Teaching Assistant (SEND/general) - Outdoor Nature school - 3 days per week

This is an incredible opportunity to be a part of the development of a unique and brand new type of school. Wildwood Nature School is a non-profit, independent, nature-based primary school, committed to offering equal access for all families through free and reduced-fee places. Our ethos is all about supporting children’s well-being. We do this by: 

• spending at least half of the day outdoors in nature 
• following the Forest School principles
• building a strong, inclusive community
• championing play and creativity 
• empowering children with a democratic approach

At Wildwood Nature School we are passionate about learning though play (especially outdoors), and the positive effect it has on children. We love being in the woods or on the Heath with the children. To join our team you will need to share this passion and be committed to working hard to ensure that the children have the best experience possible every day they are with us, and that we make the most of our amazing setting in the woods. 

The job

This role will be a mix of providing 1-1 support for a particular child and general TA work, supporting all the children and our team of teachers. 

Our 1-1 SEND support practitioners play a key role. They support children who have significant additional needs that can’t be met by the regular school provision. 1-1 practitioners can, and do of course, interact and support other children, but their key job is to support the enjoyment, learning and development of the child to whom they’re assigned, through gaining a deep understanding of the person they are supporting and delivering a tailored, planned approach and programme of activities.

They do not have key children but could be asked to take responsibility for groups of children for parts of the day and cover a group for a whole day when a practitioner is absent.

This role is a very special opportunity to make a huge positive difference to the life of a child who, for a range of reasons, may be struggling that bit more than their peers to engage with and enjoy all that school and the world has to offer. We have lots of children who find that the outdoor setting supports their needs much better than an indoor space, which gives us an incredible opportunity to create a setting that integrates and celebrates neurodivergence.

This job is part-time, 16 hours per week over 3–4 days.

Fixed term to the end of July 2025, possibly to continue into the following year, depending on EHCP funding.

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Please read the applicant info pack for full details of the role and person specification.

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To apply, please complete the Wildwood Nature School application form.