Outdoor Education Support Assistant

Permanent
- Term-Time (40 weeks per year)

Start Date:

February, 2026

Hours:

37.5 Organisation:
The Outdoors Group Ltd Closing Date: 04/01/2026

Location:

Community-based within Okehampton OR Honiton with travel between sites and learner pickups from home. About the outdoors group

The Outdoors Group is a pioneering ‘for purpose’ organisation based in the county of Devon, providing opportunities for children, young people and adults to access education, training and fun experiences in outdoor settings. We are all about creating a fun and fantastic place to work with a strong emphasis on work-life balance as part of a community of like-minded people, focusing on providing excellent opportunities for all our learners, customers and staff.

The Outdoors School is an Independent Special School that is based solely outside in a woodland setting for learners with SEMH and ASD needs. 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.

We are looking for a Outdoor Education Support Assistant to work closely with the other members of their team, to deliver learner centred learning opportunities, ensuring they differentiate lesson plans and schemes of work to apply to the individual needs of their learner.

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 Outdoor Education Support Assistant involves working closely with individual learners, on a 1:1 or 2:1 basis, to deliver outdoor, creative sessions that promote responsibility, challenge, and a growth mindset. Activities include team-building, problem-solving, and practical projects that help learners progress academically and emotionally, sometimes in home or community settings.

Training and ongoing professional development are essential, with a focus on delivering the best support tailored to each learner’s needs.

Job Purpose
Support the educational, emotional, and social development of children and young people through curriculum support, enrichment activities, trips, and transport coordination- primarily outdoors in woodland and community settings. Work may include detached outreach and one-to-one support.

Key Responsibilities

Deliver personalised support and interventions in line with learner plans

Foster positive relationships and promote wellbeing

Maintain accurate records and communicate with staff, families, and professionals

Work flexibly across multiple sites, including detached and community settings

Support behaviour management and contribute to assessments and reviews

Engage in training, supervision, and continuous professional development

Key Considerations

Work outdoors in all weather conditions; physically demanding tasks including hiking and use of hand tools

Support learners who may display challenging behaviours with empathy and firmness

Comply with safeguarding, lone working, and travel policies, including DBS checks and relevant training

Additional Info

Must adhere to safeguarding, lone working, and travel policies

Enhanced DBS and relevant training required

Driving licence, and business insurance may be necessary depending on duties

• Knowledge and understanding of autism and PDA profiles
• Knowledge of literacy and/or numeracy intervention packages
• 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…