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Job description

Sports Coach – SEN / SEMH Classroom Support

Location: Newcastle upon Tyne & surrounding areas
Start Date: ASAP
Contract: Full-Time / Long-Term Opportunities
Hours: Typically 8:30am – 3:30pm
Agency: GSL Education

Sports Coach – SEN / SEMH Classroom Support

GSL Education are looking for confident, resilient and enthusiastic Sports Coaches to work within specialist SEN and SEMH school settings.

This role is predominantly classroom based, supporting pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs throughout their school day.

We are particularly interested in candidates from a sports, coaching, fitness or youth work background, as the skills developed through coaching – including motivation, relationship building, communication, teamwork and managing challenging situations – can transfer extremely well into an SEN classroom environment.

You do not necessarily need previous classroom experience. If you have experience coaching or mentoring children and young people and are interested in developing a career within education, we would love to hear from you.

The Role

As a Sports Coach working within an SEN/SEMH school, you will predominantly work inside the classroom, supporting teachers and pupils with their learning.

Your responsibilities may include:

  • Providing 1:1 and small-group classroom support.
  • Helping pupils engage with lessons and complete their work.
  • Supporting pupils with SEMH and additional learning needs.
  • Building positive and consistent relationships with pupils.
  • Encouraging positive behaviour and engagement with education.
  • Supporting pupils with their emotional regulation.
  • Helping to de-escalate challenging situations in a calm and professional manner.
  • Working alongside teachers, SEN staff and other professionals.
  • Providing additional support during transitions, break times and activities.
  • Using your coaching experience to motivate, encourage and build confidence in young people.
  • Supporting occasional sports, PE or physical activities where appropriate.

Why a Sports Coaching Background?

Working within sports can develop many of the same skills required to successfully support pupils with SEMH needs.

Sports Coaches are often experienced in building rapport, setting clear boundaries, motivating individuals, managing groups and encouraging young people who may lack confidence.

These skills can make Sports Coaches particularly effective when supporting pupils who have struggled to engage within traditional education.

Who Are We Looking For?

We would love to hear from candidates with backgrounds including:

Sports Coaching | Football Coaching | Rugby Coaching | Personal Training | Fitness | PE | Youth Work | Mentoring | Outdoor Education | Behaviour Support

The ideal candidate will be:

  • Confident working with children and young people.
  • Calm and consistent when faced with challenging behaviour.
  • Patient, resilient and adaptable.
  • Able to establish clear professional boundaries.
  • Comfortable supporting academic work within a classroom.
  • Passionate about helping young people achieve their potential.
  • Willing to learn about SEN and SEMH support strategies.
  • Able to work effectively as part of a wider school team.

Previous school or SEN experience is desirable but not essential for candidates who can demonstrate strong transferable experience working with young people.

Why Work with GSL Education?

GSL Education works closely with mainstream and specialist schools to connect candidates with opportunities that match their experience and career goals.

For Sports Coaches considering a move into education, this is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on classroom experience while supporting pupils who can benefit significantly from positive adult role models.

The experience gained can also provide a pathway into roles such as Teaching Assistant, SEN Teaching Assistant, Behaviour Mentor, Learning Support Assistant or Cover Supervisor.

Apply Today

If you are a Sports Coach looking to transfer your skills into education, this could be an excellent opportunity to begin or develop your career within SEN.

Apply today with GSL Education to discuss current SEN and SEMH classroom opportunities.

GSL Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Successful applicants will be subject to the relevant safeguarding and compliance checks, including an Enhanced DBS.

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