training and education
Safeguarding & Prevent
Location: Somerset
Contract Type: Short-Term / Temporary
Salary: Competitive (dependent on experience)
About Our Client's School
Randstad Education is proud to partner with an approved independent special school in Somerset catering to pupils from Key Stage 2 through to Secondary and Post-16. All young people at this school have Special Educational Needs (SEN) as their primary need, alongside unique sensory and nurturing requirements.
Many of the students arrive with a history of poor attendance, placement gaps, and exclusions, meaning they have missed significant periods of education. The school's curriculum is entirely bespoke, creative, and active-designed specifically to re-engage these students, inspire them, and help them acquire vital life skills. It's a significant challenge, but one their dedicated team meets every day with boundless energy and enthusiasm.
The Role: Why We Need You
On behalf of our client, we are seeking an exceptional, energetic SEN Teaching Assistant for a short-term placement who can bring the classroom outside. The school passionately believes that active, hands-on learning is the key to re-engaging young people.
In this role, you won't just be supporting academics; you will be utilising outdoor education to build resilience, trust, and self-esteem.
Key Responsibilities:
Supporting pupils (KS2 to Post-16) with diverse SEN, sensory, and nurturing needs on a 1:1 or small-group basis.
Assisting in the delivery of an active, exciting curriculum, with a specific focus on outdoor education and Forest School initiatives.
Building exceptionally strong, trust-based relationships to support pupils' academic, personal, and social development.
Managing challenging behaviours with empathy, patience, and positive de-escalation strategies.
Helping pupils overcome barriers to learning caused by previous educational gaps.
What We Are Looking For:
Experience: Proven experience working within an SEN setting.
Outdoor Expertise: Strong experience or qualifications in Outdoor Education, Forest School, or outdoor learning environments. You must be comfortable leading and supporting activities in all weathers!
Attributes: High energy, enthusiasm, and a resilient nature. You need to be a team player who can think on your feet.
Values: A deep commitment to safeguarding and child protection. (A thorough understanding of the latest Keeping Children Safe in Education guidelines is essential).
How to Apply & Contact Information
If you have the passion to motivate vulnerable young people and want to make a real difference in a short space of time, Randstad wants to hear from you today!
To Apply: Please email your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your outdoor education experience to hannah.joyner@randstad.co.uk.
To Discuss the Role: For more information or an informal chat about this position, please call 01293 527416.
