HLTA - Outdoor Education & SEN

Simply Education Ltd; West of England; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Simply Education Ltd is recruiting for a Higher Level Teaching Assistant to join a brand-new specialist school opening in January 2027 in the West of England. The role focuses on outdoor education and SEN, supporting pupils with ASD and SEMH aged 5-19, both inside and outside the classroom.

You'll work with teachers and the school team to deliver engaging activities, plan lessons, and help pupils build confidence, independence and practical life skills in a nurturing environment.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children or young people with SEND, including ASD and/or SEMH.
• Proven ability to support and engage learners in outdoor environments.
• Strong communication and teamwork when assisting teachers and pupils.

Responsibilities

• Leading lessons and providing classroom cover in the absence of the Class Teacher.
• Planning, preparing and delivering engaging learning activities tailored to individual needs.
• Supporting learning through classroom, practical and outdoor activities.
• Helping pupils with ASD and SEMH needs develop their confidence, independence and social skills.
• Supporting positive behaviour and emotional regulation.
• Monitoring and recording pupil progress and behaviour.
• Assisting teachers with curriculum planning and preparing resources.
• Supporting pupils with personal care where required.
• Acting as a positive role model for pupils and colleagues.
• Supporting and guiding less experienced Teaching Assistants.

Skills

SEND experience

Outdoor learning

Classroom support

Education

HLTA Diploma

GCSE English & Maths

Job description

Are you an experienced Higher Level Teaching Assistant looking for something a little different from the traditional classroom environment?

Simply Education is recruiting for an exciting HLTA - Outdoor Education & SEN opportunity within a brand-new specialist school opening in January 2027.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join the school from the very beginning and help shape a positive, nurturing and engaging learning environment for children and young people aged 5-19 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

With places for approximately 96 pupils, the school has been designed to provide a calm, supportive environment where pupils can learn both inside and outside the classroom, with a strong focus on individual needs, wellbeing, independence and practical learning.

More Than Just a Classroom

The school will benefit from:

• A separate primary building with its own internal quiet space and secure outdoor play area
• Dedicated outdoor learning environments, giving you the opportunity to take learning beyond the classroom
• A multi-use games area (MUGA) and secure playing field
• Specialist learning spaces for Art, Design Technology and Science
• A purpose-built teaching kitchen with individual workstations for practical food technology and life‑skills sessions
• Indoor and outdoor quiet spaces designed to support self‑regulation and emotional wellbeing
• Safe and accessible playground areas
• A modern on-site kitchen providing healthy meals each day

This creates an environment where you can be creative with how you support pupils - whether that's delivering a lesson in the classroom, supporting practical activities, using outdoor spaces to engage a learner or helping a young person develop their confidence and independence.

The Role

As an HLTA - Outdoor Education & SEN, you'll work closely with Class Teachers and the wider school team to provide engaging and individualised learning experiences.

You’ll also have the opportunity to take greater responsibility within the classroom, including delivering lessons to whole classes, small groups and individual pupils.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading lessons and providing classroom cover in the absence of the Class Teacher
• Planning, preparing and delivering engaging learning activities tailored to individual needs
• Supporting learning through classroom, practical and outdoor activities
• Helping pupils with ASD and SEMH needs develop their confidence, independence and social skills
• Supporting positive behaviour and emotional regulation
• Monitoring and recording pupil progress and behaviour
• Assisting teachers with curriculum planning and preparing resources
• Supporting pupils with personal care where required
• Acting as a positive role model for pupils and colleagues
• Supporting and guiding less experienced Teaching Assistants

About You

We're looking for someone who is passionate about SEND education and enjoys finding creative ways to engage children and young people who may not thrive within a traditional classroom environment.

You’ll ideally be someone who is confident taking the lead when required, while still enjoying being part of a supportive multidisciplinary school team.

Essential Qualifications

• Higher Level Teaching Assistant Diploma or equivalent Level4 qualification
• GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above

Essential Experience & Skills

• Experience supporting children or young people with SEND, including ASD and/or SEMH
• Confidence managing and supporting challenging behaviour positively
• Ability to plan and deliver engaging learning activities
• Strong classroom management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• A patient, resilient and flexible approach
• A genuine interest in helping young people develop academically, socially and emotionally

Desirable

• Previous experience within a specialist SEND school or alternative provision
• Experience supporting outdoor, practical or vocational learning
• Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures

Why This Role?

This isn’t just an opportunity to join another school.

You’ll be joining a brand-new specialist setting from the very beginning, giving you the chance to build relationships with pupils and colleagues, contribute to the school's culture and make full use of some fantastic purpose-built facilities.

If you’re an experienced HLTA who enjoys outdoor learning, practical activities and supporting pupils with additional needs, we’d love to hear from you.