Learning Support Coach

THE HAWKSWOOD GROUP

Hawkswood Therapeutic Secondary

Learning Support Coach

Fixed Term 1 year contract with a view to become permanent for the right candidate

Closing date:         08.05.2026

Shortlisting date:    12.05.2026   

Interview date:      19.05.2026

Start date: September 2026 or before

Scale 4 point 7-11 (£23,625 – £25,015)

32.5 hours

Appointment within these scales will be dependent on experience.  Flexibility around these hours could be considered.

Hawkswood Secondary Therapeutic is a provision for young people aged 11–16 with Tier 2/3 mental challenges. We provide short-term, high-impact therapeutic and educational interventions typically lasting two terms.

Our pupils are bright, conscientious and truly remarkable. They thrive with calm, consistent, and encouraging adult support. Some have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and may present with needs such as SEMH, anxiety-related disorders, eating disorders, ADHD or ASD.

Our mission is to build resilience, strengthen social skills, and support mental wellbeing so that pupils can successfully reintegrate into mainstream education.

The Role

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Learning Support Coach to work closely with pupils and their families.

You will:

• Support students’ learning and personal development both in and out of the classroom
• Work collaboratively with our therapeutic team to meet individual needs
• Help pupils re-engage with education and prepare for reintegration into mainstream school
• Contribute to a nurturing, structured, and supportive environment
• Deliver interventions, support pupils in class and provide daily lunch supervision

This is a rewarding opportunity to be part of a team delivering meaningful, life-changing support.

Don’t worry if you don’t have special school experience, very few of us did before we came here, the drive and desire to learn is however absolutely essential.  Some knowledge of Autism, ADHD and mental health would be beneficial.

Our support team includes Educational Psychologist, Speech and Language Therapist, CAHMS therapists, student social workers, student therapists and a Lead Therapist.  The work of the team is to support children holistically, which includes daily interventions such as precision teaching, 1:1 reading, spellings, timetables, social skills groups, lego therapy, zones of regulation, sensory circuits, circle of friends, speech and language (as guided by the SaL Therapist). 

What we can offer you:

• Small class sizes (8-9 per class) and 3 classes in the school.
• Staff supervision and access to the school counsellor, plus our excellent staff support package.
• An Ofsted Strong in all areas school
• High expectations of pupil behaviour and community conduct
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Free eye tests and £50 towards lenses and frames.
• Employee Assistance programme.
• 20% discount on Better gym and leisure centre membership.
• A supportive team who work together and support each other.
• Apprenticeship routes for staff wishing to undertake professional qualifications.
• An idyllic school environment nestled in Epping Forest.

Please see the JD and person specification.  For further information call the Headteacher, Sarah Smith on 020 8289 4641 or 07810 393 769 for an informal discussion about the position. Visits are welcomed.

As a thriving and diverse school, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong.

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in The Hawkswood Group’s workforce.  These include people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people and LGBTQI+ people.

The Hawkswood Group is committed to promoting the safeguarding of children. Please note that this position requires as enhanced DBS and safeguarding checks will be carried out prior to appointment.

As part of KCSIE 2025, all applicants will be subject on on-line searches. Applicants must be able to form and maintain appropriate professional relationships and boundaries with children, young people and other vulnerable adults. Applicants should have the ability to understand the difficulties and pressures associated with caring for children/vulnerable adults and demonstrate appropriate coping mechanisms.

As a thriving and diverse school, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong.

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in The Hawkswood Group’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people and LGBTQI+ people.

Web links to any further information :    www.hawkswoodgroup.org.uk