Zen Educate is seeking an experienced and resilient Teaching Assistant to support a small group of secondary-aged pupils who require a more tailored and nurturing approach to their education.
This full-time position runs until the end of the academic year and offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a flexible and supportive learning environment.
The class has a reduced number of pupils due to a range of challenging behaviours and additional needs. The successful candidate will be confident in supporting behaviour positively, building strong relationships, and helping Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 pupils engage with learning who may have struggled in more traditional secondary classroom settings.
This role is ideal for a Teaching Assistant who is open to alternative approaches to education and is willing to think creatively about how learning is delivered. The school is particularly interested in incorporating outdoor learning and hands-on experiences into the curriculum, including opportunities for gardening, bushcraft, and nature-based activities as a way to support engagement, wellbeing, and personal development for teenagers.
You will work closely with the class teacher and be supported by a dedicated ALNCo (Additional Learning Needs Coordinator), who will help guide interventions and ensure that each pupil’s needs are met effectively.
Key Responsibilities:
- Differentiated Support: Support the delivery of engaging and differentiated learning activities tailored to a small group of secondary-aged pupils.
- Behaviour Management: Promote positive behaviour using a calm, consistent, and restorative approach suited to adolescent development.
- Inclusive Environment: Help foster a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment where pupils feel respected and understood.
- Outdoor & Experiential Learning: Assist with outdoor learning opportunities, including gardening, life skills, and practical, hands-on activities.
- Collaboration: Work collaboratively with the subject teachers, ALNCo, and the wider alternative provision staff team.
- Holistic Progress: Support pupil progress both academically (working towards appropriate pathways/qualifications) and socially.
- Relationship Building: Build positive, mentoring-style relationships that encourage confidence, resilience, and re-engagement with education.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
- Relevant Experience: Previous experience supporting pupils within a secondary school, alternative provision, or PRU (Pupil Referral Unit) setting.
- De-escalation Skills: Strong behaviour management, de-escalation skills, and a proven ability to build relationships with disengaged youth.
- Personal Attributes: A patient, empathetic, resilient, and adaptable approach.
- Alternative Mindset: A genuine willingness to embrace alternative education strategies and flexible learning pathways.
- Creativity: Creativity and enthusiasm for outdoor, vocational, or experiential learning.
- Teamwork: Excellent communication skills and the ability to work cohesively within a tight-knit pastoral team.
This is a highly rewarding opportunity for a Teaching Assistant who is passionate about inclusion and committed to helping secondary pupils succeed through a more personalised, supportive, and practical educational approach.
INDAWTA
Pay: £93.00-£108.50 per day
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
Experience:
- alternative provision: 1 year (preferred)
- Classroom management: 1 year (required)
Language:
Licence/Certification:
- DBS on the update service (preferred)
- EWC (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
