About Us
At The Outdoors Group, we believe learning happens everywhere – especially outdoors!
The Outdoors School is an Independent Special School that combines learning with outdoor experiences to support learners with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and complex learning needs, including autism, to reach their potential.
Our learner-centred approach helps young people develop resilience, confidence, personal growth and lifelong skills, while making the most of the natural environment.
We're building our talent pool for future Learning Support Assistant opportunities across our schools. While we may not have an immediate vacancy at every location, we're keen to hear from passionate individuals who share our values and would like to be considered when suitable opportunities arise.
By applying, you'll become part of our proactive recruitment process, allowing us to contact you when a role matching your preferences becomes available.
Key Details
Salary: £24,885 per year
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only – 40 weeks per year
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Locations: Opportunities may become available at one of the following locations:
- Shillingford (Exeter)
- Crediton
- South Brent
- Tiverton
During your application, you'll be able to tell us which location(s) you would consider working at.
About the Role
As a Learning Support Assistant, you'll work as part of a supportive team to deliver tailored, learner-centred education to young people with a range of SEMH and complex learning needs.
You'll provide support to individual learners and small groups across a varied curriculum, helping young people to engage with their learning, build confidence and resilience, and develop skills for life.
This is a varied and rewarding role that requires flexibility, strong communication, teamwork and a genuine passion for supporting young people. As much of our learning takes place outdoors, you'll also need to be comfortable working outside throughout the year.
Key Responsibilities
- Safeguarding and Wellbeing: Help create a safe and supportive environment, actively promoting and safeguarding learner welfare.
- Curriculum Support: Support learning across a broad curriculum, including Literacy, Numeracy, SEMH, STEM, Forest Skills and more.
- Learner Support: Provide needs-led support and interventions for individual learners and small groups.
- Behaviour Support: Implement and contribute to individual behaviour support strategies, monitoring and recording information to help identify patterns and support learner development.
- Home and Community Engagement: Contribute to positive relationships with families and support the Home Learning Environment where appropriate.
- Progress Tracking: Support creative approaches to assessment, monitor learner progress and contribute towards reporting and EHCP reviews.
- Team Collaboration: Work closely with colleagues, contribute to crisis management where required and actively engage in training and professional development.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for people who are:
- Resilient and comfortable working in an emotionally challenging environment.
- Happy to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people.
- Flexible, creative and able to adapt to individual learner needs.
- Strong team players with effective communication skills.
- Committed to our outdoor learning and Forest School ethos.
Experience within education, SEND, SEMH, autism, youth work, care or outdoor learning can be beneficial, but we're also interested in hearing from people with transferable skills and the right values and approach.
Unique Perks
- Professional development: Staff development days and investment in Continuing Professional Development (CPD), including opportunities to develop your skills in outdoor and SEND education.
- Career growth: Access to internal development opportunities and support to progress your career within The Outdoors Group.
- Health and wellbeing: Workplace health and wellbeing support through Health Assured, including 24/7 counselling and mental health resources.
- Financial wellbeing: Access to our company-funded Employee Assistance Programme via Mintago, including financial wellbeing tools, pension support and exclusive retail discounts.
- Staff discount: 10% discount across The Outdoors Group products and services.
- Workwear: Branded workwear where required, alongside a clothing allowance for contact roles.
- Celebrations: Funded staff celebration events at least once a year.
- A rewarding environment: Work alongside a passionate and dedicated team in beautiful outdoor environments, helping young people to achieve their potential.
Safer Recruitment
The Outdoors Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. An Enhanced DBS check and appropriate pre-employment checks are required for this role.
If you're passionate about supporting young people, enjoy working outdoors and want a role where you can make a meaningful difference, click apply to visit our website and register your interest in future Learning Support Assistant opportunities.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £24,885.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
Work Location: On the road
