SEN Functional Skills Tutor

Location: Home-Based Tuition – Harlow, Essex (CM17) Hours: 8 Hours Per Week – 2 Hours Per Day, 4 Days Per Week Start Date: September 2026 Subjects: Functional Skills English & Maths, with Science

About the Role

Study Mind is seeking an experienced SEN Tutor to provide 1:1 face-to-face tuition for a 16-year-old learner with an EHCP who has been unable to access mainstream education for several years due to significant medical and anxiety-related needs.

The successful tutor will deliver Functional Skills English and Maths, while using the student's strong interest in Science to make learning purposeful and engaging. This is a relationship-led placement where consistency, patience and gradual re-engagement are essential.

About the Student

Our student is a caring, polite and thoughtful young person who enjoys conversation and has a particular passion for animals and Science. She independently explores Science through online tutorials and is motivated by preparing for adulthood and future employment.

She currently experiences significant anxiety and finds engaging with unfamiliar adults particularly difficult. However, she has previously developed an excellent relationship with a consistent 1:1 tutor and can engage positively in learning once trust has been established.

The Role Will Include

• Delivering 8 hours of 1:1 home tuition each week.

• Teaching Functional Skills English and Maths at a level established through initial assessment.

• Using Science and the student's interests to develop literacy, extended writing and data-handling skills.

• Completing gentle baseline assessments during the opening weeks to establish current working levels.

• Supporting progression towards an appropriate Functional Skills qualification.

• Rebuilding confidence in education following a significant period away from school.

Ideal Tutor Experience

We're looking for someone with experience supporting:

• Young people with significant anxiety and barriers to accessing education.

• Learners with medical needs and fluctuating energy or engagement.

• Functional Skills English and Maths from Entry Level through to Level 2.

• Learners who have experienced substantial gaps in education.

• Anxiety-based school avoidance and gradual educational re-engagement.

• Post-16 learners preparing for independence, qualifications and employment.

Learning Approach

The successful tutor will:

• Build a strong, trusting relationship before increasing academic demands.

• Provide calm, predictable and consistent sessions in the same learning space.

• Break information into clear, manageable steps with repetition where required.

• Provide reassurance and direct modelling before expecting independent work.

• Recognise non-verbal communication and signs of anxiety, fatigue or disengagement.

• Maintain a flexible approach around the student's health and energy levels.

• Use her interests in animals and Science as positive routes into learning.

Important Requirements

A male tutor is preferred by the family, following the student's previous positive experience with a male tutor.

The tutor should have strong SEN experience and be comfortable supporting a learner with significant anxiety alongside a long-term medical condition. Immediate and private bathroom access must be maintained throughout sessions, and learning can extend into the family garden when the student chooses.

Tuition Details

Location: Home-based tuition in Harlow, Essex (CM17).

Hours: 8 hours per week, delivered as 2-hour sessions across 4 days.

Preferred Times: 1:00pm–3:00pm. Morning sessions should be avoided due to the student's health needs, medication routine and fatigue.

If you're an experienced SEN or Functional Skills Tutor who can combine strong academic teaching with patience, consistency and a sensitive relationship-led approach, we'd love to hear from you