Outdoor Teaching Assistant

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

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Wareham seeks an Outdoor Teaching Assistant to support young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN). This full-time, permanent role involves facilitating hands-on learning in a beautiful outdoor setting, focusing on vocational skills like horticulture and animal care. Ideal candidates will have a passion for outdoor education, strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to fostering independence in students.

Qualifications

• Interest in working with young people and adults with SEN.
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Basic understanding of safeguarding practices.

Responsibilities

• Support students with SEN in outdoor vocational learning activities.
• Assist in the delivery of hands-on sessions in horticulture and animal care.
• Encourage students to engage with projects promoting independence.

Skills

Communication

Empathy

Patience

Teamwork

Education

Relevant experience or qualifications in SEN support, vocational education, or care work

Job description

Love the outdoors and want to make a real difference? Combine both as an Outdoor Teaching Assistant!

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

Are you passionate about hands-on learning and supporting young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN)? If so, GSL Education are thrilled to offer an exciting opportunity for an Outdoor Teaching Assistant (TA) to join a welcoming school in Wareham.

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 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.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Support students aged 16–25+ with Special Educational Needs in a range of outdoor, vocational learning activities.
• Assist in the delivery of hands-on sessions in areas such as horticulture, agriculture, animal care, and equine skills.
• Encourage students to engage with enterprise projects designed to promote independence and real-world employment skills.
• Work collaboratively with teaching staff and vocational instructors to create a positive, inclusive, and practical learning environment.
• Help manage the safety and well-being of students during all outdoor tasks, including manual handling and animal interaction.
• Provide personalised support to meet individual learning needs, encouraging self-confidence and life skills development.
• Supervise students during practical work, guiding them through tasks and promoting responsibility and teamwork.
• Foster a respectful and supportive atmosphere that celebrates achievement and progress at all levels.
• Adapt communication and support strategies to suit students’ abilities and preferred learning styles.
• Assist with maintaining outdoor learning areas, ensuring tools, materials, and environments are safe and well-organised.

Candidate Expectations:

• A genuine interest in working with young people and adults aged 16–25+ with Special Educational Needs (SEN).
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions across a 350-acre countryside campus.
• Interest or experience in one or more vocational areas such as horticulture, agriculture, animal care, or equine studies.
• Ability to support hands-on, practical learning in real-life settings to help bridge the gap between education and employment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trusting relationships with students.
• Patience, empathy, and a positive, encouraging attitude to support diverse learning needs.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Basic understanding of safeguarding practices and a commitment to promoting the safety and welfare of all learners.
• Physical fitness and stamina to assist with manual outdoor tasks and practical support.
• Relevant experience or qualifications in SEN support, vocational education, or care work (desirable but not essential).
• A valid UK driving licence and a willingness to drive are essential for this role.
• Have an updated CV and an enhanced DBS registered to the update service (or be willing to apply for one).

If you are passionate to make a real impact inWareham, apply today for the roleOutdoor Teaching Assistant (TA) by submitting your CV.

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 supporting staff in schools across the UK.

For more information or to register your interest in theOutdoor Teaching Assistant (TA)
role inWareham, 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.