living skills expertise directly addresses core Preparation for Adulthood outcomes and practical transition needs

Unique Aspects

Integration of residential and day provision creating flexible pathways for learners with varying support needs and family circumstances
Comprehensive alternative curriculum combining outdoor education, animal care, and practical life skills with accredited learning pathways
Specialized focus on Post-16 transition preparation addressing the critical gap between educational provision and adult independence
Multi-disciplinary approach integrating education, therapy, and care within a single organizational framework
Strong emphasis on staff development with part-funding for advanced qualifications including Master's degrees and professional training

Career Growth

Career progression typically occurs over 3-5 years with additional qualifications and demonstrated impact on learner outcomes. The specialized nature of the field creates clear advancement pathways for committed practitioners willing to develop expertise across multiple intervention approaches.

Potential Next Roles

Senior SEND Specialist or Lead Tutor roles with whole-school curriculum responsibility SEND Consultant positions working across multiple settings to develop best practice Deputy Head or Assistant Head roles in specialist SEND provisions Local Authority SEND advisory roles focusing on Post-16 transition planning Independent practice as a SEND consultant or therapist with additional qualifications

Company Overview

Wilds Lodge School

Wilds Lodge School operates as an established independent specialist provision serving learners with complex SEND needs across a wide age range. Founded in 2007, the school has developed a reputation for innovative approaches to SEMH and autism support, combining therapeutic interventions with practical life skills development in a residential and day school model.

As one of the more established independent SEND provisions in the East Midlands region, Wilds Lodge School occupies a strong market position serving local authorities and families seeking alternatives to mainstream provision. The school's dual focus on boarding and day provision provides flexibility that appeals to commissioners dealing with complex placement needs.
Located in rural Rutland, the school serves a regional catchment area drawing learners from across the East Midlands and beyond. This positioning allows for therapeutic outdoor learning opportunities while maintaining accessibility to urban support services and family connections.
The school emphasizes collaborative working and staff support, with significant investment in professional development and training. The residential element creates a close-knit community atmosphere where staff work intensively with small groups of learners, fostering strong therapeutic relationships and job satisfaction through visible impact on young people's development.
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