Job Description

Horticultural Teaching Assistant
Location: Poole
Salary: 13.68 - 16.12 per hour (Depending on Experience)
Start Date: Immediate
Contract Type: Full-time/Part-time
Are you passionate about horticulture and supporting young learners in their personal and academic development?
GSL Education are currently seeking a dedicated Horticultural Teaching Assistant to join schools based in Poole. This role provides a unique opportunity to combine your knowledge of plants, gardening, and outdoor learning with helping students thrive in a nurturing educational environment. A valid driving license and willingness to drive are highly desirable for this position.
About the Role:
As a Horticultural Teaching Assistant, you will support students through hands-on horticultural activities, both in the classroom and outdoor learning spaces. The role involves promoting creativity, wellbeing, and teamwork while assisting teachers in delivering engaging lessons. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals who are enthusiastic about nature, sustainability, and education.
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 of a Horticultural Teaching Assistant:

• Support teachers in delivering horticultural and outdoor learning activities.
• Assist students in developing practical gardening skills and environmental awareness.
• Work with students individually or in small groups to encourage engagement and participation.
• Help maintain outdoor learning areas including gardens, allotments, and greenhouses.
• Provide 1:1 or small group support for students who may need extra guidance.
• Foster a positive and inclusive learning environment that promotes personal and social growth.
• Contribute to lesson planning and activity preparation in collaboration with teaching staff.
• Ensure health and safety procedures are maintained during all activities.

Horticultural Teaching Assistant Requirements:

• Previous experience in education, horticulture, or working with young people.
• A valid driving license and willingness to drive (essential).
• A relevant qualification in education, childcare, or horticulture is desirable.
• CACHE Level 2/3, NVQ Level 2/3 in Childcare, or relevant qualifications (desired but not essential).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Enthusiasm for outdoor education and sustainable practices.
• Ability to motivate and inspire students through creative and practical activities.

Why Join GSL Education?

• Competitive pay rates.
• Flexible working opportunities.
• Dedicated consultants committed to your professional growth.
• Opportunities to make a real difference in education.

To work with GSL Education as a Horticultural Teaching Assistant, you should:

• Have the right to work in the UK.
• Have an up-to-date CV with two relevant references from within the last 2 years.
• Have a DBS registered to the update service or be happy to apply for one with GSL Education.

Please be advised that this role requires a strong knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection, and 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, independent recruitment agency, GSL Education are committed to providing quality teaching and support staff across the UK.
For more information or to register your interest in the "Horticultural Teaching Assistant" 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.