At a Glance
- Tasks: Support SEN students through outdoor education and hands-on learning experiences.
- Company: Join a passionate independent special school in Somerset.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: High-energy role with opportunities for personal growth and teamwork.
- Why this job: Engage with students in nature and help them build resilience and self-esteem.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEN settings and a full UK driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
Location: Somerset
Contract Type: Short-Term / Temporary
Salary: Competitive (dependent on experience)
About Our Client's School
Randstad Education is proud to partner with an approved independent special school in Somerset catering to pupils from Key Stage 2 through to Secondary and Post-16. All young people at this school have Special Educational Needs (SEN) as their primary need, alongside unique sensory and nurturing requirements. Many of the students arrive with a history of poor attendance, placement gaps, and exclusions, meaning they have missed significant periods of education. The school's curriculum is entirely bespoke, creative, and active-designed specifically to re-engage these students, inspire them, and help them acquire vital life skills. It's a significant challenge, but one their dedicated team meets every day with boundless energy and enthusiasm.
The Role: Why We Need You
On behalf of our client, we are seeking an exceptional, energetic SEN Teaching Assistant for a short-term placement who can bring the classroom outside. The school passionately believes that active, hands-on learning is the key to re-engaging young people. In this role, you won't just be supporting academics; you will be utilising outdoor education to build resilience, trust, and self-esteem.
Key Responsibilities
- Supporting pupils (KS2 to Post-16) with diverse SEN, sensory, and nurturing needs on a 1:1 or small-group basis.
- Assisting in the delivery of an active, exciting curriculum, with a specific focus on outdoor education and Forest School initiatives.
- Building exceptionally strong, trust-based relationships to support pupils' academic, personal, and social development.
- Managing challenging behaviours with empathy, patience, and positive de-escalation strategies.
- Helping pupils overcome barriers to learning caused by previous educational gaps.
What We Are Looking For
- Driving Licence (Compulsory): Due to the nature of the outdoor curriculum and potential travel between sites, a full, clean UK driving licence is essential for this role.
- Experience: Proven experience working within an SEN setting.
- Outdoor Expertise: Strong experience or qualifications in Outdoor Education, Forest School, or outdoor learning environments. You must be comfortable leading and supporting activities in all weathers!
- Attributes: High energy, enthusiasm, and a resilient nature. You need to be a team player who can think on your feet.
- Values: A deep commitment to safeguarding and child protection. (A thorough understanding of the latest Keeping Children Safe in Education guidelines is essential).
SEN Teaching Assistant in Wellington employer: Randstad Education
Randstad Education offers a unique opportunity for passionate individuals to join an independent special school in Somerset, where the focus is on re-engaging students with Special Educational Needs through innovative outdoor education. With a supportive work culture that values creativity and resilience, employees benefit from a collaborative environment that fosters personal and professional growth, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in education.
