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Outdoor Education Instructor (HLTA)

About us:

High Well School is a SEND school which caters for 9-16-year-olds with an Education Health & Care Plan for severe and profound social, emotional, and mental health needs as well as other learning difficulties. The school meets the needs of some of Wakefield’s most complex and vulnerable young people. We are a growing school on our journey to be outstanding.

 Our team endeavours to provide a nurturing environment with personalised support and specialist teaching to enable all pupils to re-engage in learning, develop their social and emotional skills, and leave with not only appropriate qualifications but the skills required to succeed in life after school. This is reflected in our vision of ‘Preparing for Positive Futures.’

Overview of the role:

 We are seeking to appoint a talented and committed Outdoor Education Instructor to:

- Plan and deliver outdoor learning, leading and providing outstanding opportunities for SEMH development and learning outside the classroom.

- Facilitate outdoor learning activities that complement the National Curriculum, helping students engage with their environment and learn through exploration.

- Support SEND students in developing practical skills, environmental awareness, and a connection with nature.

- Assist in planning and delivering structured outdoor lessons, which may include activities like hiking, gardening, wildlife observation, water sports, skiing and basic survival skills.

- Promote a safe, respectful, and inclusive outdoor learning environment.

- Work closely with teachers, therapists, and families to ensure consistent support and integration of outdoor education into the students' overall learning plans.

- Maintain accurate records of students' progress and adapt activities to meet individual needs and abilities.

committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people

Personal attributes

 

Essential

Desirable

Qualifications/ Training

 

 

GCSEs in English and Maths (Grade A-C or equivalent).

 

Level 2 Numeracy & Literacy.

 

Higher Level Teaching Assistant status or working towards this. (Level 4).

 

Relevant qualifications in outdoor education or environmental sciences.

 

 

 

Management qualification

e.g. Level 3 ILM Certificate in First Line Management

 

OR

 

Level 4 ILM Endorsed Certificate (Skills for Middle Leaders)

 

Specialist Skills/ Training in Curriculum or Learning area

Knowledge

 

Full working knowledge of relevant policies/codes of practice legislation.

 

Working knowledge and experience of implementing national/ foundation stage curriculum and other relevant learning programmes/strategies.

 

 

Constantly improve own practice/ knowledge through self-evaluation and learning from others.

 

Good understanding of child development and learning processes.

 

Understanding of statutory frameworks relating to teaching.

 

First Aid Qualifications.

 

Knowledge of planning outdoor education activities and any associated qualifications including experience of Evolve/Trip lead and Health & Safety Risk Management.

 

Level 3 Award in Outdoor First Aid.

 

Team Teach Trained.

Experience

 

 

Experience working with children or young people, ideally those with SEMH or other special educational needs, in an outdoor setting.

 

Understanding of safeguarding, SEN, and inclusive education principles.

 


Strong understanding of the benefits of outdoor education and ability to apply these in a way that meets the needs of students with additional learning needs.


Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work flexibly and creatively.


Commitment to safeguarding, professional development, and continuous learning.


A genuine passion for outdoor education and helping young people grow and succeed.

 

 

Physical Skills

 

Ability to work outdoors in all weather condition and manage challenging behaviour with empathy.

 

 

Competencies and other skills required

 

Full UK Driving Licence is required.

Ability to organise, lead and motivate a team.

 

Ability to relate well to children and adults

 

Work constructively as part of a team, understanding roles and responsibilities and your own position within these.

 

Ability to manage a budget and resources appropriate to the role.

 

 

  

Key Outcomes/ Activities:

Responsibilities and accountabilities

·               To complement the professional work of teachers by taking responsibility for agreed learning activities.  These activities can be for individuals/groups of whole classes on a short-term basis.

·               To manage and develop a specialist outdoor education area within the school and or the management of other teaching assistants.

 

The postholder must at all times carry out his/her responsibilities within the spirit of Council and school policies, within the framework of the Education Act 2002 with particular regard to the regulations made under Section 133 and the statutory responsibilities of the governing bodies of schools.

 Main Duties and Responsibilities

1.       Support for Pupils

·       Assess the needs of pupils and use detailed knowledge and specialist skills to support pupils’ learning.

·       Establish productive working relationships with pupils, acting as a role model and setting high expectations.

·       Develop and implement Individual Education Plans.

·       Promote the inclusion and acceptance of all pupils within the classroom/learning space.

·       Support pupils consistently whilst recognising and responding to their individual needs.

·       Encourage pupils to interact and work co-operatively with others and engage all pupils in activities.

·       Promote independence and employ strategies to recognise and reward achievement of self-reliance.

·       Provide feedback to pupils in relation to progress and achievement.

 

      2. Support for the Teacher

     

·       Organise and manage appropriate learning environment and resources.

·       Within an agreed system of supervision, plan challenging teaching and learning objectives to evaluate and adjust lessons/work plans as appropriate.

·       Monitor and evaluate pupil responses to learning activities through a range of assessment and monitoring strategies against pre-determined learning objectives.

·       Provide objective and accurate feedback and reports as required on pupil achievement, progress and other matters, ensuring the availability of appropriate evidence.

·       Record progress and achievement in lessons/activities systematically and providing evidence of range and level of progress and attainment.

·       Work within an established discipline policy to anticipate and manage behaviour constructively, promoting self-control and independence.

·       Supporting the role of parents in pupils’ learning and contribute to/lead meetings with parents to provide constructive feedback on pupil progress/achievement, etc.

·       Production of lesson plans, worksheet, plans, etc.

 3.       Support for the Curriculum

·       Deliver learning activities to pupils within agreed system of supervision, adjusting activities according to pupil responses/needs.

·       Deliver local and national learning strategies, e.g., literacy, numeracy, KS2, KS3, and make effective use of opportunities provided by other learning activities to support the development of pupils’ skills.

·       Select and prepare resources necessary to lead learning activities, taking account of pupils’ interest and language and cultural backgrounds.

·       Advise on appropriate deployment and use of specialist aid/resources/equipment.

 4.       Support for the School

     

·      Comply with and assist with the development of policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting concerns to an appropriate person.

·      Be aware of and support difference and ensure all pupils have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop.

·      Contribute to the overall ethos/work/aims of the school.

·      Establish constructive relationships and communicate with other

    agencies/professionals, in liaison with the teacher, to support 

    achievement and progress of pupils.

·      Take the initiative as appropriate to develop appropriate multi-agency

    approaches to supporting pupils.

·      Recognise own strengths and areas of specialist expertise and use these to lead, advise and support others.

·      Deliver out of school learning activities within guidelines established by the school.

·      Contribute to the identification and execution of appropriate out of school learning activities, which consolidate and extend work carried out in class.

 5.       Line Management Responsibilities where appropriate

     

·      Manage other teaching assistants where appropriate.

·      Liaise between managers/teaching staff and teaching assistants.

·      Hold regular team meetings with managed staff.

·      Represent teaching assistants at teaching staff/management/other appropriate meetings.

·      Undertake training and mentoring for other Teaching assistants.

 Other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as directed by the Headteacher.

  

The duties and responsibilities highlighted in this Job Specification are indicative and may vary over time.  Post holders are expected to undertake other duties and responsibilities relevant to the nature, level and scope of the post and the grade has been established on this basis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Responsibility for Resources: 

Employees (Supervision):

 Management of Teaching Assistant in School. 

Financial:

 Departmental budget and resources associated. 

Physical:

 Effective use of learning materials and resources. 

Service Users:

 Preparation, planning and assessment of pupil’s development within the classroom. 

 

Working Conditions:

 The post holder may be subject to some exposure to disagreeable or unpleasant people related behaviour.

 The post involves contact with people which through their circumstances or behaviour occasionally places emotional demands on post holder.           

 

 

Characteristics of the post:

 Employees are encouraged to participate in training activities in order to enhance their own personal development.

 The following pre-employment checks are required:

·       Evidence of entitlement to work in the U.K.

·       Evidence of essential qualifications

·       Two satisfactory references including most recent employer

·       Confirmation of medical fitness for employment

·       Registration with appropriate bodies (where applicable)

·       Evidence of a satisfactory enhanced DBS with barring

 

Salary & Benefits

Post title

Outdoor Education Instructor (HLTA Level)

Location

High Well School Rookhill Road Pontefract West Yorkshire WF8 2DD

Salary & Grade

G7     £27,774 - £29,431 Actual

Hours  

34 hours   Term Time + 5 Inset days

Location

High Well School
Rookhill Road
Pontefract
West Yorkshire
WF8 2DD

Supporting documents

Deadline and how to apply

Closing date for applications is 29 April 2026 at 12:00pm

High Well School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants for the post must be fully committed to ensuring the safety, protection, and wellbeing of every pupil, and to upholding the highest standards of safeguarding practice across the school.

As part of our safer recruitment processes:

  • All appointments are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a check of the Children’s Barred List
  • We may carry out online checks for shortlisted candidates in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)
  • References will be requested prior to interview and may be verified
  • Identity, qualifications, and right‑to‑work checks will be required
  • Gaps in employment history will be explored during the selection process

By submitting an application, candidates confirm their understanding of these requirements and their commitment to safeguarding the children and young people in our care.

If you share our vision for improving the lives of our pupils, believe you meet the criteria for the role outlined in the job description and would like to submit an application, please complete the attached application form and submit it to recruitment@highwell.org.uk by 29 April 2026 at 12:00pm

Applications can also be submitted via Wakefield Council jobs portal

Equal opportunities

Wakefield Metropolitan District Council is committed to promoting equality, inclusiveness and social justice for all its citizens and staff. We will work positively to achieve this by challenging all forms of discrimination, exclusion and injustice. The Council values the rich social and cultural diversity of the district's communities. We will make sure that our workforce and our services reflect that diversity and community needs.

 To assist Wakefield Metropolitan District Council to monitor and evaluate its effectiveness in relation to equal opportunities, and for no other reason, applicants are requested to complete and return the Recruitment Monitoring Form. The details supplied are held in confidence and are not used in anyway in the recruitment and selection process.

 As a Disability Confident Symbol User Wakefield Metropolitan District Council is committed to interviewing all disabled applicants who meet the minimum (essential) criteria.

Job reference: HR_OEDINST2026