Part Time Outdoor Practitioner (Alternative Provision, SEND, Forest School, Teaching Assistant) in Plymouth

Contract: Permanent, Full Year (52 weeks) Part time - 3 days per week, 22.5 hours per week. (With scope to increase as provision grows)

Salary: £14,922.00 per annum

Role Purpose

We are looking for a dedicated professional to provide high‑quality pastoral and academic support to learners with diverse needs, including those with EHCPs. This isn't a standard role; you will be an "emotionally available adult," building trusting relationships in a dynamic, outdoor setting. This role takes place primarily in woodland and outdoor environments and requires a strong commitment to inclusive practice, safeguarding, and supporting positive educational, social, and developmental outcomes. You will help young people engage in meaningful outdoor learning experiences, build confidence and resilience, and work towards their individual learning and wellbeing goals within a safe, nurturing, and structured environment. You are a reflective practitioner who sees the person before the "behaviour." You understand that barriers to learning aren't stop signs—they are puzzles to be solved with empathy and initiative.

Location & Travel

This role is delivered across our site at Cann Woods and Totnes and community outreach settings serving Plymouth and surrounding areas. Due to the nature of the role, you will be required to travel between locations, including woodland sites, partner schools and community‑based settings. A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential. Mileage expenses are reimbursed where applicable, in line with company policy.

A typical day

• Supporting children and young people within our alternative provision who are finding it challenging to access mainstream educational provision.
• Deliver high‑quality outdoor child‑centred provision to help support children and young people’s educational outcomes whilst building resilience, self‑esteem and emotional literacy.
• Providing opportunities to build trusting relationships with emotionally available adults.
• Being active in making sure safeguarding procedures are followed, working with colleagues and external agencies to keep children and young people safe.
• Deliver Forest School and Alternative Provision programmes within external school and educational settings.
• Support the facilitation of community‑based outdoor learning sessions.
• Develop and maintain positive, professional relationships with partner schools, families, and external professionals.
• Represent The Outdoors Group Alternative Provision professionally at all times, upholding organisational values, policies, and standards.

Person specification

• Be adaptable, display initiative and be able to work independently or as part of a team.
• Demonstrate the ability to work and plan cooperatively.
• Be committed to professional development.
• Approach the role with empathy and without prejudice, whilst maintaining professional distance and neutrality.
• Be comfortable with working with children and young people with emotional, developmental, or mental health needs.
• Have excellent listening skills to support young people.
• Knowledge of intervention and support practices for behaviours that challenge.
• Be reflective and responsive to the needs of young people.
• Recognise barriers to learning and develop ways to overcome these.
• Excellent core skills (Math and English).
• Understand information technology e.g. word processing.
• Experience of working with young people with SEND in education, Youth work, Forest school leader or community development projects.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable but not essential (training & CPD opportunities will be available)

• Paediatric and outdoor first aid.
• Experience in working with children with a range of SEND/EBD.

Department: Forest School & Training

Location: Main Site: Cann Woods, Cover site: Totnes