Outdoor Learning Support Assistant (Full-time)

Job Title: Outdoor Learning Support Assistant (Full-time)
Location: South Brent, Devon
Contract Type: Full-time

About Us:
We are a specialized SEN school dedicated to supporting children and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Our approach integrates outdoor learning to create a therapeutic, engaging, and sensory-rich environment that supports each student’s unique needs. We believe that learning can happen beyond the classroom, and we are committed to nurturing our students’ social, emotional, and academic growth through nature-based experiences.

About the Role:
We’re looking for a compassionate and resilient Outdoor Learning Support Assistant to join our team full-time. In this role, you will work closely with students with autism and SEMH needs, helping them explore, learn, and grow in an outdoor environment. Your role will be essential in providing support, guidance, and encouragement as students navigate their social and emotional development, gaining skills that will help them succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide individualized support to students with autism and SEMH needs, helping them engage in outdoor learning activities safely and successfully.
• Build trusting relationships with students, using empathy, patience, and flexibility to meet their emotional and learning needs.
• Assist with planning, organizing, and leading hands-on, sensory-rich activities tailored to each child’s needs and abilities.
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists, and other support staff to create and maintain a safe, supportive, and structured learning environment.
• Observe and document student progress, identifying areas for growth and adapting strategies to better support each student.
• Encourage and model positive social interactions, resilience, and problem-solving skills in a natural, low-stress setting.
• Foster an inclusive atmosphere where every student feels valued, understood, and able to learn at their own pace.

About You:

• Experience working with SEN children is essential, particularly with autism and SEMH needs.
• Passionate about outdoor learning and enthusiastic about using nature to support emotional, social, and academic development.
• Empathetic and patient, able to adapt your approach based on individual student needs and the daily challenges they may face.
• Strong understanding of the unique needs of children with ASD and SEMH, and the ability to remain calm and resourceful in challenging situations.
• Skilled in teamwork and communication, able to collaborate effectively with staff, students, and families to create the best possible outcomes.
• Proactive and creative in implementing therapeutic learning activities tailored to support holistic development.
• DBS certification (or willingness to obtain one) and Basic First Aid qualification preferred.

What We Offer:

• A meaningful role within a dedicated SEN school that prioritizes holistic, student-centered learning.
• The opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children with autism and SEMH needs.
• A beautiful, natural working environment in South Brent with regular access to outdoor spaces.
• A supportive, collaborative team culture with training opportunities focused on SEN and therapeutic practices.

How to Apply:
If you’re ready to bring your skills and passion to our team, we’d love to hear from you! 

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
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