Teaching Assistant and Forest School Leader

About Us:
This is an exciting opportunity for a hybrid role within our Primary School. Our Primary School is a vibrant and nurturing Primary School that values the development of the whole child, fostering creativity, independence, and a love of learning. We are excited to invite applications for a passionate and dedicated Teaching Assistant with a special qualification as a Forest School Leader to join our friendly and supportive team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is enthusiastic about outdoor learning and committed to supporting children’s development both inside and outside the classroom.

Location: Burnley
Contract: Full-Time
Start Date: Monday 2^nd June 2025
Salary: £13.75 - £15 per hour

The Role:
As a Teaching Assistant & Forest School Leader, you will work closely with the class teachers to support students in their academic, social, and emotional development. Additionally, you will lead our Forest School programme, encouraging children to explore, learn, and thrive in an outdoor environment. You will be responsible for designing and delivering creative, hands-on learning activities that promote environmental awareness and help children develop confidence, resilience, and teamwork skills.

Key Responsibilities:

-          Provide general support in the classroom, working with individual students or small groups.

-          Support the class teacher in planning and delivering lessons.

-          Lead and manage outdoor learning sessions in our Forest School area, ensuring a safe and enriching experience.

-          Develop the Forest School area with the children to make it an engaging, safe and fun environment.

-          Promote outdoor play, exploration, and learning through seasonal activities, including den building, nature walks, and creative arts.

-          Support students with special educational needs or those requiring additional assistance.

-          Create and maintain a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for all children.

-          Monitor and assess student progress, providing feedback to the teacher and parents when necessary.

-          Contribute to the overall school community and work collaboratively with colleagues, parents, and external agencies.

You will need:

-          A recognised Forest School Leader qualification (Level 3 or higher).

-          Previous experience working as a Teaching Assistant or in a similar role within a primary school setting.

-          A passion for outdoor learning and a strong understanding of the benefits of Forest Schools.

-          The ability to build strong, trusting relationships with children and support their individual needs.

-          Excellent communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team.

-          A proactive and enthusiastic approach to supporting children’s learning and well-being.

-          A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

-          A positive attitude, a strong work ethic, and a creative, adaptable mindset.

If you are interested in this role, please apply with your CV, outlining your relevant experience.

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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