JOB:Teaching Assistant – Forest School Support (SEMH Focus)

Location: Forest Schooling UK CIC, Kingston Upon Thames

Salary: £ 13,680  Mon - Thur 9.00am - 3.00pm  (Term Time only)

Contract Type: Self Employed

Start Date: Sept 2025

Job Summary:

We are seeking a compassionate, resilient, and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to support our new Forest School provision for children and young people aged 8–16 with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. This is a largely outdoor-based role, providing hands-on support in delivering  therapeutic and educational activities in our new woodland. The successful candidate will help facilitate a safe, nurturing environment that promotes emotional regulation, social development, and learning through child led nature-based experiences. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the delivery of Forest School sessions in line with the ethos and principles of Forest School learning. Including providing and delivering activity ideas. 

• Work directly with SEMH pupils to encourage engagement, build trust, and promote positive behaviour.

• Assist in preparing and maintaining the outdoor learning environment (e.g., setting up equipment, ensuring safety).

• Provide individual and small-group support to pupils during outdoor and, occasionally, indoor activities.

• Promote emotional well-being and model appropriate behaviour and communication.

• Recognise and respond appropriately to signs of distress, anxiety, or challenging behaviour.

• Foster a positive, respectful, and inclusive atmosphere where pupils feel safe and valued.

• Support pupils with personal care and practical tasks where required.

• Assist in monitoring pupil progress and behaviour and contribute to planning, reviews, and reports.

• Work collaboratively with Forest School staff, Teaching Staff, SENCOs, and external professionals as needed.

• Ensure health and safety procedures and safeguarding policies are followed at all times.

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Experience working with children or young people with SEMH or similar challenging needs

• Enthusiastic about outdoor learning and working in all weather conditions

• Ability to build positive, trusting relationships with pupils

• Resilience, patience, and a calm, empathetic approach to challenging behaviour

• Good communication and team-working skills, including a sense of humour

• Understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures

Desirable:

• Relevant qualifications (e.g., Level 2 or 3 Teaching Assistant, Forest School training)

• First Aid certification, including outdoor or paediatric first aid

• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice and therapeutic approaches

• Experience in outdoor education, bushcraft, or environmental learning

Additional Information:

• This role involves working outdoors throughout the year in various weather conditions.

• Regular training and support will be provided.

• The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and reference checks.

Fill in the application form here You will be required to Upload your CV. Closing date for applications is Closing Date 21st May Interviews Week of 2nd June