Teaching Assistant; Level 2) and Forest School Lead; Level 3

Avondale Primary School

Avondale Primary School 21/10/2026

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Avondale Primary School
Durham Road
Darwen
BB3 1NN

Job Title: Teaching Assistant (Level
2) and Forest School Lead (Level
3)
Grade/Salary: Grade C, SCP 3/ Grade E, SCP 9
Contract Type: Permanent
Contract

Terms:

31.00 hours (7hrs Grade E, 24hrs Grade

C), Term time
Closing Date: Wednesday 21st October 2026
Required From: 4th January 2027

Are you passionate about supporting children’s learning and wellbeing – both in the classroom and outdoors? Do you want to join a happy, inclusive and nurturing school community where every day is an adventure?
Avondale Primary School, Darwen, BB3 1NN
, is seeking a committed and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant (Level
2) and Forest School Lead (Level
3) to join our supportive staff team. This rare opportunity is ideal for someone who loves working with children and has a genuine passion for the great outdoors.

Your role will include:

• Supporting children’s learning in the classroom, working 1:1 and with small groups of children
• Planning and leading inspiring Forest School sessions for EYFS to Year 6 in our well‑resourced grounds and neighbouring Sunnyhurst woods (Forest School qualification desirable, but full support provided if you wish to train)
• Helping to create a positive, inclusive and safe school environment where all children can thrive

What we’re looking for:

• An outstanding and creative practitioner who inspires and motivates children
• A team player with excellent communication skills and a flexible approach
• Someone with high expectations and strong interpersonal skills
• A commitment to safeguarding, wellbeing and the inclusive ethos of Avondale

We offer:

• A happy and welcoming school where everyone is valued and supported
• Well‑behaved, amazing children who love to learn and be inspired
• Dedicated, friendly and experienced staff and a supportive Governing Body
• A real focus on staff wellbeing and professional development
• A rare chance to play a key role in our school community
  School life at Avondale centres around our happy children and school values. Our positive, nurturing ethos is at the heart of all we do, and we pride ourselves on outstanding pastoral care and high expectations for behaviour and achievement.

Post

Title:

Teaching Assistant (Level
2) and Forest School Lead (Level
3)

Hours:

Full time, Term time only, 31 hours per week (7 hours Level 3, 24 hours Level
2)
Salary:
Level 2 and Level 3

Location:

Avondale Primary School (Darwen, BB3)
Main Purpose of the Role:

• To support pupils’ learning and development within the classroom, working with small groups and on a 1:1 basis as required.
• To plan, deliver and lead the school’s Forest School sessions from EYFS to Year 6, fostering a love of the outdoors and supporting holistic development.
• To contribute to the positive and inclusive ethos of Avondale Primary School, supporting the wellbeing, safeguarding and achievement of all pupils.
• To work with and supervise individuals and groups of children, under the direction / supervision of teaching / senior staff both in and out of school hours to enrich the curriculum learning.
• To undertake work, care or support programmes, inclusive of special / individual learning needs, to enable access to learning for all pupils.
• To assist the teacher in the management of pupils and the classroom.
• To provide support to teaching staff and pupils in a variety of ways; including special needs support
• Key Responsibilities
• Teaching Assistant (Level
  2) Duties
• Provide classroom support for teaching staff, assisting with the delivery of high-quality…