Chatten Free School Appeals for Compassionate Tutors to Support Autistic Children
Kind, caring, and passionate individuals are being encouraged to consider what could be one of the most rewarding roles in education, supporting a unique community of young people to thrive and flourish. Chatten Free School, which opened in Witham, Essex, in 2021, provides a highly specialist day school environment for children who are unable to access education in other SEND settings. The school is now urging people with the right personal qualities, rather than specific qualifications, to join its team and help transform young lives.
A Specialist Setting for Complex Needs
All students at Chatten Free School have an autism diagnosis along with associated complex needs. Many of these children were previously out of the education system entirely or faced the stark alternative of living in care. The school's approach is centred on building meaningful, one-to-one relationships, with each child assigned their own dedicated tutor. This tutor works closely with the student to help them take steps towards a fulfilling and independent life.
The role of a tutor at Chatten is diverse and challenging, encompassing a wide variety of tasks. These can range from employing innovative techniques and technology to help a child communicate for the very first time, to desensitising them to noise and sensory stimuli so they can enjoy a richer life with friends and family. The focus is on practical, life-enhancing progress.
Qualities Over Qualifications
Ashleigh Cambridge, the deputy head of school, emphasises that the right mindset is more important than a traditional CV. "Our tutors are the bread and butter of the school," she explains. "They spend their day with the children, running programmes, building relationships and becoming their friends. It's about building that trust. Our team is made up of kind, passionate people who get a real sense of enjoyment out of the little steps and realise they are the big achievements."
She highlights the school's inclusive recruitment philosophy, noting that when Chatten opened, they recruited a former cleaner into a tutor role. "She is now one of the best tutors we have," Ashleigh states. "So, we invite anyone who applies for a role, because the right person could be from any background or previous career."
The Recruitment and Training Journey
The school is calling on anyone who believes they have the necessary patience and characteristics to work with its pupils to make contact and arrange a visit. The application process is designed to be immersive and transparent. Prospective applicants first spend time in the classroom, getting to know both the pupils and the existing staff, with ample opportunity to ask questions about the school and the role.
This is followed by a short interview that clearly outlines the range of responsibilities and experiences a tutor can expect. Successful candidates then undertake a comprehensive, week-long induction programme. This covers essential areas such as safeguarding procedures, the school's core ethos, and human resources protocols.
Once in post, tutors receive ongoing, specialist training in key areas including speech and language development, occupational therapy, behaviour support plans, and communication strategies. This ensures they are fully equipped to support each child's individual journey.
A Supportive and Hands-On Environment
Ashleigh Cambridge describes the school's culture as hands-on and deeply engaged. "Every day is different here," she says. "The senior leadership team are out there in trainers, getting stuck in. There is no sense in us being in suits behind desks here. We are visible and leading by example."
She expresses profound gratitude for the role, adding, "I think we are the luckiest people in the world to get to build the relationships we do with our children. It is a huge honour to be able to do that. Our children are funny, cheeky and mischievous, and to see them grow is amazing."
Inspiring Stories from the Tutor Team
The transformative impact of the role is echoed by current staff members. Kelly Hearson, a former cleaner who has worked at the school since it opened, sought a career she could be proud of. She has since worked across every phase within Chatten, supporting children from early personal development through to work placements. "I truly love my role as tutor," Kelly says. "Watching the pupils grow and progress has been amazing. I would wholeheartedly recommend the school to anyone seeking a fulfilling and rewarding career."
Sam Webster, who previously worked in a secondary school, was convinced to join after a trial shift showed him the level of support provided to pupils. He now works with younger children at Chatten, helping them gain independence both in the classroom and the wider community. "The team at Chatten is like no other work environment I've experienced," Sam remarks. "The support we give the pupils is fantastic, as well as the support we all give each other. Chatten Free School is like its own community, full of support and laughter. It's an amazing place to progress in your career."
Katie Osborne, a class lead who joined as a tutor when the school opened, oversees a class of seven pupils. Her role involves setting targets and designing programmes in collaboration with parents and external professionals, as well as training and supporting her colleagues. "I absolutely love my job and feel so lucky to be part of Chatten," Katie shares. "It is the most supportive environment for pupils, parents and staff. Seeing the progress of pupils makes all the hard work worthwhile."
Those interested in learning more about Chatten Free School and the potential to apply for a tutor position are encouraged to make an enquiry.
