At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting Forest School sessions and inspire children through outdoor learning.
- Company: Castle Hill Junior School, a vibrant community focused on hands-on education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, part-time hours, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to fostering self-esteem and confidence in young learners.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while enjoying the great outdoors.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Forest School qualification or willingness to obtain one.
The predicted salary is between 30024 - 30024 £ per year.
Castle Hill Junior School are seeking to appoint a dedicated and motivated Outdoor Learning Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to lead Forest School sessions effectively across the primary phase.
The Forest School ethos is based upon developing self‑esteem, confidence, independence and responsibility through hands‑on learning experiences in a forest or natural environment. If this learning culture is something you have experience in or one which you believe in, then this position could be for you. Our Forest School is well resourced and utilises the wonderful space we have at Castle Hill. It includes mature trees that are popular with erecting shelters, hammocks and rope swings, an outdoor discovery den, bird hides, a fire pit, a large log circle and a wonderful wildflower meadow.
Responsibilities
- Be a consistently good / outstanding HLTA
- Hold a level 3 Forest school qualification or be willing to work towards one
- Be committed to achieving high standards
- Be flexible and creative while building on children's interests
- Enjoy being outdoors in all weathers and have a keen eye for working with nature
- Relish the challenge of supporting pupils in an ambitious school
- Be flexible and can use your own initiative, understanding a range of duties
- Work independently and as part of a team
- Be resilient, hardworking and self‑motivated
- Adapt to suit the needs of individual learners
- Manage change well, and support children in a variety of situations
- Ideally hold a current Outdoor First Aid / paediatric first aid qualification
- Liaise with teaching staff to plan and deliver Forest School support
- Assist in developing each child's self‑esteem and their personal and social skills
- Ensure Health and Safety requirements are followed, including Risk Assessments which are continually checked and updated
- Supervise and support children with varying needs during their Forest school sessions
- Help create and maintain an engaging, fun and supportive environment, demonstrating flexibility in response to varying/changing needs of children
- Support small groups of children with outdoor based activities.
How to Apply
To apply, please visit our website. Please read the Candidate Pack (pdf) or alternatively visit our website. To arrange an initial discussion with Danny Howden, Deputy Headteacher, please contact Joanne Sparkhall, Office Manager by calling 01473 741758 or emailing jsparkhall@castlehillprimary.org.uk. In line with our safeguarding practices, we are unable to accept CVs.
Closing Details
Closing date: 4 pm, 6 July 2026. Interview date: 13 July 2026.
ASSET Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. Applicants will be subject to pre-employment checks including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and children's barred list check, health check, online search and satisfactory references.
Outdoor Learning Higher Level Teaching Assistant in Ipswich employer: Suffolk County Council
Castle Hill Junior School is an exceptional employer that fosters a nurturing and dynamic work environment, perfect for those passionate about outdoor learning. With a strong commitment to employee development and a supportive culture, staff are encouraged to grow their skills while engaging with nature in a well-resourced Forest School setting. Located in the beautiful surroundings of Ipswich, this role offers the unique opportunity to inspire young minds through hands-on experiences, all while enjoying the great outdoors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Outdoor Learning Higher Level Teaching Assistant in Ipswich
✨Get Involved in Online Communities
Dive into online forums and communities centred around digital learning and education, like EdTech chats on Twitter or groups on LinkedIn. Engaging in discussions and sharing your insights can help build your visibility and credibility in the sector.
✨Attend EdTech Meetups and Workshops
Look for local meetups or workshops focused on digital education trends. Not only do they enable us to learn about the latest in the field, but they’re also great networking opportunities to meet potential employers like Suffolk County Council or other educators who might know about upcoming part-time roles.
✨Leverage Your University’s Resources
If you’re currently studying, make sure to tap into your university's career services. They often have connections with local businesses in the education space, plus they can help us uncover part-time job openings that aren't widely advertised.
✨Showcase Your Skills through Projects
Create a portfolio showcasing any relevant projects or experiences in digital learning. Whether it's designing a learning module or contributing to an e-learning platform, having tangible examples will catch the eye of hiring managers at Suffolk County Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Outdoor Learning Higher Level Teaching Assistant in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Digital Learning:When applying for a role in digital learning like the Outdoor Learning Higher Level Teaching Assistant at Suffolk County Council, make sure to showcase any prior experience you have in creating or managing online learning materials. We want to see how you've made an impact in previous roles, so don’t shy away from providing specific examples or projects you’ve worked on.
Showcase Relevant Skills and Tools:Mention any specific platforms or tools you’ve used in the digital learning space. For instance, if you're familiar with LMS (Learning Management Systems) or any authoring tools, include these in your CV. This demonstrates you’re not only passionate but also ready to hit the ground running at Suffolk County Council.
Express Your Passion for Education:In your cover letter, we really want to feel your enthusiasm for digital learning. Talk about your motivations for joining Suffolk County Council and how you hope to contribute to shaping the future of education. This is a part-time role, so highlighting your commitment and drive will go a long way!
Tailor Your CV to Stand Out:Adapt your CV specifically for the Outdoor Learning Higher Level Teaching Assistant role by aligning your experiences and skills directly with the job description. Use strong action verbs and bullet points, focusing on your contributions in previous roles. We appreciate a clear, concise format that makes it easy for us at Suffolk County Council to see why you’re a perfect fit.
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk County Council
✨Showcase Your Digital Savvy
In the digital learning and education space, being tech-savvy is crucial. Make sure to highlight any experience you have with e-learning platforms, learning management systems, or educational software during your interview. Think about specific examples of how you’ve used these tools to enhance learning experiences – this will show Suffolk County Council you’re already familiar with the landscape!
✨Prepare to Discuss Educational Theories
Expect questions related to educational methodologies or theories that underpin digital learning. Brush up on concepts like constructivism or blended learning and be ready to discuss how these can apply to real-world scenarios. The interviewers at Suffolk County Council will appreciate your understanding of the educational principles that drive effective learning.
✨Flexibility & Adaptability are Key
As this is a part-time role, demonstrate how you can manage your time effectively and adapt to the dynamic demands of the position. Share examples from past experiences where you successfully balanced multiple tasks while contributing to team projects. This will reassure Suffolk County Council that you’re not just a candidate but a reliable team member who can juggle responsibilities.
✨Portfolio and Samples Matter
Even for a part-time gig, having a portfolio of your work can really set you apart. If you've designed any e-learning modules, created educational content, or implemented any successful teaching strategies, make sure you can present those. Being ready with tangible examples from your past work will help you make a stronger case to Suffolk County Council about what you bring to the table.
