Job Title: Outbounds Teaching Assistant
Salary: £21,000 with potential to increase depending on experience
Hours: 8:30am-3:30pm
Line Manager: SENDCO
Main Purpose:
The TA will:
* Work with the outbounds class teacher to raise the learning and attainment of pupils
* Promote pupils' independence, self-esteem and social inclusion
* Give support to pupils, individually or in groups, so they can access the curriculum, take part in learning, and experience a sense of achievement
Outdoor TA Duties and responsibilities
Are you passionate about the outdoors and eager to inspire the next generation through adventure and discovery? VASE Academy is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Teaching Assistant to join our Outdoor Education team.
As part of our dedicated staff, you will support the delivery of a wide range of exciting outdoor activities, including:
* Bushcraft and survival skill
* Climbing and archery
* Kayaking and water-based activities
* Hiking and navigation
* Residential trips and outdoor expeditions
* Animal care and environmental learning
This role provides hands-on experience in both education and adventure, making it ideal for those considering a career in outdoor education, teaching, or youth development.
What We're Looking For:
* Enthusiasm for working with young people in an outdoor setting
* Experience in any outdoor discipline (e.g., from residential camps, activity centers, or outdoor pursuits)
* A team player with strong communication and interpersonal skills
* Willingness to learn and support a wide variety of activities
* A positive attitude and a commitment to safety and inclusivity
What We Offer:
* The chance to work in a supportive school setting with a strong focus on experiential learning
* Opportunities to gain valuable skills in outdoor instruction and education
* Experience that will benefit those looking to progress into teaching or professional outdoor roles
* A vibrant and rewarding work environment where no two days are the same
If you're ready to take on an exciting challenge and grow your skills in outdoor education, we'd love to hear from you.
Teaching and learning
* Demonstrate an informed and efficient approach to teaching and learning by adopting relevant strategies to support the work of the teacher and increase achievement of all pupils including, where appropriate, those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
* Promote, support and facilitate inclusion by encouraging participation of all pupils in learning and extracurricular activities
* Support the teaching of a broad and balanced curriculum aimed at pupils achieving their full potential in all areas of learning
* Use effective behaviour management strategies consistently in line with the school's policy and procedures
* Support class teachers with maintaining good order and discipline among pupils, managing behaviour effectively to ensure a good and safe learning environment
* Organise and manage teaching space and resources to help maintain a stimulating and safe learning environment
* Observe pupil performance and pass observations on to the class teacher
* Supervise a class if the teacher is temporarily unavailable
* Use ICT skills to advance pupils' learning
* Undertake any other relevant duties given by the Teaching and Learning Lead
Planning
* Contribute to effective assessment and planning by supporting the monitoring, recording and reporting of pupil performance and progress as appropriate to the level of the role
* Read and understand lesson plans shared prior to lessons, if available
* Prepare the classroom for lessons
Working with staff, parents/carers and relevant professionals
* Communicate effectively with other staff members and pupils, and with parents and carers under the direction of the class teacher
* Communicate their knowledge and understanding of pupils to other school staff and education, health and social care professionals, so that informed decision making can take place on intervention and provision
* Contribute to meetings with parents and carers by providing feedback on pupil progress, attainment and barriers to learning, as directed by teachers
* With the class teacher, keep other professionals accurately informed of performance and progress, or concerns they may have about the pupils they work with
* Understand their role in order to be able to work collaboratively with classroom teachers and other colleagues, including specialist advisory teachers
* Collaborate and work with colleagues and other relevant professionals within and beyond the school
* Develop effective professional relationships with colleagues
Health and safety
* Promote the safety and wellbeing of pupils, and help to safeguard pupils' wellbeing by following the requirements of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and our school's child protection policy
* Look after children who are upset or have had accidents
Other areas of responsibility
Safeguarding
* Work in line with statutory safeguarding guidance (e.g. Keeping Children Safe in Education, Prevent) and our safeguarding and child protection policies
* Promote the safeguarding of all pupils in the school
The TA will be required to follow school policies and the staff code of conduct.
Please note, this is illustrative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the role. It is not a comprehensive list of all tasks that the TA will carry out. The postholder may be required to do other duties appropriate to the level of the role, as directed by the line manager.
Personal Specification
CRITERIA
QUALITIES
Qualifications and training
* Level 2/3 TA qualification or equivalent
* GCSE educated with Math and English
* Safeguarding qualification
* Team Teach trained
* First Aid trained or willingness to complete
Experience
* Experience in any outdoor discipline (e.g., from residential camps, activity centres, or outdoor pursuits)
* Experience working in a school environment or other educational setting
* Experience working with children / young people
* Experience planning and delivering learning activities
* Experience of planning and leading teaching and learning activities (under supervision)
Knowledge, skills and aptitude
* Good literacy and numeracy skills
* Good organisational skills
* Ability to build effective working relationships with pupils and adults
* Skills and expertise in understanding the needs of all pupils
* Knowledge of how to help adapt and deliver support to meet individual needs
* Subject and curriculum knowledge relevant to the role, and ability to apply this effectively in supporting teachers and pupils
* Excellent verbal communication skills
* Active listening skills
* The ability to remain calm in stressful situations
* Knowledge of guidance and requirements around safeguarding children
* Good ICT skills, particularly using ICT to support learning
* Understanding of roles and responsibilities within the classroom and whole school context
Personal development and qualities
* Enjoyment of working with children
* Sensitivity and understanding, to help build good relationships with pupils
* A commitment to getting the best outcomes for all pupils, and promoting the ethos and values of the school
* Commitment to maintaining confidentiality at all times
* Commitment to safeguarding pupil's wellbeing and equality
* Resilient, positive, forward looking and enthusiastic about making a difference
* Capacity to inspire, motivate and challenge children and young people
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From £21,000.00 per year
Application question(s):
* Do you hold a Level 3 TA qualification or equivalent?
* Do you have experience in any outdoor discipline (e.g., from residential camps, activity centres, or outdoor pursuits). If so, please could you specify below?
Work Location: In person