Learning Support Assistant (Maternity Cover)

The Outdoors Group; Tiverton (RI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Term-time contract (40 weeks/year)

Outdoor/Forest School setting

Job summary

The Outdoors Group Tiverton site is seeking a Learning Support Assistant to join on a fixed-term maternity cover until August 2027. The role involves delivering learner-centred learning opportunities and differentiating lesson plans to suit individual learner needs in a woodland school setting.

Applicants should have strong behaviour management, demonstrate reflective practice, and be able to support staff with SEMH/ ASD learners across KS2–KS4. DBS and references required.

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs grade A-C or equivalent.
• Willingness to undergo training.
• Experience supporting learners with SEMH/ ASD.

Responsibilities

• Support learning across Literacy, Numeracy, SEMH, PSHE, Forest Skills, STEM, Physical and Creative.
• Review IBSPs & PDRs for learners.
• Complete PASS tests and reviews as required.
• Provide written reports for other colleagues / professionals (e.g., prior to EHCP review meetings).
• Ensure opportunities are provided for learners within their individual learning style.

Skills

Behaviour management

Interpersonal skills

Differentiation

SEMH/ ASD experience

Education

5 GCSEs A-C

Job description

Learning Support Assistant (Maternity Cover)

ABOUT THE OUTDOORS SCHOOL

For all our roles, a DBS and reference checks are required. The Outdoors Group Ltd is committed to the safeguarding of all staff, children, young people and vulnerable adults involved in its activities and in promoting their welfare.

The Outdoors Group School is an Independent Special School that is based solely outside in a woodland setting for learners with SEMH and ASD needs. We believe in developing the whole learner, not just their academic ability. We use a project-based method, allowing the learner to be completely autonomous, whilst contributing to a well-rounded education based on skills for lifelong learning and personal development.

The school caters for KS2 and KS3 learners (ages 7-14) and aims to provide a space for learners to develop skill sets and a growth mindset that they have been unable to in previous settings. We have now extended our provision to include KS4. We work closely with learners’ support networks, both professional and familial and try to create a holistic and engaging place for learners to grow.

We are looking to recruit a Learning Support Assistant to join our Tiverton site. This is a fixed-term maternity cover role, anticipated to end in August 2027.

The successful candidate will work closely with the other members of their team, to deliver learner centred learning opportunities, ensuring they differentiate lesson plans and schemes of work to apply to the individual needs of their learners.

Please read the following policies as part of your application:

The duties outlined in this job description are in addition to those covered by The Outdoors School policies and procedures. They may be modified by the Executive Headteacher, with your agreement, to reflect or anticipate changes in the job, commensurate with the salary and job title.

• Support learning across all curriculum elements: Support learning across all curriculum elements: Literacy, Numeracy, SMEH, PHSE, Forest Skills, STEM, Physical and Creative
• Review IBSPs & PDRs for learners.
• Complete PASS tests and reviews as required.
• Provide support for other staff requiring support.
• Ensure opportunities to meet EHCP target.
• Provide written reports for other colleagues / professionals (e.g prior to EHCP review meetings).
• Ensure opportunities are provided for learners within their individual learning style.
• Use creative ways to assess and record progress.
• Contact with home, to include supporting with the Home Learning Environment.
• Ability to be flexible to the learning environment/ taking people off on the 121.
• Able to implement a reflective or restorative process with individual learners.
• Building rapport and understanding with individual learners.
• Proactive work spotting the signs and trends of an individual’s behaviour.
• Engage in staff supervision and appraisal process.
• Engage in critical reflective practice and participate in CPD opportunities, developing and sharing ideas and best practice for training and delivery.

Purpose of Role

• You will support the needsfor your assigned tutor group of learners, provide crisis management and needs based support for assigned learners and be support for other staff requiring support.
• You will support staff by helping with behaviour strategy recording and review. You will work with either individuals or small groups all of which will have varying levels of need within ASD and SEMH.
• You will contribute to the assessment of behaviour care plan, risk assessments and other elements using the Individual Learning Plan with particular focus on SEMH development.

Special Demands

• Resilience to working outside in all weathers.
• Resilience to working in an emotionally challenging environment.
• Resilience to work with dysregulated learners.
• Ensure that learners experience a supportive and positive staff team at all times.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Excellent behaviour management skills with a high emphasis on solution focussed planning and delivery of bespoke SEMH skills programme.
• Excellent support skills with a commitment to critical reflection and professional development.
• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral).
• A learner focussed approach and ability to differentiate and create bespoke opportunities according to learner needs.
• Successful recent experience of working with Primary or Secondary learners with SEMH difficulties and ASD/PDA.

DESIRABLE SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Recent experience of working with Primary or Secondary learners with SEMH difficulties and ASD/PDA.
• Previous experience working within outdoor education or Forest School settings.
• Knowledge of behaviour intervention and support practices.
• Knowledge of inter‑agency working.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING

• 5 GCSE’s grade A-C or equivalent.
• Willingness to undergo training the organisation feels is appropriate.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING

• Outdoor, Adventure or Forest School, specifically Paediatric First Aid.
• Level 2 Safeguarding.
• Level 3 Forest School Leader.

ESSENTIAL PERSONAL QUALITIES

• Demonstrate a commitment and passion for the Forest School Ethos.
• Resilience to working outdoors in all weathers.
• Enthusiasm and drive for improvement.
• Ability to work successfully as part of a team.
• Commitment to improving outcomes for children and families.
• Commitment to safeguarding and safe practice.
• Commitment to Equal Opportunities.
• Determination and the highest expectations of work and behaviour.

Learning Support Assistant (Maternity Cover)

£24,885.00 (Fixed Term until July 2027, Term Time Only - 40 weeks per year)