Outdoor Teaching Assistant

GSL Education - Bournemouth; Wareham; On-site; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an enthusiastic Outdoor Teaching Assistant to inspire young learners in a beautiful outdoor setting. This role involves supporting students with Special Educational Needs in both classroom and practical environments, helping them develop independence and life skills. You will collaborate with teaching staff to create engaging learning experiences, fostering personal development and confidence. If you have a passion for education and the outdoors, and are ready to make a difference in students' lives, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• Passion for supporting young people with SEN, especially those aged 5-19.
• Experience in SEN settings or with individuals with additional needs is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support students with SEN in classroom and vocational learning environments.
• Assist in hands-on activities in horticulture, agriculture, and animal care.

Skills

Supporting students with Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Communication skills

Patience and resilience

Building positive relationships

Proactive and hands-on attitude

Education

Level 2 or 3 Teaching Assistant qualification

SEN training

Vocational certifications

Tools

Enhanced DBS certificate

Job description

Job Title: Outdoor Teaching Assistant (TA)
Location: Wareham
Salary Range: GBP13.68 - GBP16.12 per hour (Depending on experience)
Start time: Immediate
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent

Love the Great Outdoors and Working with Children? Why Not Combine Both!
Join a nurturing and inclusive school in Wareham as an Outdoor Teaching Assistant and support young learners in an inspiring outdoor environment!

About the School: The school is an education setting based for + 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 + with Special Educational Needs in both classroom and vocational learning environments.
• Assist in the delivery of enterprise-based and hands-on activities across areas such as horticulture, agriculture, animal care, and equine studies.
• Foster student independence and life skills through practical learning and supportive guidance.
• Promote engagement and participation in all educational activities, encouraging confidence and personal development.
• Collaborate with teaching staff and vocational instructors to adapt tasks to individual needs and learning styles.
• Contribute to the preparation and maintenance of learning environments, including outdoor and animal care areas.
• Provide emotional and behavioural support, creating a safe and inclusive environment.
• Monitor student progress and well-being, reporting observations and feedback to the wider team.
• Uphold safeguarding procedures and contribute to the overall welfare and protection of students.
• Participate in ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance professional skills and understanding of SEN practices.

Requirements of the Outdoor Teaching Assistant (TA):

• A genuine passion for supporting young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN), particularly those aged +.
• Previous experience working in an SEN setting or with individuals with additional needs is highly desirable.
• A valid UK driving licence and a willingness to drive are essential for this role.
• An understanding of or interest in vocational education, including areas such as horticulture, agriculture, equine care, or animal welfare.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with learners and staff.
• Patience, resilience, and a flexible approach to meeting the diverse needs of students.
• A proactive and hands-on attitude, especially in outdoor and practical learning environments.
• Relevant qualifications (e.g., Level 2 or 3 Teaching Assistant, SEN training, or vocational certifications) are beneficial.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all learners.
• 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 Wareham.

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.