Forest School Teaching Assistant

Are you passionate about outdoor learning and helping children thrive in nature? Do you believe that some of the best lessons happen outside the classroom, whatever the weather?

About the role:

We're looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated teaching assistant to join our community-focused and supportive team at Lift Feversham, on a fixed-term basis, with a special focus on supporting our vibrant Forest School provision. We are a friendly and helpful team who are open to applicants with experience within any key stage group. If you love being outdoors, aren't afraid of a bit of mud or rain, and know how to bring nature to life to ignite children's curiosity, we would love to hear from you. This post is also available as a job share where one person supports the Forst School and the other is predominantly based inside the classroom. If you are looking for part-time hours and would either like to be based outdoors or in the classroom, we would welcome an application from you today. This role is initially fixed term until August 2027.

Key responsibilities

Develop an understanding of students' learning needs, including specific SEND needs, in order to support their access to lesson content and achieve the learning objectives. Help students to develop independent learning skills and to manage their own learning. Work in partnership with teachers to plan and deliver high quality lessons, and assess students' learning. Deliver individual and small group targeted interventions within clearly defined parameters, in partnership with teachers. Develop positive relationships with students and promote positive behaviours, consistently applying the academy's behaviour policy. Support the social, emotional, mental health, wellbeing and personal care of all students in line with the academy's policy and procedures. Plan and deliver engaging, inclusive Forest School sessions that promote outdoor learning, creativity, independence and resilience. Provide a safe and stimulating environment where children develop confidence, teamwork, problem-solving skills and an appreciation of nature through practical, hands-on experiences. Support children's physical, social and emotional development through outdoor learning activities. Ensure all Forest School activities comply with safeguarding procedures, appropriate risk assessments and health and safety requirements. You're someone who has Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification as a minimum, alongside GCSEs in English and Maths at Grade 4 or above. Experience supporting in a UK school within the last 2 years. Genuine passion for outdoor education and the resilience to inspire children outside across all seasons and weather conditions. Experience supporting primary-aged children, including familiarity with SEND strategies and early literacy or phonics programmes. Strong grasp of child development and the ability to apply positive behaviour management to foster pupil independence and self-esteem. Excellent interpersonal skills to build warm, positive relationships with children, families, and team members. Flexibility and a proactive approach to bringing nature to life and supporting learning across different school settings. UK right to work.

About the School

At Lift Feversham, we believe in the power of education to ignite creativity and curiosity, unleashing a passion for life that lasts a lifetime. Academic excellence combined with character development is at the core of our educational philosophy. We champion a holistic approach that celebrates the whole child. Our school is an "oasis of joy and hope" (Ofsted 2025) for children, families and the staff.

Who is Lift Schools? Lift Schools is made up of 62 primary, secondary and special schools, educating more than 35,000 pupils across the country. We believe education can transform lives - and we want every child in our schools to achieve their full potential. How we support you We want you to feel supported, valued and able to grow throughout your career with Lift Schools. From high-quality professional development and career progression to wellbeing support and opportunities to connect and collaborate across our network, we invest in you so you can do your best work.