Learning Support Assistant (Bushcraft & Forest School Intervention Lead) in Grantham

We are recruiting for a Learning Support Assistant (Bushcraft & Forest School Intervention Lead) at Charles Read Academy, based in Corby Glen, Grantham.

About the role

Are you passionate about helping young people overcome barriers to learning? Do you believe that outdoor education can transform confidence, resilience and wellbeing? Charles Read Academy is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Learning Support Assistant to lead a range of interventions including Bushcraft and Forest School intervention programme, supporting vulnerable students across Key Stages 3 and 4. This exciting role combines learning support with outdoor education, providing targeted interventions for students who may be experiencing social, emotional, behavioural or attendance challenges. Through engaging bushcraft, forest school and outdoor learning activities, you will help students develop confidence, self-esteem, resilience, teamwork and positive relationships, enabling them to thrive both academically and personally.

Working closely with the SENDCo, pastoral team and teaching staff, you will:

• Plan and deliver high-quality interventions including bushcraft and forest school activity sessions for identified students.
• Support vulnerable learners with a range of needs, including SEND, SEMH and those at risk of disengagement from education.
• Create a safe, nurturing and inclusive outdoor learning environment.
• Use outdoor activities to promote emotional regulation, communication skills, confidence and personal development.
• Monitor and evaluate student progress and impact of interventions.
• Build positive relationships with students, families and colleagues.
• Support students within the classroom and wider school environment when required.

37 hours per week, term time only (39 weeks), permanent role.

About our Academy

We have a strong sense of purpose and are fervently committed to the achievement of every individual. We aim to provide a high-quality education in a safe, happy, caring and focused environment. We encourage all students to embody our values of confidence, resilience, ambition, courage, respect and aspiration. We are intent on developing a love of learning amongst our students, offering them a broad and balanced curriculum, enhanced by a range of enrichment activities designed to support their personal growth. We encourage all students to take responsibility for their own learning.

We are ambitious for every child, no matter what their background, prior attainment or needs. We are very proud of our community and believe we offer something genuinely different and exciting for those who join us. Our rural setting allows us the privilege of working in a stimulating and dynamic school that, combined with our co-educational ethos and smaller size, engenders a culture that genuinely cherishes individuality, aims to instil creativity and independence and celebrates open-minded thinking. Underpinned by our values of Confidence, Resilience, Ambition, Courage, and Aspiration we are student focused and we believe that there are no limits for outstanding learning and outstanding achievement. We have high expectations of our students and staff, high aspirations for them and demonstrate complete belief in them all.

Salary & Benefits

• NJC4 £25,185 FTE, £22,121 pro rata + £2,069 allowance
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• CPD including Senior Leader and Knowledge Development Courses (include if applicable to role)
• The chance to make a genuine difference to the lives of young people
• Regional networks of Trust colleagues and access to key leaders in Education
• Commitment to employee Health and Wellbeing including dedicated Employee Assistance Programme
• Awards and Recognition Scheme
• Flexible working patterns
• Benefits Platform: Health & Wellbeing Programme: Cycle to Work Scheme

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience working with young people in educational or outdoor learning settings.
• Is passionate about supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged students.
• Has knowledge or experience of bushcraft, forest school or outdoor education.
• Can motivate and inspire young people who may find traditional classroom environments challenging.
• Possesses excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Is flexible, resilient and committed to helping every student succeed.
• Holds a Forest School qualification (desirable but not essential) or is willing to undertake training.
• Is able to deliver a Duke of Edinburgh Award – training could be provided (desirable but not essential).

At Charles Read Academy, we are committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to achieve their full potential. We believe that innovative approaches, including outdoor learning, can have a powerful impact on student engagement, wellbeing and success. If you share our commitment to transforming young lives and are excited by the opportunity to lead meaningful outdoor interventions, we would love to hear from you.

About The David Ross Education Trust

The David Ross Education Trust’s mission is to give every child attending one of our schools a world-class education. We are a network of unique and diverse academies across the country, committed to delivering a world-class, knowledge-rich education that empowers pupils to reach their fullest potential. Spanning North Yorkshire, the East Riding of Yorkshire, North-East Lincolnshire, the East Midlands and London, our network of 36 academies serves over 14,600 pupils and employs 2,300 dedicated staff.

Our family of schools includes 24 primaries, 10 secondaries, an all-through school in London’s Olympic Park, and a special school in Lincolnshire supporting pupils aged 2-19 with a broad range of special educational needs. As one of only 11 system leaders nationwide, we are recognised for our unwavering commitment to educational excellence, our innovative curriculum, and ability to drive sustained school improvement at scale. At the heart of our Mission is a deep belief in the transformative power of education. We are committed to ensuring that every child – regardless of their background – has access to an exceptional academic experience enriched by extensive co-curricular opportunities.

We broaden the horizons of young people by inspiring students to become their confident, academic best via an education that creates academically gifted, confident, well-rounded young people in the classroom, in the workplace and in their communities. We are driven to provide our young people with access to a world-class education and enrichment experiences. Our students benefit from a wealth of opportunities to develop, learn and lead. From the classroom to cultural visits, sports, music and arts and engaging with our local communities, the rich and varied experiences we create help fuel ambition and unlock potential. The education and experiences we offer equips our young people with the leadership skills, team spirit, resilience and confidence to become outstanding citizens.

Whatever your role you will contribute towards creating a rich and exciting learning environment that also offers our students an unrivalled package of sporting and cultural enrichment.

We are incredibly lucky to be able to work alongside outstanding organisations and individuals who are happy to share their expertise and skills in supporting the David Ross Foundation’s vision to give children better life chances through access to the best education and support we can give them.

Apply now

To complete our online application form, please use the ‘apply now’ tab. Early applications are advised. We receive high numbers of applications for our roles and therefore have to close the vacancy prior to the closing date in order to review candidates' details against our job criteria before shortlisting or re-opening the vacancy.

The David Ross Education Trust is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff. It is our objective to ensure that job applicants and staff are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential. We do not discriminate against any applicants on the basis of any protected characteristics.

The David Ross Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo vetting appropriate to the post, including a social media presence check and Enhanced DBS check. The successful applicant will be expected to adhere to all safeguarding, welfare and health and safety policies and procedures of the Trust. All pre-employment checks are in line with “Keeping Children Safe in Education” statutory guidance.