Forest School Learning Support Assistant

The Outdoors Group Ltd; Crediton; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

The Outdoors Group Ltd in Crediton is seeking a Woodland Learning Support Assistant to join our woodland-based curriculum. You will support learners with hands-on tool-based activities, 1:1 support across subjects, and differentiation to meet individual SEMH/ASD needs.

You will deliver practical sessions in forest school, woodworking, whittling, and carpentry, while safeguarding and professional development are prioritized. A DBS and references are required.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in supporting students to achieve planned learning aims.
• Proficiency in tool-based skills such as whittling, axe work, carpentry, building, pottery, or forest skills.
• Creativity and versatility in engaging learners by creating resources and using identified strategies to support their needs.
• Reflective and responsive to the needs of learners, recognizing potential barriers to learning and seeking to overcome these.
• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral).
• Previous experience working within outdoor education or Forest School settings.
• A learner-focused approach and ability to differentiate and create bespoke opportunities according to learner needs.
• Successful recent experience of working with Primary or Secondary learners with SEMH difficulties and ASD/PDA.

Responsibilities

• Develop resources to support learning and development of outdoor learning and tool-based skills.
• Create sessions and projects to extend learners’ learning in line with the school curriculum and ethos, emphasising hands-on skills such as carpentry, whittling, or building.
• Work with other staff and specialists to engage learners creatively and effectively, particularly through practical skills.
• Have a practical understanding of how to develop scientific, environmental, and craft-based projects using woodland tools.
• Provide a focus on the support and development of practical tool-based skills.
• Create and deliver outdoor learning sessions that are linked to key school outcomes, with tool-based activities central to the curriculum.
• Work with staff to deliver sessions that link with the wider community, incorporating practical tool use as appropriate.
• Ensure that learners experience sessions integrating the safe and effective use of tools such as axes, knives, or craft materials.

Skills

Student support

Tool-based skills

Creativity

Interpersonal skills

Outdoor education

SEMH/ASD experience

Differentiation

Education

5 GCSEs A-C

Job description

The Outdoors Group Ltd in Crediton is seeking a Woodland Learning Support Assistant to join our woodland-based curriculum. You will support learners with hands-on tool-based activities, 1:1 support across subjects, and differentiation to meet individual SEMH/ASD needs.

You will deliver practical sessions in forest school, woodworking, whittling, and carpentry, while safeguarding and professional development are prioritized. A DBS and references are required.