Forest School and Outdoor Learning Assistant

Teaching Personnel Ltd.; Nelson; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training opportunities

Supportive environment

Job summary

Teaching Personnel Ltd. are seeking an Outdoor Learning & Forest School Support Assistant to help deliver engaging outdoor education in a Nelson school.

You will assist with practical activities, promote curiosity and resilience, and support pupils in outdoor environments, both inside and outside the classroom. The role requires a calm, patient approach, good communication and the ability to work in all weather.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children in school, outdoor education, childcare or youth work.
• Passion for outdoor learning and child development.
• Knowledge of forest school principles and outdoor education practices is desirable.
• Calm, patient and encouraging approach.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Enhanced DBS check or willingness to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of outdoor learning and forest school sessions across different age groups.
• Assist pupils in accessing practical, hands-on learning experiences in outdoor environments.
• Encourage exploration, problem-solving, teamwork and independence.
• Promote positive behaviour and ensure pupils remain engaged and safe during activities.
• Help prepare, set up and maintain outdoor learning areas and resources.
• Support children with additional needs to ensure inclusion in all activities.
• Carry out risk assessments alongside senior staff and follow all health and safety procedures.
• Foster children's understanding of the natural environment and outdoor conservation.
• Build positive relationships with pupils, staff and parents.

Skills

Outdoor education

Child development

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Forest School qualification

Job description

Outdoor Learning & Forest School Support Assistant

Are you passionate about helping children learn and develop through outdoor experiences? We are looking for an enthusiastic, energetic and nurturing Outdoor Learning & Forest School Support Assistant to join a welcoming school and support pupils in engaging with outdoor education and forest school activities.

This exciting role involves working alongside teaching staff and forest school leaders to create inspiring outdoor learning opportunities that encourage curiosity, confidence, resilience and a love of nature.

Outdoor Learning & Forest School Support Assistant Required

Location: Nelson
Salary: £14.25 - £15.50 per hour
Contract: Full-Time, Term-Time Only
Start Date: Monday 2nd November 2026

Key Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of outdoor learning and forest school sessions across different age groups.
• Assist pupils in accessing practical, hands-on learning experiences in outdoor environments.
• Encourage exploration, problem-solving, teamwork and independence.
• Promote positive behaviour and ensure pupils remain engaged and safe during activities.
• Help prepare, set up and maintain outdoor learning areas and resources.
• Support children with additional needs to ensure inclusion in all activities.
• Carry out risk assessments alongside senior staff and follow all health and safety procedures.
• Foster children's understanding of the natural environment and outdoor conservation.
• Build positive relationships with pupils, staff and parents.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Experience working with children in a school, outdoor education, childcare or youth work setting.
• A passion for outdoor learning and child development.
• Knowledge of forest school principles and outdoor education practices is desirable.
• A calm, patient and encouraging approach.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• The ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• A Forest School qualification is desirable but not essential.
• An enhanced DBS on the Update Service or willingness to obtain one.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to make a real impact on children's confidence, wellbeing and education.
• A supportive and welcoming school environment.
• Access to training and professional development opportunities.
• The chance to work in a varied and rewarding role, both inside and outside the classroom.
• Ongoing support from a dedicated consultant.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. 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.