Early Years Specialist Tutor / 1:1 Therapeutic Educator

Location: Mepal & Witcham / Cambridgeshire area

Hours: 15 hours per week (Interim Provision, Weekday daytime)

Pay Rate: Up to £30 per hour

Start Date: 01/09/2026

About the Role

We are seeking an empathetic, creative, and highly adaptable 1:1 Primary Specialist Tutor to provide interim 1:1 educational and therapeutic support for a bright, articulate Year 1 pupil currently out of mainstream school.

This role requires a practitioner skilled in Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) / Key Stage 1 (KS1) pedagogy who can blend academic learning with play-based, movement-heavy, and therapeutic strategies. The ideal candidate will act as a stabilizing "known adult," helping the child regulate her emotions and transition back into an effective learning routine.

Key Responsibilities

• Play-Based & Active Learning: Integrate the child's interests-such as nature books, art, imaginary play, and messy play-into core academic subjects (Reading, Writing, Maths).
• Therapeutic Behavior Support: Support a young learner experiencing periods of emotional dysregulation. Utilize physical movement, sensory tools (e.g., gym ball), and proactive co-regulation techniques rather than rigid classroom control.
• Bite-Sized Academic Instruction: Deliver flexible, short-burst lessons (10-15 minute "nuggets") designed to maintain academic standards (working at expected levels) without causing overwhelm or resistance.
• Relationship Building: Serve as a consistent, calm, and patient presence to build trust and emotional security.
• Progress Tracking & Transition: Monitor behavioral and academic progress to help prepare the child for a successful, smooth transition back into a primary school setting.

Candidate RequirementsEssential Experience & Skills

• Qualified Teacher Status or extensive primary/early-years tutoring experience.
• EYFS / Key Stage 1 Expertise: Proven ability to deliver EYFS-informed and early primary learning frameworks.
• Nurturing & Therapeutic Approach: Experience working with children with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, traumatic backgrounds, or history of permanent exclusion/suspension.
• Adaptable & Energetic: Comfortable delivering learning "on the go," incorporating physical movement, outdoor exploration, and messy play.
• Strong Behavior Management: Skilled in de-escalation, empathy-led boundary setting, and youth work principles.

Desirable

• Experience with digital learning tools / micro-learning platforms (e.g., Century Tech).
• Background in youth work, therapeutic education, or alternative provision setups.

Why Join Us?

• High Impact: Directly transform the educational experience of a child in need of targeted, 1:1 therapeutic support.
• Flexibility: Work 15 hours a week with dedicated focus on a single pupil.
• Competitive Pay: Highly competitive hourly rate reflecting the specialized nature of the tuition required.

Safeguarding Note:An enhanced DBS check and standard safeguarding background checks will be required for the successful candidate.