Forest School Teaching Assistant

GSL Education; Poole; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational agency is seeking a passionate Forest School Teaching Assistant to join a specialist setting in Poole. The role involves supporting young people with Special Educational Needs in an enriching outdoor environment, encouraging independence and engagement through nature-based activities.

Benefits

Opportunities for professional development

Supportive, inclusive environment

Qualifications

• Experience in outdoor education or nature-based learning is desirable.
• Experience with SEN is beneficial but not essential.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with learners.

Responsibilities

• Support outdoor learning and personal development through forest school principles.
• Assist young people with SEN in nature-based activities.
• Promote positive behavior and well-being through outdoor therapeutic approaches.

Skills

Passion for nature

Interpersonal skills

Patience

Resilience

Job description

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Job Title: Forest School Teaching Assistant (TA)
Location: Poole
Salary: £13.68 - £16.12 per hour (Depending on experience)
Start: Immediate or September 2025
Contract: Full time/Permanent

Do you have a passion for nature and a desire to support young people with Special Educational Needs in an outdoor learning environment?

GSL Education are currently recruiting a committed and enthusiastic Forest School Teaching Assistant to join a specialist educational setting in Poole.

About the School: The school is an education setting based for 16 – 25+ years old with Special Educational Needs. It is based on 350 acres of beautiful Dorset countryside. The school operate enterprise activities and vocational teaching methods to bridge the gap between education and employment for young people and adults with SEN in Dorset and the local area. The school focuses on vocations like horticulture, agriculture, equine skills and animal care as well as many more, to enrich the lives and education of its pupils.

Responsibilities:

• Support the delivery of outdoor learning through forest school principals, encouraging independence, exploration, and personal development.
• Assist young people with SEN in engaging safely and meaningfully with nature-based activities in woodland and rural settings.
• Work collaboratively with teachers and outdoor instructors to deliver creative and practical sessions aligned with the school's vocational curriculum.
• Promote positive behaviour and wellbeing through outdoor therapeutic approaches.
• Prepare, maintain, and support the safe use of tools, materials, and woodland areas.
• Encourage and model respect for the natural environment.
• Provide one-to-one and small group support tailored to individual learning needs.

Requirements:

• A genuine passion for working outdoors and supporting young people with Special Educational Needs.
• Experience with forest school, outdoor education, or nature-based learning (Forest School qualification desirable but not essential).
• Comfortable working in all weather conditions across a large countryside campus.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trusting relationships with learners and staff.
• Patience, resilience, and a proactive attitude in a dynamic, hands-on environment.
• Previous SEN experience is beneficial but not essential—training and support are provided.
• Ideally need a valid driving license and be willing to drive.
• An enhanced DBS certificate on the update service or willingness to apply through GSL Education.
• Be part of a forward-thinking team that uses vocational and therapeutic approaches to transform lives.
• Opportunities for professional development, including forest school and SEN training.
• A supportive, inclusive environment where every day makes a difference.

If you're an enthusiastic Forest School Teaching Assistant, looking for your next role in Poole, we’d love to hear from you.

Please be advised that this role requires a strong knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection and that successful applicants must satisfy all background safer recruitment checks; including providing an enhanced DBS certificate registered on the update service, or completing an application for a new check.

As an ethical, inclusive and independent recruitment agency, GSL Education are committed to providing quality teaching and support staff in schools across the UK.

To apply for this Forest School Teaching Assistant role, please click ‘apply now’ to submit your full and up-to-date CV, and one of our dedicated consultants will be in touch.