Outdoor Learning Practitioner (Specialist Teaching Assistant)
Job Summary
Working Pattern:
Full time - term time
Advert Start Date:
19/10/2026
Advert End Date:
06/11/2026 12:00
Salary:
Grade F, SCP 14-19, £26,492 - £28,752 per annum actual (term time only), at rates from 1 April 2026, plus Special School Allowance £1,590 per annum pro rata. Grade E, SCP 8-11, £24,056 - £25,238 per annum actual considered for a Level 3 TA qualification.
Job Category:
Schools - Teaching Assistant
Employment Location:
Low Fell, Gateshead
Further Information
About the role:
We are looking for a passionate and creative Outdoor Learning Practitioner to lead and develop outdoor learning in our woodland at Cedars Academy: an all-through specialist academy in Gateshead for children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans.
You will help children and young people with complex SEND experience the outdoors in ways that are meaningful, motivating and right for them.
You will work with pupils from early years to Key Stage 4, planning sensory-rich sessions that build communication, emotional regulation, confidence and independence. The role suits someone with experience of working with children or young people, who combines strong outdoor skills with empathy, imagination and curiosity about how children with complex needs learn. If you hold a Level 3 qualification and want to develop, we can support the right person to complete the relevant certifications, either the HLTA programme or the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship, while you work with us, with time to study and a mentor to support you.
Key duties:
• Lead and develop a safe, inclusive and inspiring outdoor learning programme across the school.
• Plan and deliver engaging, progressive sessions in our woodland classroom, adapting them for a wide range of physical, sensory, cognitive and emotional needs.
• Write, review and implement risk assessments for sites, tools, fires and activities, and maintain equipment.
• Work with the extended leadership team, teachers and therapists to develop a responsive curriculum.
• Record and share progress against EHCP outcomes and Personal Learning Plans.
• Mentor and support teaching assistants, modelling good practice outdoors.
• Support extracurricular clubs and cross-curricular outdoor learning.
Person requirements:
Essential:
- a recognised qualification in outdoor activities, with knowledge of flora and fauna;
- a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification or equivalent experience, and willingness to complete the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship if not already held;
- willingness to work towards Level 3 Forest School Leadership if not already held;
- practical experience of leading outdoor learning with children or young people;
- confidence assessing risk and keeping high standards of safeguarding and safety;
- empathy, good organisation and calmness when plans change;
- ability to work on uneven terrain and outdoors for long periods in all weathers, and to handle equipment, with reasonable adjustments considered.
Desirable:
- Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant qualification or HLTA status;
- an Outdoor First Aid certificate, which the Academy will fund if you do not hold one;
- Level 3 Certificate in Forest School Leadership;
- Level 2 English and maths, GCSE grade 4 or C or Functional Skills;
- experience with children or young people with SEND or complex needs, Forest School practice, or mentoring colleagues.
Salary and hours:
Grade F, SCP 14 to 19, 26,492 to 28,752 pounds per annum, term time only, at rates from 1 April 2026, for candidates with a Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant qualification, HLTA status or equivalent experience.
All posts also receive the Special School Allowance of 1,590 pounds per annum, pro rata to term time only.
We will also consider appointing the right candidate with a Level 3 TA qualification at Grade E, SCP 8 to 11, 24,056 to 25,238 pounds per annum, with our support to complete the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship or HLTA accreditation.
Permanent. Full time, term time only, 37 hours per week, 195 days.
Start November 2026, or as soon as possible.
Keeping children safe
Cedars Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment procedures, including satisfactory references, an Enhanced DBS check with barred list clearance for children, online searches, and completion of safeguarding training. Any offer is subject to right-to-work checks and a health questionnaire. Cedars is an equal opportunities and Disability Confident employer and will shortlist for interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential criteria for the role.
How to apply:
Apply online via the Apply now link where the full job description and person specification can be downloaded.
If you would like more information or to see our school before you apply, please email Joanne Carr, Deputy Headteacher, at joanne.carr@cedarstrust.org.uk or Gareth Kyle, Academy Business Leader, at gareth.kyle@cedarstrust.org.uk
Closing date: Friday 6 November 2026, 12 noon
Interviews: Wednesday 18 November 2026
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications, so please apply early.