Job Description

11 - 16, mixed, NOR - 1260

"Learning is at the heart of everything we do".

Forest School Assistant and Teaching Assistant

25.5 hours per week, days worked to be negotiated, term time only.

Grade 4 point 5. Actual starting salary for hours worked 14,851.17

Start date: ASAP

Downlands Community School is looking to appoint an enthusiastic and committed Forest School Assistant. The role will involve supporting our Forest School teacher with the delivery of Forest Schools as well as supporting the SEND department as a Teaching Assistant.

The aims of the Forest Schools Course are:

To encourage and inspire through positive experiences and participation in engaging and motivating achievable tasks and activities in a woodland environment

To help develop personal, social and emotional skills, for example independence, self-discovery, confidence, communication skills and raise self-esteem

To learn about the natural environment, how to handle risks and most importantly to use their own initiative to solve problems and co-operate with others

To be a stepping stone for further study or careers in the Landbased industry

There will be an opportunity for the successful candidate to complete a Level 2 Forest School leadership qualification.

Shortlisted applicants will be subject to an online search. This is not part of the short-listing process itself, and you will get a chance to address any issues of concern that some up during the search, at interview. This school and West Sussex County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to an appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service check along with other relevant employment checks, including satisfactory references. Please note it is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging with children.

Staff can access a 30% discount on memberships at Freedom Leisure. Additionally, all members of staff are entitled to a Wellbeing Day each academic year.

The closing date for applications is

09:00 Friday 17th October 2025

though we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date if there are sufficient applications. Interview date to be confirmed. Further details, application and forms can be downloaded from our website http://www.downlands.w-sussex.sch.uk under the "Information" - Vacancies". Once completed, these should be sent to our Recruitment Officer sjohnson@downlands.org

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From 14,851.17 per year

Expected hours: 25.5 per week

Benefits:

On-site gym On-site parking
Work Location: In person