Outdoor Education Teaching Assistant in Chard

Location: 3 Dimensions School, Somerset, TA20 3AJ

Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8.30am – 4.30pm

Salary: £23,638.00 per annum (not pro rata)

Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only

Start: March 2026

UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

As an Outdoor Education Teaching Assistant at 3 Dimensions School, you will play a vital role in delivering a high-quality, engaging Outdoor Education programme tailored to the individual needs of our pupils. Working both independently and as part of a small, dedicated team, you will help create meaningful outdoor learning experiences that promote resilience, confidence, teamwork and achievement — while ensuring the highest standards of safeguarding and safety at all times.

You will support the planning and delivery of dynamic outdoor sessions, including group and 1:1 activities linked to wider curriculum goals. You’ll contribute to the ongoing development of the Outdoor Education provision through medium- and long-term planning and cross-curricular collaboration with teaching staff. The role also involves building positive partnerships with external providers such as climbing centres and watersports venues, assisting with the safe management and maintenance of equipment, completing risk assessments and visit documentation, and supporting activity-specific preparation.

You’ll work closely within the instructor team, attending regular planning and development meetings, tracking and recording pupils’ academic and social progress through school systems, and supporting recognised award schemes such as Duke of Edinburgh (DofE), Paddle Power, or NICAS. In addition, you’ll help organise and deliver enriching outdoor visits and trips that broaden pupils’ experiences and aspirations.

About You

• GCSEs (or equivalent Level 2 qualification), including English and Maths
• Experience delivering Outdoor Education sessions
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, particularly in activity delivery and equipment maintenance
• A genuine passion for Outdoor Education and a strong belief in its transformative impact on young people
• The ability to build positive relationships and inspire confidence in pupils
• Full UK Driving Licence

If you are enthusiastic about using the outdoors as a powerful vehicle for growth and learning, and you want to help young people discover what they’re capable of, we would love to hear from you.

About Us

3 Dimensions School, located in Chard, is an independent specialist school across two sites for pupils with Autism, SEMH, communication difficulties, and complex needs. Part of Options Autism, we provide a nurturing, inclusive environment where every pupil is supported to thrive. Our personalised curriculum and holistic approach develop academic, social, and life skills while building confidence and independence. We are committed to helping every pupil achieve their full potential in a supportive and inspiring setting.

For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

Life Assurance

Pension scheme with options to increase contributions

“Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks

Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:

• Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
• Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

*Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.