Pod Instructor - Hartlepool Free School (Make It Different Trust)
Job Summary
Working Pattern:
Part time - term time plus specified days
Advert Start Date:
09/09/2026
Advert End Date:
Closed for applications on 28/09/2026 09:00
Salary:
Actual Salary (pro-rata): £21,966 - £22,674
Job Category:
Schools - Teaching Assistant
Employment Location:
Hartlepool
Further Information
Job Title: Pod Instructor
Academy/School: Hartlepool Free School
Location Address: Hedgehog Lane, Hartlepool, TS25 1FF
Annual Salary: £26,403 - £27,254 (F.T.E.)
Actual Salary (pro-rata): £21,966 - £22,674
Benefits & Grade: Grade 5 SCP Point 7-9
Contract Type: Permanent, term time only + 5 days
Contract Hours – 34.5 hours per week (Monday to Thursday 8.30am - 3.30pm and Friday 8.30am - 3pm)
Start Date: As soon as possible
We wish to appoint a highly motivated and reflective Pod Instructor to bring a high level of expertise and support outstanding teaching and learning at the new Hartlepool Free School. Hartlepool Free School (HFS) will provide first rate education for students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) conditions.
The successful candidate will possess energy and enthusiasm and belief that every young person deserves the very best education and support to achieve positive outcomes. The Pod Instructor will create a safe, nurturing and engaging learning environment that enables pupils to develop academically, socially and emotionally, while promoting positive behaviour, resilience and personal growth. A commitment to raising achievement, and a willingness to learn, train and develop as a Pod Instructor are all essential. We can offer you an environment that operates within the guiding values of, kindness, a growth mindset, resilience and personal responsibility.
Our staff team must be flexible, innovative and responsive, able to work effectively to identify every opportunity to help our children and young people develop their skills and confidence, both academically and personally.
This is an outstanding and unique opportunity for a talented individual to join our new dynamic and forward-thinking team. We are looking for someone with a caring, empathic but firm manner who can work alongside classroom teachers to support our students to achieve positive outcomes. This will include:
- Supporting students with specific learning difficulties and SEMH challenges;
- Undertaking training on how to support students with specific learning difficulties and SEMH challenges;
- Working with colleagues to raise achievement across all Key Stages;
- Following schemes of work and delivering learning activities to students/classes to improve literacy and numeracy;
- Working with small groups of students to develop and enhance their learning;
- Supporting teachers by delivering intervention plans on a one-to-one basis throughout the Key Stages;
- Acting as a key adult for a number of students, and providing pastoral support and guidance to staff;
- Lead and facilitate activities in the school eco pod including leading small group and one to one sessions;
- With support from the Site Manager, maintain the grounds and pod in good order;
- Have oversight and lead utilisation of grounds around pod, including poly tunnel;
- Oversight and management of risk assessments related to use of pod;
- Any other duties consistent with the nature of the post which may be required from time to time by the Senior Leadership Team.
Key Dates
The closing date for applications is Monday 28th September 2026 at 9am
How to Apply
Completed applications should be submitted to Sarah Harrington, Operations and Finance Manager sarah.harrington@hartlepoolfreeschool.org.uk
Please DO NOT upload your application to the website on which this post is advertised and please note that we do not accept CVs.
For more information contact – Sarah Harrington, Operations and Finance Manager sarah.harrington@hartlepoolfreeschool.org.uk. 01429 450081
Disclosure
Hartlepool Free School is committed to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Please note
This job is closed for applications.