Outdoor SEN Teaching Assistant

GUARDIAN SELECTION LIMITED; Poole; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Outdoor SEN Teaching Assistant to inspire and support students with Special Educational Needs in a unique outdoor learning environment. This role involves engaging students in hands-on activities like horticulture and animal care, fostering independence and confidence while working closely with a collaborative team of educators. The position offers a chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people, all while enjoying the beauty of the Dorset countryside. If you are passionate about vocational learning and have the drive to support diverse learners, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Experience working with individuals who have SEN is highly valued.
• Qualifications in supporting SEN learners or related fields are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support students in hands-on vocational activities in outdoor settings.
• Encourage learners to develop confidence and independence.

Skills

Experience with Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Empathy

Flexibility

Education

Qualifications in supporting SEN learners

Teaching assistance

Animal care

Land-based studies (Level 2 or 3)

Job description

Job Title: Outdoor SEN Teaching Assistant (SEN TA)
Location: Poole
Salary Range: £13.68 - £16.12 per hour (Depending on experience)
Start time: Immediate
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent

Are you ready to swap the traditional classroom for the great outdoors?
If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people with Special Educational Needs and thrive in hands-on learning environments, this could be the perfect opportunity for you! GSL Education are currently seeking an enthusiastic and committed Outdoor SEN Teaching Assistant to join a unique and nurturing school 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 operates 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 of the Outdoor SEN Teaching Assistant (SEN TA):

• You will support students in engaging, hands-on vocational activities such as horticulture, agriculture, equine care, and animal handling, ensuring a safe and stimulating learning environment.
• A big part of your role will be encouraging learners to develop confidence and independence by gaining valuable life and work skills in both practical and academic contexts.
• Working one-on-one or in small groups, you will tailor your support to suit a range of abilities and needs, following individual education plans to help every student thrive.
• You will also be a vital part of a collaborative team, contributing alongside teachers, therapists, and enterprise staff to create a seamless, inclusive learning journey.
• Positive relationships are key—you will help build trust and emotional resilience by offering calm, compassionate support and encouraging self-regulation in a nurturing space.
• Your working environment will span across 350 acres of beautiful countryside, from greenhouses and stables to outdoor classrooms and farmland, where you will help bring learning to life beyond the traditional classroom.
• Observing student progress and wellbeing will be essential, and you will regularly share insights with the wider team to support planning and reviews.
• From lessons and breaks to lunch and practical sessions, you'll be a steady presence, helping guide students through each part of their structured day with encouragement and consistency.

Requirements of the Outdoor SEN Teaching Assistant (SEN TA):

• Prior experience working with individuals who have Special Educational Needs (SEN), especially those with moderate to complex learning profiles, is highly valued.
• Genuine enthusiasm for hands-on, vocational learning—particularly in areas such as horticulture, animal care, agriculture, or equine studies—is important.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to adapt to different learners and maintain effective collaboration with staff and families.
• A patient and empathetic nature, with the emotional awareness to support learners through both educational and personal development.
• Flexibility and initiative to work across a variety of outdoor environments and respond to the evolving needs of each day.
• A collaborative attitude and willingness to be an active part of a multidisciplinary team that includes teachers, therapists, and vocational educators.
• A commitment to inclusive practices and a belief in the potential of every learner, regardless of ability or background.
• A full UK driving licence is essential due to the rural location and travel demands of the role.
• Qualifications in supporting SEN learners, teaching assistance, animal care, or land-based studies (Level 2 or 3) are desirable and would enhance your application.
• Have an updated CV and an enhanced DBS registered to the update service (or be willing to apply for one).

If you are an enthusiastic and compassionate‘Outdoor SEN Teaching Assistant (SEN TA)’ ready to inspire and support students in their learning journey, we encourage you to apply and join our client school in Poole.

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.

For more information or to register your interest in the ‘Outdoor SEN Teaching Assistant (SEN TA)’ role, or to be considered, please click ‘apply now’ to submit your full and up-to-date CV, and one of our dedicated consultants will be in touch.