1:1 Learning Support Assistant

The Outdoors Group Ltd; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

The Outdoors Group School in Tiverton is seeking a 1:1 Learning Support Assistant to work with learners who have SEMH and ASD needs. You will contribute to a project-based outdoor curriculum and provide individual support under the Lead Tutor's direction.

DBS and reference checks are required. A willingness to train further and adapt to a challenging emotional environment is essential to help learners thrive in an outdoor, woodland setting.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of autism and PDA profiles and how they affect learning.
• Experience supporting learners with SEMH and ASD is advantageous.
• Ability to support literacy and numeracy interventions.
• Strong interpersonal and written/oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 learning support to learners with SEMH/ASD.
• Assist with outdoor activities and Forest School sessions.
• Support project-based learning and the school curriculum.
• Work with staff to promote safeguarding and best practice.
• Engage in CPD and reflective practice.

Skills

Knowledge of autism

PDA profiles awareness

Literacy intervention awareness

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Education

5 GCSEs A-C

Paediatric First Aid (Desirable)

Level 2 Safeguarding (Desirable)

Level 3 Forest School Leader (Desirable)

Job description

You must complete our official application form. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and our safeguarding procedures, we are unable to accept CVs in place of a completed application form. Applications submitted without a fully completed application form will not be considered for the role.

ABOUT THE OUTDOORS SCHOOL

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 Tiverton. 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.

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.

Please read the following policies as part of your application:

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.

• 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.

Special Demands

• Resilience to working outside in all weathers.
• Resilience to working in an emotionally challenging environment.
• Resilience to work with dysregulated learners.
• Ensure that learners experience a supportive and positive staff team at all times.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND 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)

DESIRABLE SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• 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

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING

• 5 GCSE’s grade A-C or equivalent.
• Willingness to undergo training the organisation feels is appropriate.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING

• Outdoor, Adventure or Forest School, specifically Paediatric First Aid.
• Level 2 Safeguarding.
• Level 3 Forest School Leader.

ESSENTIAL PERSONAL QUALITIES

• Demonstrate a commitment and passion for the Forest School Ethos.
• Resilience to working outdoors in all weathers.
• 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.
• Determination and the highest expectations of work and behaviour.

£24,885.00 (Full time, term time contract, 40 weeks per year)