Outdoor Teaching Assistant

GUARDIAN SELECTION LIMITED; Poole; On-site; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an enthusiastic Outdoor Teaching Assistant to inspire young adults with Special Educational Needs. This role offers the chance to work in a beautiful outdoor setting, supporting students aged 16-25 in their educational journey. You will assist in delivering hands-on learning experiences in areas such as horticulture and animal care, fostering independence and essential life skills. Join a team dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of young people, and enjoy a fulfilling career that blends passion for education with the great outdoors. If you are ready to empower students and embrace new challenges, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting students with SEN is highly desirable.
• Valid UK driving licence and willingness to drive are essential.

Responsibilities

• Support students in accessing a vocational curriculum tailored to their needs.
• Assist in hands-on learning across horticulture, agriculture, and animal care.

Skills

Support students with Special Educational Needs

Hands-on learning activities

Strong communication skills

Patience and creativity

Building confidence and employability skills

Education

Level 2 or 3 Teaching Assistant

SEN training

Vocational certifications

Tools

Enhanced DBS certificate

Job description

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

Love the great outdoors and want to make a real difference in young lives? This is your perfect opportunity!

GSL Education are thrilled to offer an opportunity for an ambitious Outdoor Teaching Assistant in Poole, where nature and nurture come together to shape brighter futures.

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 Teaching Assistant (TA):

• Support students aged 16–25+ with Special Educational Needs in accessing a practical, vocational curriculum tailored to their individual needs.
• Assist in the delivery of hands-on learning activities across areas such as horticulture, agriculture, animal care, and equine studies.
• Help students build essential life and work skills that promote independence and prepare them for future employment or further education.
• Work collaboratively with teaching staff and therapists to ensure an inclusive, supportive, and engaging learning environment.
• Encourage students to participate actively in enterprise initiatives that enhance both their learning and personal development.
• Provide pastoral support and foster a positive, respectful atmosphere in line with the school’s ethos and values.

Requirements of the Outdoor Teaching Assistant (TA):

• A passion for working with young adults aged 16–25 with Special Educational Needs, with a commitment to empowering students to reach their full potential.
• Previous experience in supporting students with SEN is highly desirable, particularly within vocational or outdoor education settings.
• A willingness to embrace hands-on, practical learning methods that help students connect their education with real-world skills.
• A valid UK driving licence and a willingness to drive are essential for this role.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including educators, therapists, and support staff.
• Interest or experience in vocational subjects such as horticulture, agriculture, equine studies, or animal care is a plus.
• An understanding of the importance of building confidence, independence, and employability skills in young people with additional needs.
• Patience, creativity, and a positive attitude, with a desire to make a lasting impact on the lives of students.
• Relevant qualifications (e.g., Level 2 or 3 Teaching Assistant, SEN training, or vocational certifications) are beneficial.
• A flexible and adaptable approach to working in an environment where each day brings new challenges and opportunities.
• 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 Teaching Assistant (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 is committed to providing quality teaching and support staff in schools across the UK.

For more information or to register your interest in the Outdoor Teaching Assistant (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.