Learning Support Assistant

Permanent, Term Time Only - 40 weeks per year

Start Date:

January, 2026

Hours:

Organisation:
The Outdoors Group

Closing Date: 04/01/2026

Location:

South Brent OR Shillingford (Exeter)

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 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 a vacancy for 1:1 Learning Support Assistants in South Brent OR Shillingford (Exeter). 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.

Please note: this vacancy may close early if we receive a high number of applications.

The Outdoors School recognise our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils and expects all staff, governors, and volunteers to share this commitment. We recognise that all children, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or SEND have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse.

We endeavour to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected and valued. We are alert to the signs of abuse, neglect and exploitation and follow our procedures to ensure that children receive effective support, protection, and justice. We listen to our pupils and take seriously what they tell us, children are aware of the adults they can talk to if they have a concern.

When there are concerns for a child’s welfare, we may need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies. We will ensure concerns are discussed with parents/carers first unless we have reason to believe that by doing so would be contrary to the child’s welfare. This Child Protection and Safeguarding policy underpins and guides our safeguarding procedures and protocols.

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.

• To be responsible for the safeguarding and promotion of the welfare of children
• 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 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…