Gym and Fitness Tutor

Role Purpose

To plan, deliver and support inclusive gym and fitness sessions that promote physical health, emotional wellbeing and personal development for children and young people within the provision.

The Gym and Fitness Tutor will work with students with special educational needs (SEN), using physical activity as a tool for engagement, behaviour regulation and confidence building.

In addition, the tutor will support the delivery and assessment of vocational qualifications such as AQA, BTEC and NCFE, contributing to each learner academic and personal progress.

Key Responsibilities
• Plan and deliver engaging fitness, gym and physical wellbeing sessions tailored to individual and group needs.
• Foster a safe, supportive and motivating environment where young people can engage positively in physical activity.
• Adapt exercise programmes to accommodate a range of physical, emotional and behavioural needs.
• Encourage personal growth, resilience and emotional regulation through structured physical activity.
• Promote and embed life skills, employability and functional skills (English and Maths) into lessons where appropriate.
• Work collaboratively with staff, therapists, mentors and educational specialists to ensure a holistic approach to learning and development.
• Monitor and report on student progress, behaviour and engagement.
• Promote the value of healthy lifestyle and support students in developing positive routines.
• Support students with barriers to learning and build trusting, consistent relationships.
• Attend training and supervision relevant to the role, including safeguarding, behaviour support.
• Contribute to student support plans and risk assessments as required.
• Maintain safe working practices and always uphold safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• Deliver and assess accredited qualifications such as AQA unit awards, BTEC and NCFE to support learners’ progression and attainment.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of awarding body standards and assessment criteria to ensure compliance and quality assurance
• Accurately complete and maintain internal verification paperwork, evidence portfolios and qualification tracking documents.

Skills and Abilities
• Practical Expertise – Strong technical skills in gym and fitness with the ability to confidently demonstrate and guide learners through a range of techniques.
• Adaptability – Able to adjust teaching methods and content to suit learners with SEN.
• Communication – Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage learners and work collaboratively with colleagues and professionals.
• De-escalation management – Skilled in managing challenging behaviour calmly and constructively using restorative approaches.
• Relationship building – Ability to form positive trusting relationships with students who may be disengaged, anxious or lacking in confidence.
• Organisation – Strong planning and organisational skills to manage session preparation, assessment and learner progress tracking.
• Motivational coaching – Ability to inspire learners, build self-esteem, and create a supportive encouraging learning environment.
• Health and Safety awareness – Understanding of best practices in maintaining a safe workshop environment, including safe use of equipment and products.
• Record Keeping – competent in maintaining accurate records of attendance, progress, behaviour and assessment in line with awarding body and organisational standards.
• Empathy and Patience – emotionally intelligent, calm and patient when supporting students with complex needs or difficult life experiences.
• Digital Literacy – Able to use basic ICT tools for lesson planning, learner tracking and accessing qualification resources.

Experience and qualifications

Essential
• Recognised fitness or gym instructor qualification e.g. Level 2 or above in Gym instructing, personal training or equivalent.
• Assessor Qualification or relevant teaching qualification (Or willingness to work towards one) e.g. PTLLS, Level 3 Award in Education & Training or equivalent.
• Experience working with young people with SEN, in alternative education settings.
• Understanding of trauma-informed practice and restorative approaches.
• Ability to manage challenging behaviour in a calm, constructive and non-
confrontational way.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
• Ability to build positive, respectful and professional relationships with students and staff.
• Experience supporting or delivering vocational qualifications such as AQA and NCFE or equivalent.

Desirable
• First Aid qualification
• IQA qualification
• Certifications in relevant fitness courses e.g Boxing for Fitness, Kettlebells
• Knowledge of relevant education frameworks e.g. EHCP’s PEPs
• Experience in mentoring or youth work
• Familiarity with physical activity as a tool for mental health intervention.

Behaviours and Attitudes

• Empathy: Foster a supportive environment that encourages understanding and compassion among students and staff.
• Integrity: Uphold honesty and strong moral principles in all interactions and decisions.
• Resilience: Encourage students to develop coping strategies and the ability to bounce back from challenges.
• Trust: Build a culture of trust where students feel safe to express themselves and take risks in their learning.
• Authenticity: Encourage students to be true to themselves and embrace their individuality.
• Commitment: Instil a sense of dedication to personal growth and the learning process.
• Honesty: Promote transparency and truthfulness in all communications and assessments.
• Enjoyment: Create a joyful learning environment where students find pleasure in their educational experiences.
• Learning: Encourage a lifelong love of learning and curiosity about the world.
• Respect: Cultivate an atmosphere of mutual respect among students, staff, and the wider community.