Outdoor Learning Support Assistant

Learning Support Assistant (SEMH – Outdoor, Alternative Provision & Enterprise)
Taunton
Teaching Personnel

Teaching Personnel is working in partnership with a specialist provision in the Taunton area to recruit a Learning Support Assistant to support students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. This is a varied and rewarding role with a strong focus on outdoor learning, alternative provision, and enterprise-based education.

This position is ideal for someone passionate about supporting vulnerable learners through practical, hands-on approaches that help students re-engage with education and develop confidence, resilience, and real-world skills.

The role will involve supporting small groups of students through outdoor learning, Forest School-style activities, gardening and horticulture projects, alongside classroom-based enterprise learning and alternative education pathways. 

The role includes:

• Providing tailored SEMH support to help students access learning and regulate emotions

• Building positive, trusting relationships to improve engagement and resilience

• Supporting learning in classrooms, small groups, and outdoor or alternative provision settings

• Planning and delivering outdoor learning sessions inspired by Forest School principles

• Leading gardening and horticulture activities, including planting, cultivating, and seasonal maintenance

• Using outdoor learning to develop teamwork, confidence, communication, and problem-solving skills

• Supporting enterprise projects such as plant sales, crafts, or community-based initiatives

• Helping students develop skills in planning, budgeting, marketing, and sales

• Supporting the delivery and evidence collection for accredited learning such as UAS

• Using trauma-informed and relational approaches to support behaviour and emotional wellbeing

• Working closely with pastoral staff, SENCOs, and external professionals

• Maintaining accurate records and contributing to reviews and intervention planning

• Supporting safeguarding procedures and ensuring concerns are logged appropriately

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience working with young people with SEMH needs

• Has experience in outdoor learning, Forest School, gardening, or alternative provision

• Can plan and lead engaging small-group activities

• Has a strong understanding of trauma-informed and relational behaviour approaches

• Is calm, resilient, and solution-focused in challenging situations

• Has strong communication, organisation, and record-keeping skills

• Holds GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and Maths

• Is willing to attend training, excursions, and residentials when required

Desirable experience includes Forest School qualifications, UAS delivery, enterprise projects, first aid or outdoor first aid training, and experience in alternative or therapeutic education settings.

What Teaching Personnel offers:

• Competitive weekly pay through PAYE

• Ongoing CPD and training opportunities

• Dedicated consultant support

• A thorough safeguarding and compliance process

• Opportunities for long-term and permanent roles

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.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
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