Sports Coach - Rochdale

A specialist SEN school in Rochdale is seeking a motivated and resilient Sports Coach to work with pupils who present with social, emotional and mental health needs through Aspire People. This role is ideal for someone who understands the power of sport as a tool for engagement, behaviour support and emotional regulation within a school environment.

As a Sports Coach within the school, you will use physical activity to support pupils with SEMH needs, either through structured sessions or integrated classroom support. Many pupils benefit from routine, clear boundaries and positive role models, and this role focuses on building trust, promoting positive behaviour and supporting pupils to remain engaged with education.

You will work closely with teaching staff and pastoral teams to deliver consistent support both on a 1:1 basis and within small groups.

Key Responsibilities

- Deliver structured physical activities to support behaviour, engagement and wellbeing
- Support pupils with SEMH needs within lessons and between transitions
- Use sport as a positive outlet for emotional regulation and focus
- Build strong, respectful relationships with pupils who may struggle in traditional classroom settings
- Model positive behaviour, teamwork and resilience
- Support behaviour strategies and reintegration into learning

This role is well suited to candidates from sports-based pathways, including:

- Sports Coaching or Sports Science backgrounds
- Semi-professional or competitive sports backgrounds
- Community coaching or youth sport programmes
- Physical Education or activity-based support roles

Candidates with experience in SEN, SEMH, alternative provision or youth work settings are particularly encouraged to apply.

The Ideal Candidate Will Be

- Confident, consistent and resilient
- Comfortable supporting pupils to promote positive behaviour
- Able to engage pupils through physical activity and positive relationships
- Calm, patient and professionally minded
- Adaptable to the needs of a specialist SEN environment

Requirements

- Availability Monday to Friday, term-time only
- Experience working with young people in a sports or support capacity
- A "can-do", self-motivated attitude
- A genuine interest in supporting pupils with SEMH needs

What We Can Offer You

- A supportive SEN school environment
- Opportunities to develop experience within SEMH provision
- Ongoing training and guidance
- A rewarding role where sport makes a real impact on pupil outcomes

If you are passionate about using sport to support young people who need strong role models and consistent boundaries, apply today. A consultant will be in touch to discuss the role and next steps.

Aspire People Limited provides services as an Education Agency and an Education Employment Business. Aspire People is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and expects every candidate to share this commitment. Placements are subject, to appropriate Child Protection screening, including checks with former employers and the Disclosure and Barring Checks.