Woodland Learning Support Assistant – Future Opportunities
About Us
At The Outdoors Group, we believe learning happens everywhere – especially outdoors!
The Outdoors School is an Independent Special School built around a unique, nature-based approach to education. We combine learning with practical 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, practical skills and independence through meaningful experiences in the natural environment.
We're building our talent pool for future Woodland 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 Woodland Learning Support Assistant, you'll work with small groups and individual learners, who have a range of SEMH and SEN needs, using the outdoor environment and practical, hands-on activities to support their learning and development.
You'll support Forest School and tools-based activities, helping learners develop practical skills, confidence, creativity, teamwork and resilience. From woodworking and construction projects to wider outdoor learning activities, you'll help create engaging experiences that give learners opportunities to succeed outside of a traditional classroom environment.
This requires adaptability, resilience, strong communication and a genuine passion for using practical and outdoor learning to improve outcomes for young people.
Key Responsibilities
- Tools-Based Learning: Facilitate the safe and effective use of hand tools through structured practical activities, helping learners build confidence, coordination, creativity and responsibility.
- Practical Skills: Support woodworking, crafting, construction and other hands-on projects that encourage learners to develop new skills and experience achievement.
- Outdoor Learning: Support Forest School activities and practical outdoor learning across different learner groups.
- Project Development: Help create and deliver engaging outdoor projects that encourage teamwork, problem-solving, creativity and practical skill development.
- Curriculum Support: Connect practical and outdoor activities with wider curriculum objectives, individual learner goals and opportunities for community engagement.
- Behaviour and Emotional Support: Support learners' social and emotional development, implementing appropriate strategies to help them regulate, engage and participate.
- Safeguarding and Wellbeing: Help create a safe and supportive environment, actively promoting and safeguarding learner welfare.
- Adaptable Teamwork: Work flexibly across groups and alongside colleagues, providing individual support where required.
- Reflective Practice: Take an active role in training, reflection and professional development to continually improve the support provided to learners.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for people who are:
- Passionate about outdoor, practical and hands-on learning.
- Comfortable and confident working outdoors throughout the year.
- Experience in using tools, woodland activities and practical projects to engage young people.
- Resilient and comfortable working in an emotionally challenging environment.
- Able to adapt their approach to different learners and situations.
- Creative, practical and confident encouraging young people to try new things.
- Strong team players with effective communication skills.
- Passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people.
- Committed to our outdoor learning and Forest School ethos.
Experience supporting young people with SEMH, autism or other complex learning needs can be beneficial, alongside experience in Forest School, outdoor education, woodworking, practical trades, youth work or similar environments. We're also interested in people with transferable practical 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 build skills, confidence and resilience.
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 practical and outdoor education and want to use your skills to make a meaningful difference to young people's lives, click apply to visit our website and register your interest in future Woodland Learning Support Assistant opportunities.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £24,885.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
Work Location: On the road
