Early Years SEN Tutor (Play-Based Learning)

senploy; Newark on Trent; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

An educational support organization in Newark on Trent is seeking a kind and creative tutor to provide 1:1 in-person support to children in Early Years/Key Stage 1. The role offers flexibility with hours, focusing on play-based learning to help children build confidence and communication skills. Interested candidates should have experience with children in supportive educational roles. Competitive pay is offered at £25–£30 per hour.

Benefits

Flexible hours

Reliable referrals from Local Authority

Meaningful impact on children's lives

Qualifications

• Experience in Early Years, Nursery or SEN settings.
• Ability to engage children who learn best through play.
• Willingness to obtain an Enhanced DBS.

Responsibilities

• Deliver 1:1 in-person sessions in the home or community.
• Use sensory and play-based activities to support learning.
• Work closely with parents and professionals.

Skills

Experience with Early Years or Key Stage 1

Support for ASD and speech & language delay

Comfortable with sensory and play-based learning

Job description

£25-£30 per hour | Flexible Term-Time Hours | 1:1 In-Person Support

We are an Approved Specialist Tuition Partner for Nottinghamshire Local Authority

About the Role

We are seeking a kind, patient and creative tutor to provide 1:1 in-person support to children in Early Years/Key Stage 1 in the Newark & Sherwood area who are currently not attending full-time nursery/school. The children benefit from age-appropriate, play-based approach, with learning embedded in hands‑on, sensory and exploratory activities rather than worksheets or online learning.

Your role will be to help the children build confidence, feel safe in learning, and develop early communication, attention and routine. This is gentle, relational support, focused on engagement first and learning through play.

The CatchUp Academy is an Approved Alternative Provision and Specialist Tuition Partner for Nottinghamshire, and due to high referral demand, tutors can take on as little or as much work as suits their availability.

What You Will Do

• Deliver 1:1 in-person sessions (no online delivery) in the home or community setting
• Use play-based, sensory and interest-led activities to support learning
• Encourage early skills such as turn‑taking, communication, pre‑literacy and early numeracy
• Create positive routines that help the child feel safe, calm and engaged
• Work closely with parent(s) and professionals to ensure consistency
• Record clear session notes and small‑step progress

Hours & Flexibility

• Up to 15 hours per week
• Sessions take place during school hours (between 9am-3pm)
• No evenings or weekends
• Opportunity to take on other pupils locally if desired

Who We're Looking For

This role is suited to people with experience in:

• Early Years, Nursery, Key Stage 1, SEN settings, LSA, TA, or Learning Mentor roles
• Supporting ASD, speech & language delay, social communication differences, or children who learn best through play
• Using movement, sensory activities, crafts, outdoor play or routines to reduce overwhelm

Essential Qualities

• Warm, gentle and child‑led approach
• Able to follow regulation cues and slow down when needed
• Patient and confident supporting children who may become avoidant or unsure
• Comfortable working independently in the family home
• Enhanced DBS (or willingness to obtain)

Why Work With Us

• We are official Local Authority partners → reliable referrals
• You choose your hours and work around your life
• You get to help a child feel safe, understood and capable
• Every session makes a meaningful difference

Apply Now

If you're passionate about play-based, relational support and want to help a child grow in confidence, we'd love to hear from you.

Click apply, or message us for an informal chat - we'll match you to a child whose needs align with your approach.