Job Description

Job Title: Forest School Teaching Assistant (TA)
Location: Wareham
Salary: 13.68 - 16.12 per hour (Depending on experience)
Start: Immediate or September 2025
Contract: Full time/Permanent
Are you inspired by the outdoors and eager to make a real impact on the lives of young people with Special Educational Needs?
GSL Education are ready to appoint a Forest School Teaching Assistant to join a unique, specialist education setting based in Wareham. This is a fantastic opportunity to support learners in a nature-based environment where outdoor learning is at the heart of their personal and educational development.
About the School: The school is an education setting based for 16 - 25+ 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:

• Help facilitate outdoor learning sessions based on Forest School principles, fostering independence, curiosity, and personal growth in learners.
• Support young people with Special Educational Needs as they take part in nature-focused activities within woodland and rural environments.
• Collaborate with teaching staff and outdoor specialists to deliver engaging, hands-on lessons that reflect the school's vocational and experiential learning approach.
• Encourage positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing through outdoor-based, therapeutic practices.
• Assist in the setup, upkeep, and safe use of tools, equipment, and natural learning spaces.
• Promote environmental awareness by modelling care and respect for the natural world.
• Provide individual and small group support, adapting activities to meet diverse learning needs and abilities.

Requirements:

• A true enthusiasm for outdoor work and a commitment to supporting young people with Special Educational Needs.
• Background in forest school, outdoor education, or nature-based activities is preferred; Forest School certification is a plus but not required.
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions across a spacious rural setting.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to develop positive and trusting connections with both learners and colleagues.
• Patience, adaptability, and a proactive mindset suited to an active, hands-on role.
• Experience working with SEN individuals is advantageous but not mandatory--full training and ongoing support will be provided.
• Ideally need a valid driving license and be willing to drive.
• An enhanced DBS certificate on the update service or willingness to apply through GSL Education.

Benefits:

• Be part of a forward-thinking team that uses vocational and therapeutic approaches to transform lives.
• Opportunities for professional development, including forest school and SEN training.
• A supportive, inclusive environment where every day makes a difference.

If you're an enthusiastic Forest School Teaching Assistant, looking for your next role in Wareham, we'd love to hear from you.
Please be advised that this role requires a strong knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection and that successful applicants must satis