FOREST SCHOOL TA3

Ref 196329
Number of Posts 1
Grade Grade 6 Point scale 11 to 19.
Salary £27269 to £ 31067 Pro-Rata
Term Part-time.
Perm / FTC Permanent.
Required (1/9/25 ) .
Hours 33 hours a week.
Closing Date 04/06/2025.
Location
Kingsbury Primary School, School Lane, Chapel House, Skelmersdale, Lancashire, WN8 8EH (133 on roll)

Tel: 01695 722991
School website: www.kingsburyprimaryschool.co.uk/
Summary
Level 3 Teaching Assistant – Forest School Support

Purpose of the Role:

To support the delivery of high-quality Forest School sessions for pupils with a range of special educational needs, working under the direction of the Forest School Lead. The role involves promoting engagement, wellbeing, and skill development through outdoor learning, as well as maintaining the Forest School area to ensure it is a safe, inspiring, and inclusive environment. Some classroom Level 3 Teaching Assistant duties required.

Key Responsibilities:

Supporting Children’s Learning and Development:

  • Work closely with pupils during Forest School sessions, encouraging active participation, curiosity, and independence.
  • Help pupils work towards Forest School and personal development targets.
  • Provide 1:1 or small group support as required, using a nurturing and child-centred approach.
  • Adapt activities to meet the diverse needs of pupils, ensuring accessibility for all abilities.

    Supporting the Forest School Lead:

  • Assist with session preparation, delivery, and tidy-up, ensuring the smooth running of activities.
  • Collaborate in the planning and review of outdoor learning sessions.
  • Offer input on pupil progress, behaviour, and engagement during Forest School.

    Leading Activities (under direction):

  • Confidently lead small groups in practical Forest School activities such as tool use, nature exploration, den building, or sensory play.
  • Encourage the development of outdoor skills in line with pupils' individual needs and EHCP targets.

    Site Maintenance and Development:

  • Support the upkeep and development of the Forest School and garden areas.
  • Take part in practical site tasks such as planting, weeding, small construction projects, and resource organisation.
  • Ensure all tools and materials are used safely and stored appropriately.

    Health, Safety & Safeguarding:

  • Promote and maintain a safe outdoor learning environment at all times.
  • Follow school policies on safeguarding, risk assessments, and behaviour.
  • Support emotional regulation and wellbeing in outdoor settings through consistent, compassionate support.

    Kingsbury Primary Special School Offers:

  • A supportive and welcoming staff team.
  • A strong focus on inclusive, child-led learning through nature.
  • Ongoing professional development opportunities.
  • A chance to make a real difference in the lives of children with additional needs.

    To Apply:
    Please visit our website or contact admin@kingsbury.lancs.sch.uk for an application form.
    Closing Date: 4th June 2025
    Interview Date: 12th June 2025

    Please note that in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024, an online search will be carried out as part of our due diligence on shortlisted candidates.

    Please note CVs are not accepted, to apply for this vacancy you need to complete the application form attached.
  • Essential Qualifications
    See Person Specification and the following 

  • Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification (or equivalent).
  • Experience working with children with SEND.
  • Passion for outdoor learning and child-centred approaches.
  • Willingness to work in all weather conditions and engage in physically active tasks.
  • Strong communication skills and a team player.

  • Desirable Qualifications
    See Person Specification and the following 
    Desirable:
  • Experience or training in Forest School or outdoor education.
  • Knowledge of sensory processing and behaviour strategies.
  • First Aid or Forest School First Aid training.

  • Essential Experience

    See Person Specification 

    Desirable Experience

    See Person Specification 

    For an informal discussion please contact:
    Please contact school on 01695 722991 for more details
    Proposed Interview Date:
    12/06/2025 
    Equal Opportunities statement
    An Equal Opportunities Employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community
    Rehabilitation
    Rehabilitation The post you are applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). If successful you will be required to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for a 'disclosure'. Information provided by you or the Disclosure and Barring Service will be dealt with in a confidential manner in accordance with the DBS's Code of Practice. You may view the Code of Practice on the DBS website at www.gov.uk/dbs or alternatively a copy is available on request. Lancashire County Council has a Handling of DBS Certificate Information Policy and a Policy Statement on the Recruitment of Ex-offenders this is available from the recruiting manager to applicants who are asked to complete a DBS application.

    Applications and further details are available from/returnable to

    Address: See Application form on job advert . Completed application forms to be returned to admin@kingsbury.lancs.sch.uk
    Positive about Disabled People 

    The County Council is committed to equality of opportunity for all people in terms of recruitment, selection and employment, and is a Disability Confident employer, which means that all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria in the person specification will be interviewed. However, commitment to this standard is on an individual school basis and, therefore, if you are applying for a position within a school, you will need to check with the school whether they have made the decision to comply with this standard.

    Disability Confident employer Lancashire County Council

    Please note that we can only consider applications from candidates who are legally entitled to work in the UK.

    We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.