Outdoor SEN Teaching Assistant (SEN TA)

Job Title: Outdoor SEN Teaching Assistant (SEN TA)
Location: Poole
Salary: GBP13.68 - GBP16.12 per hour (Depending on experience)
Start Date: Immediate or September 2025
Contract Type: Full time/Permanent

Are you ready to take learning beyond the classroom and make a lasting impact through hands-on, nature-based education?

A unique dynamic school in Poole is looking for a committed and enthusiastic Outdoor SEN Teaching Assistant to join their team. You will support students as they engage in practical, vocational activities such as horticulture, agriculture, equine care, and animal husbandry , helping to bridge the gap between education and employment.

About the School: The school is an education setting based for + years old with Special Educational Needs. It is based on 350 acres of beautiful Dorset countryside. The school operate enterprise activities and vocational teaching methods to bridge the gap between education and employment for young people and adults with SEN in Dorset and the local area. The school focuses on vocations like horticulture, agriculture, equine skills and animal care as well as many more, to enrich the lives and education of its pupils.

Responsibilities of the Outdoor SEN Teaching Assistant:

• Support students with SEN during vocational, land-based activities such as horticulture, agriculture, equine care, and animal care, ensuring safe and meaningful participation.
• Encourage student independence, communication, and personal development through hands-on learning experiences in outdoor and enterprise-based environments.
• Assist teachers and instructors in delivering practical lessons that align with the school s curriculum and prepare students for real-world employment opportunities.
• Provide one-to-one or small group support tailored to individual needs, including emotional, social, and behavioural support, in both structured and natural settings.
• Promote and model respect for nature and working environments , helping students understand responsibility, teamwork, and care in outdoor tasks.
• Contribute to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and positive atmosphere across the 350-acre campus, including supporting the use of tools, equipment, and animals responsibly and safely.

Job Requirements:

• Experience working with young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN) particularly those with Autism, ADHD, or learning difficulties in either an educational or care-based setting.
• A strong interest in outdoor, practical learning , with confidence to support activities such as horticulture, animal care, agriculture, or equine work across a large rural campus.
• Resilience and adaptability to work in all weather conditions , supporting students across the school s 350-acre countryside environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills , with the ability to build trusting relationships with students and staff and to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• A patient, proactive, and person-centred approach , with a commitment to promoting independence, employability, and wellbeing through vocational and experiential learning.
• Driving Licence: Ideally need a valid driving license and be willing to drive.
• Enhanced DBS: Have an updated CV ( covering the last ten years barring any unexplained gaps ) and an enhanced DBS registered to the Update Service (or be willing to apply for one).

Why Choose GSL Education?

• Supportive and inclusive school environment.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• Consultant support throughout your placement.

If you're ready to support children in reaching their full potential and are passionate about inclusive education, apply today to become a valued Outdoor SEN Teaching Assistant in Poole .

Please be advised that this role requires a strong knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection and that successful applicants must satisfy all background safer recruitment checks; including providing an enhanced DBS certificate registered on the update service, or completing an application for a new check.

As an ethical, inclusive and independent recruitment agency, GSL Education are committed to providing quality teaching and support staff in schools across the UK.

For more information or to register your interest in the Outdoor SEN Teaching Assistant (SEN TA) role, or to be considered, please click apply now to submit your full and up-to-date CV and one of our dedicated consultants will be in touch.