Cover Tutor

Location and Travel

Tiverton, Devon, with travel to learners' homes and community settings across East Devon (including Honiton and Okehampton). Mileage expenses are claimable in line with organisational policy.

The Outdoors Group School is an Independent Special School for learners with an EHCP. Our Primrose Provision is a bespoke, community‑based education and therapeutic offer for learners with complex and diverse needs. We use a project‑based method, allowing learners to be autonomous and develop skills for lifelong learning and personal development. The school caters for KS2, KS3 and KS4 learners and works closely with learners' support networks to create a holistic, engaging learning environment.

The Cover Tutor will work across our bespoke provision, providing cover for staff absence, delivering learner‑centred learning opportunities, and ensuring differentiation to meet individual needs. The role may include working in homes, community locations or Forest School sites.

• Operate as cover staff in the Primrose Provision, providing support in homes, community locations or Forest School sites.
• Support the needs of assigned learners, including crisis management and needs‑based support.
• Assist other staff by recording and reviewing behaviour strategy; work with individuals or small groups with varying levels of ASD and SEMH.
• Implement and record reflective or restorative processes with individual learners.
• Build rapport and understanding with individual learners and spot signs and trends of behaviour.
• Engage in staff supervision, appraisal and critical reflective practice, participating in CPD opportunities.
• Accompany learners on trips, visits and other educational activities.
• Act as a First Aider; training will be provided.
• Ensure opportunities to meet EHCP targets and follow Parent Contact protocols.
• Safeguarding duties and maintain up‑to‑date records (e.g., School Pod).
• Support the work of one or more curriculum areas.
• Play alongside learners for at least two hours a week.
• Undertake other tasks directed by the Headteacher that are commensurate with the role.
• Maintain resilience to working outdoors in all weathers, emotionally challenging environments and with dysregulated learners.

• Comply with the Company Safeguarding Policy and Procedures.
• Comply with the Company GDPR Policy and Procedures.
• Comply with the Company Health and Safety Policy and Procedures.
• Ensure all mandatory training required for the role and Company are completed.
• Read, understand and sign all Company Policies and Procedures issued through People HR.
• Follow Company and school policies, procedures and referral protocols.

• Accepted qualification to teach or relevant teaching and learning experience.
• Knowledge of SEND pastoral, curriculum, assessment and welfare support.
• Pastoral skills with a solution‑focused approach.
• Experience working with learners with complex SEND, including SLD, MLD, sensory needs and significant cognitive delay.
• Excellent behaviour management and knowledge of needs‑based education.
• Ability to differentiate and extend learning opportunities across different pathways.
• Creativity and versatility in engaging learners and creating resources.
• Well‑developed interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral).
• Commitment to safeguarding, equal opportunities and professional development.
• Ability to manage time, planning and travel independently.
• High levels of initiative and confidence working without direct supervision.

• Knowledge of behaviour intervention and support practices.
• Knowledge of inter‑agency working.
• Experience supporting learners with high‑risk behaviours, emotional‑based school avoidance and trauma‑related needs.
• Experience with in outdoor education or Forest School settings.
• Experience delivering learning in home or community locations.
• Resilience to working outdoors in all weathers.
• Previous experience with forest school ethos.
• Sense of humour.
• Forward‑thinking, 5 GCSEs grade A‑C or equivalent.
• Willingness to undergo training the organisation feels is appropriate.
• Outdoor, Adventure or Forest School specific paediatric First Aid.
• Level 2 Safeguarding.
• Level 3 Forest School Leader.
• Qualified Teacher Status.