Job Description

Location: Burnley / Woodlands Area, Lancashire (BB11)

Start Date: September 2026

Contract Type: Full Academic Year (Sept 2026 - July 2027)

Salary: Paid to NJC Scale from Day 1

About the Role

Are you a hands-on, energetic individual who believes that nature is the best classroom? Do you want to swap the constraints of a traditional four-walled classroom for a 26-acre outdoor learning environment?

We are actively recruiting a resilient and creative Outdoor Teaching Assistant for a unique, specialized education setting in the Burnley/Woodlands area starting September 2026. This is a dedicated 1:1 role working with secondary-aged pupils who are currently disengaged from mainstream schooling, often facing complex Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges, trauma, or SEN pathways.

Instead of managing a huge class, your focus will be entirely on one young person. You will use the natural environment-woodlands, practical hands-on projects, and active outdoor tasks-as a therapeutic catalyst to rebuild their confidence, help them regulate their emotions, and guide them back into a routine of successful learning.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide dedicated 1:1 academic, behavioural, and emotional support to a secondary-aged pupil within a specialised outdoor learning provision.

  • Incorporate the natural woodland environment into daily learning, utilising bushcraft, basic survival skills, sports, and land-based activities to deliver core curriculum concepts.

  • De-escalate challenging behaviour calmly and effectively using trauma-informed approaches and positive reinforcement.

  • Work alongside the inclusion team and SENCO to implement specific targets outlined in the student's Individual Education Program (IEP).

  • Act as a stable, predictable, and positive adult role model, setting firm, professional, and safe boundaries.

What We Are Looking For

  • Experience: A proven track record of working with young people, particularly those exhibiting challenging behaviour or complex SEMH needs. Backgrounds in Forest Schools, outdoor pursuit centres, sports coaching, youth work, or residential care are highly valued.

  • Passion for the Outdoors: You must be genuinely enthusiastic about working outdoors in all weather conditions (rain, shine, or mud!) and bringing an active, high-energy approach to the school day.

  • Mindset: Exceptional emotional intelligence, thick skin, and absolute resilience. You must be able to remain entirely calm and boundaries under pressure.

  • Qualifications: Level 2 or 3 Teaching Assistant qualifications or specialised outdoor education certs (e.g., Forest School Leader, Bushcraft, Outward Bound) are a major advantage, but character and experience are prioritised.

What We Offer

  • Fair, Ethical Pay: We do not use flat agency rates. You are paid directly to the local NJC scale from Day 1, ensuring your unique skillset and experience are fairly compensated.

  • Unrivaled Working Environment: Spend your working days across stunning woodland spaces, fishing lakes, and creative non-traditional learning zones.

  • True Long-Term Stability: A secure, guaranteed full-time contract running for the entire 2026/2027 academic year.

  • Work-Life Balance: Working fixed school hours (Mon-Fri, approx. 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM), term-time only. Enjoy your evenings, weekends, and all school holidays free.

How to Apply

If you are ready to trade the standard classroom for a rewarding, active career in the great outdoors, we want to hear from you today.

Please click 'Apply Now' to upload your updated CV highlighting your outdoor or youth mentoring experience, or contact our Lancashire Alternative Provision Recruitment Team directly for an immediate callback.