Instructor

Brunel School; Paignton; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

Brunel School in Paignton, United Kingdom, is seeking an experienced, reflective practitioner to deliver safe, high‑quality outdoor learning and THRIVE interventions for pupils with SEMH. The role involves leading small‑group and 1:1 THRIVE work, supporting emotional regulation and resilience, and adapting activities to a trauma‑informed approach.

The post is term time only, with duties across outdoor provision, safeguarding, and collaboration with pastoral and teaching staff to map progress and

Job description

About us:

Brunel School is a nurturing and empowering secondary SEMH special school. We provide trauma‑informed, specialist education for pupils who need a safe, predictable and compassionate environment to flourish academically, emotionally and socially. 80% of our pupils are pupil premium and many have highly complex needs. Our mission is guided by the values of integrity, love, availability, inclusion, compassion, safeguarding and aspiration.

The Role:

We are looking for an experienced, reflective and emotionally literate practitioner to deliver safe, high-quality outdoor learning and therapeutic experiences, and to lead small-group and 1:1 THRIVE interventions. The post-holder will help pupils settle to learn, develop emotional regulation, build resilience and re-engage with school through practical, hands‑on, trauma‑informed outdoor provision (Forest‑style activities tailored to our setting; not an accredited Forest School practitioner role).

This role is term time only.

Key Responsibilities:

Plan, deliver and evaluate small‑group and one‑to‑one outdoor learning sessions that use practical, nature‑based activities to support social, emotional and sensory needs (0.1 FTE)

Deliver THRIVE therapeutic group and individual interventions following the school’s THRIVE model, including baseline assessment, planning, structured session delivery and progress review (0.9 FTE)

Work with pastoral and teaching staff to incorporate therapeutic activities into individual provision maps and the wider curriculum; advise on classroom strategies that support transfer of learning.

Maintain high standards of safeguarding and behaviour management; understand and apply school safeguarding policies and ensure pupil welfare during on‑and off‑site activity.

Undertake routine site checks, maintain outdoor equipment and ensure safe storage of tools and resources; complete and update dynamic risk assessments for all sessions.

Keep accurate records of participation, attainment and social/emotional progress; contribute to progress reports, review meetings and multi‑agency discussions.

Support wider enrichment: lead off‑site walks, short residential activities, educational visits and community‑based projects when required.

Lead and support training, briefings and modelling for staff on trauma‑informed outdoor practice and THRIVE approaches.

The role may involve working outdoors and will require working on uneven surfaces and in unpredictable weather conditions.

The above is not an exhaustive list- other roles and responsibilities will be required as directed by the Headteacher/Line Manager.

Our Total Reward Offer:

The Special Partnership Trust recognises the importance of developing a properly implemented People Strategy to underpin the overall strategic aims of the Trust.

Our People Strategy is designed to help us attract prospective high calibre candidates, as well as drive engagement, productivity and retention of our high performing and high potential employees. It reflects our belief in putting our people first. This does not mean putting our learners second. It is based on the philosophy that if we create a positive and rewarding work environment, if our staff feel motivated, well managed and well supported, they in turn will provide the best possible outcome for our learners.

We recognise that our total reward offer, has got to consist of more than just money. We seek to provide our staff with a diverse range of benefits that support their day to day needs both at work and outside of work. These include generous leave entitlements and pension scheme as well as access to health/wellbeing tools, training & development, career pathways and opportunities to ensure they feel valued.

Please visit the Special Partnership website, www.specialpartnership.org for further information about our Trust, or to learn more about our People Strategy and Benefits.

If you need the application form or any part of the recruitment process in a different format, please contact us directly at [e-mail] and we will make the necessary adjustments.

Safeguarding:

The Special Partnership Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to the satisfactory completion of checks and references, including an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. In accordance with guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education; the Trust will undertake an online search of all shortlisted candidates.