Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support outdoor learning and personal development for children with SEMH and ASD needs.
- Company: Join The Outdoors Group, a pioneering organisation focused on outdoor education.
- Benefits: Enjoy a fun work environment, strong work-life balance, and ongoing professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while working outdoors in nature.
- Qualifications: GCSEs and experience with SEMH and ASD learners preferred.
- Other info: Flexible role with opportunities for creativity and teamwork in a supportive community.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Permanent- Term-Time (40 weeks per year)
Start Date:
November, 2025
Hours:
37.5
Organisation:
The Outdoors Group Ltd
Closing Date:
28/09/2025
Location:
Community-based (Within Okehampton and Honiton) with travel between sites and learner pickups from home.
About the outdoors group
The Outdoors Group is a pioneering ‘for purpose’ organisation based in the county of Devon, providing opportunities for children, young people and adults to access education, training and fun experiences in outdoor settings. We are all about creating a fun and fantastic place to work with a strong emphasis on work-life balance as part of a community of like-minded people, focusing on providing excellent opportunities for all our learners, customers and staff.
The Outdoors School is an Independent Special School that is based solely outside in a woodland setting for learners with SEMH and ASD needs. We believe in developing the whole learner, not just their academic ability. We use a project-based method, allowing the learner to be completely autonomous, whilst contributing to a well-rounded education based on skills for lifelong learning and personal development.
We are on the lookout for talented individuals with experience in supporting our young people with SEMH and ASD needs but also a strong ability to support their pastoral needs. No day is the same and a flexible and adaptable approach is essential as some of our young people may have experienced early life trauma.
We are looking for a Outdoor Education Support Assistant to work closely with the other members of their team, to deliver learner centred learning opportunities, ensuring they differentiate lesson plans and schemes of work to apply to the individual needs of their learner.
For all our roles, a DBS and reference checks are required. The Outdoors Group Ltd is committed to the safeguarding of all staff, children, young people and vulnerable adults involved in its activities and in promoting their welfare.
The Outdoor Education Support Assistant involves working closely with individual learners, on a 1:1 or 2:1 basis, to deliver outdoor, creative sessions that promote responsibility, challenge, and a growth mindset. Activities include team-building, problem-solving, and practical projects that help learners progress academically and emotionally, sometimes in home or community settings.
Training and ongoing professional development are essential, with a focus on delivering the best support tailored to each learner’s needs.
Job Purpose
Support the educational, emotional, and social development of children and young people through curriculum support, enrichment activities, trips, and transport coordination- primarily outdoors in woodland and community settings. Work may include detached outreach and one-to-one support.
Key Responsibilities
Deliver personalised support and interventions in line with learner plans
Foster positive relationships and promote wellbeing
Maintain accurate records and communicate with staff, families, and professionals
Work flexibly across multiple sites, including detached and community settings
Support behaviour management and contribute to assessments and reviews
Engage in training, supervision, and continuous professional development
Key Considerations
Work outdoors in all weather conditions; physically demanding tasks including hiking and use of hand tools
Support learners who may display challenging behaviours with empathy and firmness
Comply with safeguarding, lone working, and travel policies, including DBS checks and relevant training
person specification
Skills, Knowledge & Experience
- Knowledge and understanding of autism and PDA profiles
- Knowledge of literacy and/or numeracy intervention packages
- Creativity and versatility, engaging learners by creating resources and using identified strategies to support their needs
- Reflective and responsive to the needs of learners, recognising potential barriers to learning and seeking to overcome these
- Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral)
- Recent experience of working with Primary or Secondary learners with SEMH difficulties and ASD/PDA
- Knowledge of behaviour intervention and support practices
- Experience of working with learners with challenging behaviour outdoors
- Knowledge of inter-agency working.
- Previous experience working within outdoor education or Forest School settings
Personal Qualities
- Resilience to working outdoors potentially in all weathers
- Demonstrate a commitment and passion for the forest school ethos
- High expectations of children and a desire to ensure they reach their full potential
- Enthusiasm and drive for improvement
- Ability to work successfully as part of a team
- Commitment to improving outcomes for children and families
- Commitment to safeguarding and safe practice
- Commitment to Equal Opportunities
- Sense of humour
- Forward-thinking
Qualifications & Training
- 5 GCSE’s grade A-C or equivalent
- Willingness to undergo training the organisation feels is appropriate
- Outdoor, Adventure or Forest School specific Paediatric First Aid
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Outdoor Education Support Assistant employer: The Outdoors Group Ltd
Contact Detail:
The Outdoors Group Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Outdoor Education Support Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out The Outdoors Group's social media and website. Understanding their values and mission will help you connect with them during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your experience aligns with supporting learners with SEMH and ASD needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for outdoor education! Bring examples of how you've engaged learners in outdoor settings or how you've adapted activities to meet individual needs. This will really make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them why you’re the perfect fit for the Outdoor Education Support Assistant role.
We think you need these skills to ace Outdoor Education Support Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Outdoors: When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for outdoor education! Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your love for nature and working with young people in outdoor settings.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with supporting learners with SEMH and ASD needs, so be specific!
Highlight Your Flexibility: Since no day is the same in this role, emphasise your adaptability and willingness to work across various sites and conditions. Share examples of how you've successfully navigated changing environments or challenges in previous roles.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we appreciate a friendly tone, ensure your application maintains professionalism. Use clear language, check for typos, and structure your application well. And remember, applying through our website is the best way to get noticed!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Outdoors Group Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of an Outdoor Education Support Assistant inside out. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of learners with SEMH and ASD, and think about how your experience aligns with the job description. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Show Your Passion for the Outdoors
Since this role is all about outdoor education, be ready to share your enthusiasm for working outside and engaging with nature. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led outdoor activities or supported learners in a similar environment. This will demonstrate your commitment to the forest school ethos.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations, especially those involving challenging behaviours. Prepare some examples that showcase your empathy, resilience, and problem-solving skills. This will help interviewers see how you can adapt to the unpredictable nature of the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they measure success in supporting learners. This shows that you’re not just interested in the job, but also in being part of their community and contributing positively.
