Forest School Teaching Assistant - SEMH Secondary School

Location: West Sussex
Pay: £95-£100 per day
Contract: Full-Time, Temp-to-Perm after 12 weeks
Start Date: September 2026

Are you passionate about outdoor learning, working with young people and helping students build confidence?

Do you have experience in youth work, sports coaching, outdoor education, support work, SEMH or education?

NextGen Teachers are recruiting a Forest School Teaching Assistant to join a specialist secondary SEMH school in West Sussex from September 2026.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys being active, working outdoors and building positive relationships with young people who may have struggled in a traditional classroom environment.

You'll support students aged 11-16 through Forest School, outdoor learning and practical activities, helping them develop confidence, resilience, independence, teamwork and emotional regulation.

About the Role

You'll work alongside teachers and therapeutic staff to deliver engaging outdoor and practical learning activities.

Your role will include:

• Supporting Forest School and outdoor learning sessions
• Working with students aged 11-16 with SEMH and additional needs
• Supporting bushcraft, woodland and practical activities
• Building positive and trusting relationships with students
• Encouraging confidence, independence and teamwork
• Supporting students with emotional regulation and behaviour
• Helping students engage positively with education
• Working closely with teachers, pastoral staff and therapists
• Creating a safe, structured and encouraging outdoor environment

No two days will be the same, and you'll have the opportunity to see the direct impact your support has on young people's confidence and development.

Your Experience

This role could suit candidates from a range of backgrounds, including:

Teaching Assistant | SEN Teaching Assistant | SEND Teaching Assistant | Learning Support Assistant | Behaviour Mentor | Learning Mentor | Youth Worker | Residential Support Worker | Sports Coach | Outdoor Instructor | Forest School Practitioner | SEMH Support Worker | Alternative Provision Worker

Experience working with young people is essential.

Previous school experience is beneficial but not essential if you have relevant transferable experience.

We're Looking For Someone Who Is:

• Passionate about supporting young people
• Calm, patient and resilient
• Confident building positive relationships
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
• Active and enthusiastic about practical learning
• Able to support behaviour and emotional regulation
• A strong team player
• Interested in developing a career within specialist education

Forest School qualification or experience is desirable but not essential.

A full UK driving licence or ability to get own transport is a requirement due to the location of the role.

Why Apply?

• £95-£100 per day
• Full-time position
• Genuine temp-to-permanent opportunity after 12 weeks
• September 2026 start
• Weekly pay
• Free safeguarding and CPD training
• Specialist experience within an SEMH setting
• Small class sizes
• Supportive and experienced staff team
• Opportunity to develop outdoor learning and SEND experience
• Dedicated consultant support throughout your placement

This could be an excellent opportunity if you're considering a future career in teaching, youth work, outdoor education, counselling, psychology, behaviour support or specialist SEND education.

Why Work with NextGen Teachers?

NextGen Teachers specialise in education recruitment across West Sussex and Surrey. We'll support you throughout the recruitment process, help you prepare for interview and provide ongoing support throughout your placement.

Apply Today

If you love working outdoors, supporting young people and doing something different every day, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

Apply today to be considered for this Forest School Teaching Assistant role in West Sussex, or contact NextGen Teachers to find out more.

Huntress does not discriminate on the grounds of age, race, gender, disability, creed or sexual orientation and complies with all relevant UK legislation. PLEASE NOTE! You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to your situation before applying for any jobs. We are acting as a Recruitment Business in relation to this role.