Job Description

Location: Kirklees, Leeds, Calderdale, Wakefield, Doncaster, Shropshire Contract: Freelance / Term-time (with scope for regular, long-term bookings) Pay: Leaders 120-145/day | Assistants 90-100/day Why Choose Us? There are plenty of freelance gigs out there, but this is different. At TAO, you will not just be another instructor ticking off sessions. You will be part of a nationally recognised, innovative Alternative Provision that is rewriting what education and care look like for young people aged 7-18. Here, your skills make a direct, life-changing impact on children and teenagers who have struggled in mainstream settings. Every day is purposeful, every session is meaningful, and you will leave knowing you have genuinely made a difference. The Role Deliver or assist with canoeing, climbing, bushcraft, caving, walking, mountain biking, and mindfulness. Work in small groups (3 pupils, 2 staff) allowing for real focus and quality interaction. Support pupils to build confidence, resilience, and qualifications that open doors for their futures. Be part of a tight-knit, supportive team who look out for each other as much as the young people. Standard day: 9:00am pick up to 2:30pm drop off. What Makes Us Different Regular, guaranteed bookings without chasing piecemeal work. Investment in you: We provide specialist CPD such as emotional coaching, safeguarding updates, trauma-informed practice, resilience frameworks, and outdoor activity qualifications. Culture and community: We hold regular staff socials including an annual end-of-year residential (last year we all headed to North Wales, fully funded). A chance to be part of a model that is influencing national SEND and AP practice. You will not just work here, you will belong here. Who We're Looking For Leaders: Skilled in outdoor education, youth work, or teaching, with strong delivery and behaviour management. Assistants: Enthusiastic, reliable, and keen to learn while making a difference. Everyone: Committed to trauma-informed, resilience-based practice and willing to go the extra mile for young people. Essentials Enhanced DBS (or willingness to obtain). Safeguarding knowledge. NGB awards Team player with adaptability. Nice to Have Experience in SEND/SEMH or alternative education. Experience of trauma informed practice. How to Apply: Send your CV and a short covering note to management@taoactivities.co.uk with the subject line AP Staff Application - Leader/Assistant. About TAO TAO is a pioneering alternative provision and registered school model that integrates outdoor education, therapy, and academic learning. We specialise in supporting young people with SEND and SEMH needs through a closed-loop approach that blends alternative provision, schools, residentials, and post-16 pathways. Our model is built on trauma-informed and resilience-based practice, ensuring every pupil has the chance to re-engage, succeed, and move forward with confidence. Find Out More About Us For more information about TAO and our unique approach, please see below and watch our YouTube video which provides the full background to our work: Watch the video here

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temporary
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: 90.00-150.00 per day

Expected hours: 6 - 30 per week

Benefits:

Employee discount
Ability to commute/relocate:

Huddersfield HD1: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Education:

GCSE or equivalent (required)
Licence/Certification:

Driving Licence (required) DBS (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Willingness to travel:

25% (preferred)
Work Location: In person