We are seeking positive, motivated, and engaging self-employed sports/ fitness professionals to work on a sessional contractor basis within our alternative provision in Birkenhead, Wirral.
You will be working with children and young people aged 11–18+ who are struggling with mainstream education, many of whom present with additional needs. This role is ideal for ex-teachers, sports coaches, fitness instructors, youth workers, or mentors who are passionate about supporting young people through physical activity and positive relationships.
The ideal candidate
The ideal candidate will have a genuine interest in and commitment to working with children and young people, particularly those who experience challenges within mainstream education. They will have bounds of energy, but are also able to be calm, patient, and resilient, with the ability to build positive, trusting relationships.
They will:
- be passionate about using sport and fitness as a tool for regulation, engagement, and re-engagement into education
- have experience delivering sessions to small groups and on a 1:1 basis
- have experience working with children and young people aged 11–18+, ideally within an alternative provision, education, SEND, or similar setting
- have an understanding of, or experience working with, ASD, ADHD, SEMH, and/or challenging behaviour
- have strong communication and relationship-building skills
- have the ability to manage and de-escalate challenging situations effectively
What you'll be doing
- Delivering engaging, structured sports and fitness sessions within a gym setting
- Working with individuals and small groups who may be disengaged from education
- Using physical activity to promote emotional regulation, confidence, resilience, and wellbeing
- Adapting sessions to meet individual needs and abilities
- Maintaining a calm, proactive approach to behaviour management
- Supporting young people with SEND needs, including ASD, ADHD, SEMH, and challenging behaviour
Hours & contract
- Self-employed / contractor role
- Sessional work, typically 1–5 hours per week (up to 10 hours)
- Between 9am-3pm, Monday-Friday
- Hours may vary depending on need and availability
- Potential for increased hours as the provision develops
Essential skills & experience
- Experience and a genuine interest in working with children or young people with SEND (11–18+)
- A calm, patient, and resilient approach
- Confidence working with young people who may be dysregulated or disengaged from education
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills
Desirable experience
- Experience working with ASD, ADHD, SEMH, or challenging behaviour
Background in:
- Education (including ex-teachers or teaching assistants)
- Youth work or mentoring
- Care or support roles
- Sports coaching or fitness instruction
- Relevant qualifications in sport, fitness, education, youth work, or related fields
- A sports or fitness discipline (e.g. Boxing, Muay Thai, etc.)
About us
We are a small, fitness-based alternative provision passionate about using physical activity to support regulation, build confidence, and re-engage young people back into education. Our work can be challenging, but it is equally rewarding, meaningful, and impactful, offering a genuine opportunity to make a real difference to young people who need it most.
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and contractors to share this commitment.
All appointments are subject to appropriate safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS, prior to commencement.
Location
Birkenhead, Wirral
To apply
Please send a brief overview of your experience, relevant qualifications, and availability.
Job Type: Freelance
Pay: £20.00 per hour
Expected hours: No more than 8 per week
Work Location: In person
