1:1 Learning Support Assistant

The Outdoors Group Ltd; Exeter; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent special school seeks a 1:1 Learning Support Assistant to work with learners with SEMH and ASD needs in an outdoor setting. The role involves promoting welfare, supporting learning, and engaging in creative outdoor activities. Ideal candidates will have a passion for education and the outdoors, strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to safeguarding. Training opportunities will be provided to ensure the best support for learners.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting learners with SEMH and ASD needs.
• Knowledge of literacy and numeracy intervention packages.
• Experience working outdoors with challenging behaviour.

Responsibilities

• Support learners on a 1:1 basis to access the curriculum.
• Promote welfare and safeguarding of children.
• Engage in outdoor activities and team-building challenges.

Skills

Creativity

Communication

Resilience

Teamwork

Education

5 GCSE’s grade A-C or equivalent

Job description

Permanent, Term Time Only - 40 weeks per year

Start Date:

September, 2025

Hours:

Organisation:

The Outdoors Group

Closing Date:

08/06/2025

Location:

Crediton or South Brent

About the outdoors group

For all our roles, a DBS and reference checks are required. The Outdoors Group Ltd is committed to the safeguarding of all staff, children, young people and vulnerable adults involved in its activities and in promoting their welfare.

The Outdoors Group School is an Independent Special School that is based solely outside in a woodland setting for learners with SEMH and ASD needs. We have a vacancy for 1:1 Learning Support Assistants in South Brent or Crediton. We believe in developing the whole learner, not just their academic ability. We use a project-based method, allowing the learner to be completely autonomous, whilst contributing to a well-rounded education based on skills for lifelong learning and personal development.

We are on the lookout for talented individuals with experience in supporting our young people with SEMH and ASD needs but also a strong ability to support their pastoral needs. No day is the same and a flexible and adaptable approach is essential as some of our young people may have experienced early life trauma.

These roles require the ability to work as part of a team, but also the initiative and confidence to work independently with a learner.

The Outdoors School recognise our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils and expects all staff, governors, and volunteers to share this commitment. We recognise that all children, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or SEND have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse. We endeavour to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected and valued. We are alert to the signs of abuse, neglect and exploitation and follow our procedures to ensure that children receive effective support, protection, and justice. We listen to our pupils and take seriously what they tell us, children are aware of the adults they can talk to if they have a concern. When there are concerns for a child’s welfare, we may need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies. We will ensure concerns are discussed with parents/carers first unless we have reason to believe that by doing so would be contrary to the child’s welfare. This Child Protection and Safeguarding policy underpins and guides our safeguarding procedures and protocols.

Under the direction of the Lead Tutor staff, 1:1 Learning Support Assistants will work with an assigned caseload of learners on a 1:1 basis ensuring learners can access our specialist curriculum.

Roles and responsibilities:

• To be responsible for the safeguarding and promotion of the welfare of children
• Provide excellent behaviour management support skills to support learners who display behaviours that challenge
• Work under the direction of the Lead Tutor staff to support learning and development of outdoor learning skills
• To support the delivery of projects to extend pupils learning in line with the school curriculum and ethos
• Work with other staff and specialists to engage learners creatively and effectively
• To be a team player and contribute within your own capabilities towards the School ethos
• The post-holder may from time to time be required to carry out other duties commensurate with the role
• Engage in staff supervision and appraisal process
• Engage in critical reflective practice and participate in CPD opportunities, developing and sharing ideas and best practice for training and delivery
• Ensure that learners experience a supportive and positive staff team at all times
• Ensure that you play alongside learners for at least two hours a week to experience a supportive and positive place of learning for all

The 1:1 support role is an innovative role where you will work with learners and staff to support the delivery of sessions that aim to support learners creatively, with responsibility, and instil a sense of challenge and growth mindset for learning and life.

The sessions are based around outdoor activities, team building and problem-solving challenges that will extend into qualifications as learners progress through the school.

Training and development will be key, and the right candidate should be actively engaged in further training to ensure the best offer for learners is available.

This post requires a DBS check.

person specification

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• Knowledge and understanding of autism and PDA profiles
• Knowledge of literacy and/or numeracy intervention package
• Creativity and versatility, engaging learners by creating resources and using identified strategies to support their needs
• Reflective and responsive to the needs of learners, recognising potential barriers to learning and seeking to overcome these
• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral)
• Recent experience of working with Primary or Secondary learners with SEMH difficulties and ASD/PDA
• Knowledge of behaviour intervention and support practices
• Experience of working with learners with challenging behaviour outdoors
• Knowledge of inter-agency working
• Previous experience working within outdoor education or Forest School settings

Personal Qualities

• Resilience to working outdoors in all weathers
• Demonstrate a commitment and passion for the forest school ethos
• High expectations of children and a desire to ensure they reach their full potential
• Enthusiasm and drive for improvement
• Ability to work successfully as part of a team
• Commitment to improving outcomes for children and families
• Commitment to safeguarding and safe practice
• Commitment to Equal Opportunities
• Sense of humour
• Forward-thinking

Qualifications & Training

• 5 GCSE’s grade A-C or equivalent
• Willingness to undergo training the organisation feels is appropriate
• Outdoor, Adventure or Forest School specific Paediatric First Aid