Outdoor Education Teaching Assistant

Contract type Full time / Permanent

Closing date 10 Aug 2026 09:30 AM

Outdoor Education Teaching Assistant at
Respect Collaboration Trust

Term time only

Department Student Support

Weeks per year 39

We are seeking to appoint a dynamic, ambitious and inspirational colleague to join our successful Alternative Provision team as an Outdoor Education Teaching Assistant.

This post is integral to our Junction 16 service and plays an important role in enhancing opportunities for young people. The role would suit a passionate and motivated colleague who is experienced in working successfully with pupils and who is keen to support children with a range of social, emotional and mental health needs to achieve success.

As an AP Teaching Assistant, you will be based primarily within our Outdoor Education provision
, supporting pupils to engage positively in practical, experiential and outdoor learning. You will work alongside teaching and specialist staff to help pupils develop confidence, resilience, teamwork, communication skills and positive attitudes to learning.

The successful candidate will support pupils across a range of classroom-based and outdoor activities. This may include supporting portfolio work, formative assessment, classroom set-up, resourcing, folder management, outside space management and helping pupils engage safely and positively with their learning. The role will also involve supporting outdoor activities and visits, which may include bushcraft, navigation, mountain biking, climbing, paddle sports and other practical outdoor learning experiences under the supervision of qualified staff.

You will need to be proactive, organised and flexible, with a willingness to learn and adapt to the dynamic nature of the role. A child-centred and empathetic approach is essential, along with patience, strong communication skills and the ability to support pupils’ behaviour, attitudes and personal development. The successful candidate will also need to understand the importance of risk management and safe practice when working in outdoor and practical environments.

Although the post will be based predominantly within the Outdoor Education team, you may be required to support across other Alternative Provision settings within the Respect Collaboration Trust where needed. Our Trust and Junction 16 service are continuing to grow and develop, which may lead to further progression opportunities over time.

We understand that our staff team are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and cooperation, with a high regard for personal and professional development. If you feel you have the ability and drive to enable our students to reach their full potential, joining our school also offers many personal benefits including:

• A committed and passionate staff team
• A strong commitment to your continuing professional development and training opportunities
• Outdoor-specific training and CPD to develop your confidence, knowledge and skills
• A supportive environment where your talents will be encouraged, nurtured and rewarded

Junction 16 is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Therefore, the successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and other vetting procedures, including the provision of two good references.

The successful candidate will be able to engage and enthuse our pupils and work cooperatively within a diverse team of professionals from across education and the wider care landscape. Our mantra, “we never give up”, underpins our approach to working with pupils and is a fundamental part of our Junction 16 vision. It is therefore important that the successful candidate can fully embrace and embody this philosophy.

We may undertake an online check for shortlisted candidates.