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- Tasks: Support students with SEMH needs through outdoor learning and hands-on activities.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at a specialist educational provision in Taunton.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, ongoing training, and dedicated consultant support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while enjoying the outdoors.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEMH needs and outdoor learning is essential.
- Other info: Opportunities for long-term roles and professional development.
Teaching Personnel is working in partnership with a specialist provision in the Taunton area to recruit a Learning Support Assistant to support students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. This is a varied and rewarding role with a strong focus on outdoor learning, alternative provision, and enterprise-based education.
This position is ideal for someone passionate about supporting vulnerable learners through practical, hands-on approaches that help students re-engage with education and develop confidence, resilience, and real-world skills.
The role will involve supporting small groups of students through outdoor learning, Forest School-style activities, gardening and horticulture projects, alongside classroom-based enterprise learning and alternative education pathways.
The role includes:
- Providing tailored SEMH support to help students access learning and regulate emotions
- Building positive, trusting relationships to improve engagement and resilience
- Supporting learning in classrooms, small groups, and outdoor or alternative provision settings
- Planning and delivering outdoor learning sessions inspired by Forest School principles
- Leading gardening and horticulture activities, including planting, cultivating, and seasonal maintenance
- Using outdoor learning to develop teamwork, confidence, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Supporting enterprise projects such as plant sales, crafts, or community-based initiatives
- Helping students develop skills in planning, budgeting, marketing, and sales
- Supporting the delivery and evidence collection for accredited learning such as UAS
- Using trauma-informed and relational approaches to support behaviour and emotional wellbeing
- Working closely with pastoral staff, SENCOs, and external professionals
- Maintaining accurate records and contributing to reviews and intervention planning
- Supporting safeguarding procedures and ensuring concerns are logged appropriately
We are looking for someone who:
- Has experience working with young people with SEMH needs
- Has experience in outdoor learning, Forest School, gardening, or alternative provision
- Can plan and lead engaging small-group activities
- Has a strong understanding of trauma-informed and relational behaviour approaches
- Is calm, resilient, and solution-focused in challenging situations
- Has strong communication, organisation, and record-keeping skills
- Holds GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and Maths
- Is willing to attend training, excursions, and residentials when required
Desirable experience includes Forest School qualifications, UAS delivery, enterprise projects, first aid or outdoor first aid training, and experience in alternative or therapeutic education settings.
What Teaching Personnel offers:
- Competitive weekly pay through PAYE
- Ongoing CPD and training opportunities
- Dedicated consultant support
- A thorough safeguarding and compliance process
- Opportunities for long-term and permanent roles
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Outdoor Learning Support Assistant in Taunton employer: Teaching Personnel
Contact Detail:
Teaching Personnel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Outdoor Learning Support Assistant in Taunton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Research the specialist provision in Taunton and understand their approach to SEMH needs. This will help us tailor our conversations during interviews and show that we're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can provide insider info about the role and the team, which can give us an edge when we apply through our website.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical demonstrations! Since this role involves outdoor learning and hands-on activities, think about how we can showcase our skills in these areas during the interview. Maybe even plan a mini-session to demonstrate our approach!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows our enthusiasm for the role and keeps us fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why we’re the perfect fit for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Outdoor Learning Support Assistant in Taunton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for outdoor learning and supporting students with SEMH needs. Share personal experiences or projects that highlight your commitment to helping vulnerable learners thrive.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to know how your background aligns with our focus on practical, hands-on approaches.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences quickly.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this rewarding role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Teaching Personnel
✨Know Your SEMH Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Be ready to discuss how you've supported students in the past and how you can apply trauma-informed approaches in your role. This will show that you're not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the challenges these learners face.
✨Get Hands-On with Outdoor Learning
Since this role focuses heavily on outdoor learning and activities like gardening, think of specific examples from your experience. Prepare to share how you've led engaging sessions or projects outdoors, and be ready to suggest some fun ideas for activities that align with Forest School principles.
✨Build Rapport and Trust
During the interview, demonstrate your ability to build positive relationships with students. Share stories that highlight your communication skills and how you've successfully engaged with young people, especially those who may be challenging. This is key to showing you can create a supportive environment.
✨Show Your Organisational Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you keep track of records and plan activities. Mention any tools or methods you use to stay organised, especially when it comes to planning lessons or documenting student progress. This will reassure them that you can handle the administrative side of the role effectively.
