Forest School Learning Assistant (Post-16 SEND)

Axcis Education Recruitment; Bristol; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000

Job description

Start date: 22nd April
Weekly pay: £450/week
Temp-to-Perm/Permanent Contract

Are you passionate about the outdoors, hands-on learning, and supporting young people with special educational needs? If you thrive in a dynamic, active role and love the idea of teaching in a natural, inspiring environment, then this is the perfect role for you! We are currently seeking a dedicated Forest School Learning Assistant to join a thriving SEND school in BS11, renowned for its commitment to experiential learning and its exceptional outdoor facilities, including a Forest School and award-winning gardening areas. The school delivers a practical, thematic curriculum with a central focus on engaging students in real-world learning, both inside and outside the classroom.

What You’ll Be Doing:

1. Assisting with the delivery of a practical, experiential curriculum to post-16 SEND learners, focusing on hands-on activities that build key life skills and knowledge.
2. Supporting Forest School sessions, helping students develop confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills through outdoor, nature-based learning.
3. Engaging students in various outdoor activities such as gardening and horticulture, all integral to the school’s curriculum.
4. Organising and leading off-site activities, including visits to local parks, nature reserves, and other enriching environments that support students' learning experiences.
5. Providing one-on-one or small group support during outdoor and practical lessons, ensuring inclusion and meeting each student’s individual needs.
6. Building strong relationships with students to support their emotional wellbeing and encouraging positive behaviour and social skills development.

What We’re Looking For:

1. Previous experience in an outdoor learning environment, ideally within a Forest School or similar setting, with a particular focus on SEND students.
2. A strong passion for the outdoors, with the ability to engage and inspire students in nature-based activities.
3. A warm, friendly approach and excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work closely with students with complex needs, including Autism and learning difficulties.
4. The ability to adapt and be flexible in a busy, active environment, supporting students in a variety of practical tasks.
5. A DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to process a new one).
6. Experience or training in Autism Awareness, First Aid, or Outdoor Education is beneficial but not essential.

Why This School is Special:

1. Outstanding outdoor facilities: With a Forest School and recognition from the Royal Horticultural Society, the school offers exceptional spaces for students to engage in nature-based learning, supporting both academic and personal growth.
2. Experiential learning at its core: The school provides a unique, thematic curriculum, focusing on practical skills, outdoor education, and real-world learning.
3. Active, dynamic role: This isn’t a desk job! It’s a hands-on role that takes you outdoors to help students thrive in a natural classroom.
4. Inclusive environment: The school celebrates diversity and works to meet the needs of all learners, no matter their ability.
5. Supportive team: You’ll join a passionate, collaborative team that values each student’s journey and fosters a positive, nurturing environment for staff and students.

Why Join Axcis Education?

1. Competitive weekly pay: £450/week.
2. Ongoing professional development and training to support your career growth.
3. Access to holiday pay and other employee benefits.
4. Dedicated consultant support – we’re here to guide you through your career journey!

Next Steps:

Are you ready to make a real difference in the lives of students by supporting their outdoor, hands-on learning? To apply or find out more, simply apply for this job. Afterwards, one of our dedicated consultants will call you to discuss your experience and explain the next steps of the application process. Let’s discuss how you can contribute to this exciting and dynamic school environment! We can’t wait to hear from you soon!

If you are interested, then please click on the apply button and contact Laura Dowson on 0117 472 2400 l Ext: 2014.

If you are not interested in this role but know someone else who might be, don't forget that we offer £50 in shopping vouchers if you refer a friend to us and we place them in the job. For more details, contact your local Axcis office.

This is a temporary position, unless stated otherwise.

Axcis is an equal opportunities employer and as such we do not discriminate based on age, gender, disability, race or any other equal opportunities criteria. The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As such, you will be required to provide an up to date DBS, or be prepared to allow Axcis to process one on your behalf, in addition to other mandatory compliance checks in line with the DfE guidelines (for details please see our website). Axcis Education is an employment agency offering temporary supply work for daily, short-term and long-term assignments in addition to permanent positions. You must be suitably qualified for the position advertised and be prepared to attend a face to face interview with Axcis to demonstrate your suitability for this role. Salary / Pay Rate will be dependent on your skills and experience.

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Contact: Laura Dowson
Telephone: [phone] l Ext: 2014