1:1 Learning Support Assistants- The Outdoors School Sites

job specification

Salary:

£20,520 per annum (pro-rata £23,481 per annum FTE)

Job Term:

Permanent Contract, Term Time Only - 40 weeks per year

Start Date:

December, 2024

Hours:

37.5 per week

Organisation:

The Outdoors Group

Closing Date:

03/11/2024

Location:

The Outdoors School Sites

About the outdoors group

The Outdoors Group School is an Independent Special School that is based solely outside in a woodland setting for learners with SEMH and ASD needs. We have x8 vacancies for 1:1 Learning Support Assistants, x2 positions at Shillingford site, x4 positions at South Brent site and x2 positions at Tiverton site. 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.

These roles require the ability to work as part of a team, but also the initiative and confidence to work independently with a learner.

The Outdoors Group School is an Independent Special School that is based solely outside in a woodland setting for learners with SEMH and ASD needs. We have x8 vacancies for 1:1 Learning Support Assistants, x2 positions at Shillingford site, x4 positions at South Brent site and x2 positions at Tiverton site. 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.

These roles require the ability to work as part of a team, but also the initiative and confidence to work independently with a learner.

Job description

Under the direction of the Lead Tutor staff, 1:1 Learning Support Assistants will work with an assigned caseload of learners on a 1:1 basis ensuring learners can access our specialist curriculum.

Roles and responsibilities 

  • Provide excellent behaviour management support skills to support learners who display behaviours that challenge
  • Work under the direction of the Lead Tutor staff to support learning and development of outdoor learning skills
  • To support the delivery of projects to extend pupils learning in line with the school curriculum and ethos
  • Work with other staff and specialists to engage learners creatively and effectively
  • To be responsible for the safeguarding and promotion of the welfare of children
  • To be a team player and contribute within your own capabilities towards the School ethos
  • The post-holder may from time to time be required to carry out other duties commensurate with the role
  • Engage in staff supervision and appraisal process
  • Engage in critical reflective practice and participate in CPD opportunities, developing and sharing ideas and best practice for training and delivery
  • Ensure that learners experience a supportive and positive staff team at all times
  • Ensure that you play alongside learners for at least two hours a week to experience a supportive and positive place of learning for all

The 1:1 support role is an innovative role where you will work with learners and staff to support the delivery of sessions that aim to support learners creatively, with responsibility, and instil a sense of challenge and growth mindset for learning and life.

The sessions are based around outdoor activities, team building and problem-solving challenges that will extend into qualifications as learners progress through the school.

Training and development will be key, and the right candidate should be actively engaged in further training to ensure the best offer for learners is available.

This post requires a DBS check.

person specification

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

Essential

  • Knowledge and understanding of autism and PDA profiles
  • Knowledge of literacy and/or numeracy intervention package
  • 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)

Desirable

  • 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

Essential

  • Resilience to working outdoors 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

Desirable

  • Sense of humour
  • Forward-thinking

Qualifications & Training

Essential

  • 5 GCSE’s grade A-C or equivalent
  • Willingness to undergo training the organisation feels is appropriate

Desirable

  • Outdoor, Adventure or Forest School specific Paediatric First Aid
  • Level 2 Safeguarding
  • Forest School Leader

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