Outdoor Learning Support Assistant

Job Summary – Outdoor Learning Support Assistant

The school is looking for a dedicated and resilient Outdoor Learning Support Assistant to join our team. This role involves working closely with learners who have a range of additional needs, including SEMH and ASD/PDA, in a unique outdoor-based learning environment. You will play a vital role in supporting both the academic and emotional development of learners, helping them thrive through personalised and nature-connected experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Promote and uphold the school’s safeguarding procedures at all times.

• Support learners across a broad curriculum including Literacy, Numeracy, PSHE, STEM, Forest Skills, Creative and Physical activities.

• Assist with the review and implementation of Individual Behaviour and Support Plans (IBSPs), Personal Development Records (PDRs), and contribute to EHCP targets.

• Carry out assessments such as PASS tests and maintain accurate learner records (e.g. using School Pod).

• Provide support to colleagues as needed and contribute to a collaborative, learner-centred team culture.

• Adapt support to suit individual learning styles and emotional needs, using creative methods to track progress.

• Communicate effectively with families, supporting learning at home when required.

• Deliver one-to-one or small group sessions to support engagement and wellbeing.

• Use restorative and reflective practices to support behaviour and emotional regulation.

• Build strong, trusting relationships with learners and observe behavioural patterns to inform planning.

• Take part in supervision, reflective practice, and professional development to improve outcomes and share best practices.

Purpose of the Role

As an Outdoor Learning Support Assistant, you will work directly with a designated tutor group and individual learners. Your focus will be to provide both proactive and responsive support, contribute to behaviour and emotional wellbeing planning, and ensure learners receive consistent, needs-based interventions in an outdoor setting.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong behaviour management and experience delivering tailored SEMH support.

• Experience supporting learners with ASD, PDA, and SEMH needs in a primary or secondary setting.

• Excellent communication skills and a positive, learner-centred approach.

• Confidence in differentiating and adapting learning support.

• Willingness to engage in reflective practice and ongoing training.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience in outdoor learning or Forest School settings.

• Knowledge of behaviour interventions and multi-agency work.

Personal Qualities

Essential:

• Passion for outdoor learning and the Forest School ethos.

• Resilience to work outdoors in all weather and with emotionally complex learners.

• Strong teamwork and a commitment to safeguarding and inclusion.

• High expectations for behaviour and learner success.

Desirable:

• Sense of humour and a forward-thinking mindset.

Qualifications

Required:

• 5 GCSEs (grades A–C or equivalent).

• Willingness to complete training identified by the school.

Desirable:

• Paediatric First Aid, Level 2 Safeguarding, or Level 3 Forest School Leader qualification.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
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