SEN Teaching Assistant

SEN Teaching Assistant (Outdoor & Forest School Specialist)

Location: Somerset

Contract Type: Short-Term / Temporary

Salary: Competitive (dependent on experience)

Randstad Education is proud to partner with an approved independent special school in Somerset catering to pupils from Key Stage 2 through to Secondary and Post-16
. All young people at this school have Special Educational Needs (SEN) as their primary need, alongside unique sensory and nurturing requirements.

Many of the students arrive with a history of poor attendance, placement gaps, and exclusions, meaning they have missed significant periods of education. The school's curriculum is entirely bespoke, creative, and active-designed specifically to re-engage these students, inspire them, and help them acquire vital life skills. It's a significant challenge, but one their dedicated team meets every day with boundless energy and enthusiasm.

On behalf of our client, we are seeking an exceptional, energetic SEN Teaching Assistant for a short-term placement who can bring the classroom outside. The school passionately believes that active, hands-on learning is the key to re-engaging young people.

In this role, you won't just be supporting academics; you will be utilising outdoor education to build resilience, trust, and self-esteem.

• Supporting pupils (KS2 to Post-16) with diverse SEN, sensory, and nurturing needs on a 1:1 or small-group basis.

• Assisting in the delivery of an active, exciting curriculum, with a specific focus on outdoor education and Forest School initiatives
  .

• Building exceptionally strong, trust-based relationships to support pupils' academic, personal, and social development.

• Managing challenging behaviours with empathy, patience, and positive de-escalation strategies.

• Helping pupils overcome barriers to learning caused by previous educational gaps.

• Driving Licence (Compulsory): Due to the nature of the outdoor curriculum and potential travel between sites, a full, clean UK driving licence is essential for this role.

• Experience: Proven experience working within an SEN setting.

• Outdoor Expertise: Strong experience or qualifications in Outdoor Education, Forest School
  , or outdoor learning environments. You must be comfortable leading and supporting activities in all weathers!

• Attributes: High energy, enthusiasm, and a resilient nature. You need to be a team player who can think on your feet.

• Values: A deep commitment to safeguarding and child protection. (A thorough understanding of the latest Keeping Children Safe in Education guidelines is essential).