To support with the delivery of 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 Vocational Support Assistant will work with students with special educational needs (SEND) using physical activity as a tool for engagement, behaviour regulation and confidence building.
In addition, the Vocational Support Assistant will support the assessment of vocational qualifications such as AQA, BTEC and NCFE, contributing to each learner academic and personal progress.
Key Responsibilities
Learner Support & Inclusion
Provide tailored support to learners with SEND needs, ensuring full access to vocational gym and fitness activities.
Promote an inclusive and respectful learning environment that celebrates diversity and individual strengths.
Implement strategies to manage challenging behaviours and emotional regulation, in collaboration with the wider support team.
Vocational Training Assistance
Assist in the delivery of fitness-related vocational sessions, including gym instruction, health and wellbeing education, and career readiness.
Support learners in developing practical skills, such as exercise planning, equipment use, and customer service within a fitness setting.
Encourage participation and engagement through adaptive teaching methods and motivational techniques.
Confidence & Personal Development
Build trusting relationships with learners to foster self-esteem, resilience, and independence.
Support learners in setting and achieving personal and vocational goals.
Facilitate reflective practices to help learners understand their progress and areas for growth.
Career Pathway Support
Help learners explore career opportunities in the fitness industry, including apprenticeships, further education, and employment.
Liaise with external partners and employers to support work experience placements and progression routes.
Safeguarding & Wellbeing
Uphold safeguarding policies and procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all learners.
Monitor and report concern regarding learner welfare to appropriate staff.
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 SEND.
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 engagement 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 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 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 learner tracking and accessing qualification resources.
Experience and Qualifications
Essential
Proven experience supporting young people or adults with SEND (Special Educational Needs) in an educational, vocational, or care setting.
Level 2 or above qualification in Fitness Instructing, Personal Training, or a related discipline (e.g., YMCA, Active IQ, or equivalent).
Demonstrated ability to create inclusive, adaptive learning environments that promote engagement and personal growth.
Knowledge of behaviour management strategies, emotional regulation techniques.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with learners, colleagues, and external partners.
Commitment to safeguarding, equality, and promoting the welfare of vulnerable learners.
Desirable
Experience working in a gym, fitness, or physical education environment, with a strong understanding of safe exercise practices.
Level 2 or 3 qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning, Youth Work, or Health and Social Care.
First Aid certification and knowledge of health and safety in a fitness environment.
Experience supporting learners with EHCPs (Education, Health and Care Plans) and contributing to their review and development.
Understanding of vocational qualifications and pathways in the fitness and wellbeing sector (e.g., BTEC, NCFE, City & Guilds).
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.
Declarations
We aim to create and maintain a safe environment and community where all young people and adults feel safe, secure and valued. We work hard to create strong relationships and show a commitment to safeguarding all young people.
Our work is classified as Regulated Activity as defined in the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 (SVGA). This role will include regular contact with Children 121 or group setting.? This includes those that could be classified as vulnerable and both an understanding of and experience in adhering to UK safeguarding legislation is required.
Further information relating to our Safeguarding, Child Protection, Ex-offender or Safer Recruitment policies are available upon request.
All applications are assessed on an individual basis in relation to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.
This post will require the successful candidate to complete our Disclosure Barring Service, Vulnerable Child and Adult register checks as well as reference checks. We may also carry out additional online searches such as social media as part of the selection process.