Job profile

Novus are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Functional Skills Outreach Teacher to deliver high-quality Maths and English Functional Skills programmes to learners in a secured setting. This rewarding role involves supporting individuals to develop their confidence, skills and qualifications, enabling them to progress into further learning and work towards meaningful goals.

Working across a range of prison settings, the successful candidate will plan and deliver high‑quality Maths and English sessions through outreach, adapting materials to meet individual needs. You will engage diverse learner groups, deliver inspiring curriculum support, assess learner progress, and provide tailored support to help learners achieve their goals.

We have a great opportunity available to join Novus, our prison education provider at HMP Swinfen Hall, working as a Functional Skills Outreach Teacher. This position is offered on a permanent, full-time basis (37hrs per week).

Who are Novus?

Novus are a leading provider of prison education and have been supporting men, women, and children of all ages for over 30 years across the UK to take new directions. We are also part of the LTE group of companies that include The Manchester College, MOL, Total People, UCEN, and LTE Group Operations. We are currently rated “Good” by Ofsted and have partnerships with over 1000 industry and employer partners, ensuring our learners secure their place as the movers and shakers of the future. Our business is growing year on year due to our continued success as a leading provider in prison education.

Site Information

HMP Swinfen Hall is a category C prison for young adult and adult men located south of Lichfield near the village of Swinfen in Staffordshire. The key aim of the prison is to provide education, vocational training, and comprehensive support services to prepare inmates for a successful reintegration into society.

Role Responsibilities

Key duties:

• Deliver engaging Functional Skills Maths and English sessions from Entry Level to Level 2.
• Plan, prepare and adapt learning resources to meet individual learner needs.
• Assess learner starting points and develop personalised learning plans.
• Monitor, record and report learner progress in line with organisational and awarding body (City & Guilds) requirements.
• Support learner retention, achievement and progression.
• Create an inclusive and positive learning environment that promotes learner confidence and participation.
• Conduct outreach activities to recruit and engage learners within prison communities that are vulnerable and hard to reach.
• Maintain accurate learner records and documentation.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, employers, community partners and referral agencies.

Please also see the attached role profile for an overview of general role responsibilities. Specific details about the individual role will be shared during the interview process.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

To be successful in this role, you will need to:

• Hold or be willing to work towards a recognised teaching qualification (AET, CET, DTLLS, PGCE or equivalent).
• Hold a minimum of Level 2 (Grade C or grade 4) in Maths and English
• Hold or be willing to work towards a Level 3 or higher specialist qualification in Maths or English.
• Have experience delivering Maths and/or English Functional Skills programmes.
• Demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Have experience supporting learners from diverse backgrounds and abilities.
• Demonstrate excellent organisational and record-keeping skills.
• Have knowledge of awarding body requirements for Functional Skills.
• Have experience using online learning platforms and digital teaching tools.
• Have a flexible, innovative approach to engaging learners who may require tailored support.

Benefits

• 40 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays
• 2 hours for wellbeing / personal development per week
• Significant Pension contributions
• Retail Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Cycle to work scheme

• Professional development and training opportunities.
• A supportive and collaborative team environment.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to learners' lives and career prospects.
• Flexible working arrangements considered, where appropriate.

Safeguarding

The LTE Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants will be required to undergo an appropriate DBS check via the Criminal Records Bureau and may be subject to additional online checks as part of our pre-screening process. Some roles are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and would require an Enhanced DBS check.

Equal Opportunities Statement

Novus is committed to providing an environment where everyone is valued as an individual and where learners and colleagues can work, learn, flourish and develop their skills and knowledge in an atmosphere of dignity and respect. We are committed to working in an inclusive way with all the communities in which we are geographically located and to developing a workforce and learner community that reflects the UK’s rich diversity and vibrancy.

The closing date for this job advert is 04/09/2026. However, sometimes the job advert may close early if we receive a good response!