Forest School Teaching Assistant

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

Job summary

Join a unique setting as a Forest School Teaching Assistant, enhancing the lives of young people with Special Educational Needs. Embrace the outdoors to facilitate engaging nature-based learning sessions, support students' emotional wellbeing, and deliver vocational education in a beautiful rural environment.

Benefits

Opportunities for professional development

Supportive and inclusive environment

Qualifications

• Enthusiasm for outdoor work and commitment to SEN support.
• Experience working with SEN individuals is advantageous.
• Valid driving license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate outdoor learning sessions on Forest School principles.
• Support SEN students in nature-focused activities.
• Collaborate with staff for engaging lessons.

Skills

Communication

Patience

Adaptability

Education

Forest School certification preferred

Training in outdoor education

Job description

Job Title: Forest School Teaching Assistant (TA)
Location: Wareham
Salary: GBP13.68 - GBP16.12 per hour (Depending on experience)
Start: Immediate or September 2025
Contract: Full time/Permanent

Are you inspired by the outdoors and eager to make a real impact on the lives of young people with Special Educational Needs?

GSL Education are ready to appoint a Forest School Teaching Assistant to join a unique, specialist education setting based in Wareham. This is a fantastic opportunity to support learners in a nature-based environment where outdoor learning is at the heart of their personal and educational development.

About the School: The school is an education setting based for + 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:

• Help facilitate outdoor learning sessions based on Forest School principles, fostering independence, curiosity, and personal growth in learners.
• Support young people with Special Educational Needs as they take part in nature-focused activities within woodland and rural environments.
• Collaborate with teaching staff and outdoor specialists to deliver engaging, hands-on lessons that reflect the school's vocational and experiential learning approach.
• Encourage positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing through outdoor-based, therapeutic practices.
• Assist in the setup, upkeep, and safe use of tools, equipment, and natural learning spaces.
• Promote environmental awareness by modelling care and respect for the natural world.
• Provide individual and small group support, adapting activities to meet diverse learning needs and abilities.

Requirements:

• A true enthusiasm for outdoor work and a commitment to supporting young people with Special Educational Needs.
• Background in forest school, outdoor education, or nature-based activities is preferred; Forest School certification is a plus but not required.
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions across a spacious rural setting.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to develop positive and trusting connections with both learners and colleagues.
• Patience, adaptability, and a proactive mindset suited to an active, hands-on role.
• Experience working with SEN individuals is advantageous but not mandatory full training and ongoing support will be 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.

Benefits:

• 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 Wareham, 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.