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SEN Teaching Assistant

Job details
Posting date: 01 June 2026
Salary: £92.56 to £95 per day
Additional salary information: PAYE, Referral Bonus
Hours: Full time
Closing date: 01 July 2026
Location: Crewkerne, Somerset, TA18 1AA
Company: Randstad Education
Job type: Permanent
Job reference: PR-1516705:SOU:E_1780322215

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Summary

SEN Teaching Assistant (Outdoor & Forest School Specialist)

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:

  • Driving Licence (Compulsory): Due to the nature of the outdoor curriculum and potential travel between sites, a full, clean UK driving licence is essential for this role.

  • 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 a valid driving licence, 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 and SEN 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.

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