Higher Level Teaching Assistant - Outdoor Learning

Location: Tokers Green, Reading
Salary: £15.37 to £ 16.78ph (actual annual salary = £27,463 to £29,982 per year) Dependant on experience and qualifications
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 40 hours per week, term time only

About Aurora Rowan School

Opened in November 2024 in Tokers Green, Reading, Aurora Rowan School supports children aged 5–16 with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), moderate to severe learning needs, and associated challenges. As part of the Aurora Group, we are committed to creating a nurturing, inclusive environment where every child is valued and supported.

We’re looking for team members who:

• Value and listen to children

• Promote positivity and mutual respect

• Communicate calmly and supportively

• Work closely with families and the wider community

• Understand the importance of love, security, creativity, and involvement in a child’s development

Opportunity

We are currently looking to recruit an experienced HLTA to be our Outdoor Learning and community Lead and to join our expanding team. You will be responsible for, planning and overseeing the day to day delivery, organisation and smooth running of Outdoor Learning and Community programs at Aurora Rowan School, to ensure our pupils receive the very best experiences and develop a healthy and lasting respect for nature and the wider world.

All of our education is through play based learning that will always be guided by and built around each individual and their strengths, challenges, and interests, combining elements of different approaches and frameworks as appropriate.

Key Responsibilities

To support and deputise the teacher in their absence in all areas including:

• To complete Long and Medium term plans which support the ethos and values of the school

• To share plans with class staff, ensuring they understand the outcomes for planned sessions

• To evaluate programs and to continually strive for improvement.

• To promote learning in the outdoor environment and the ethos of the School and outdoor learning practice.

• To lead the outdoor learning and community sessions across the whole school

• To be responsible at all times for high standards of care and education of all pupils in accordance with the outdoor learning principles and criteria for good practice.

• To ensure the health and safety of all participants, including writing and checking risk assessments for the sites, tools and activities used.

• To regularly check and maintain tools and other equipment.

Please note that duties will vary and you will be expected to contribute to the overall aims of the school when required, please see the link below for our full :

Skills and Qualifications

Qualifications & Experience

• Working knowledge of special education needs including relevant curriculum and learning plans.

• Forest school training/ or willing to work towards

• To have or be prepared to complete any relevant outdoor learning qualifications.

• Working knowledge of supporting pupils with ASD and those with complex communication and behavioural needs.

• Experience of working in an ASD/ SLD environment would be desirable.

• Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

• Ability to coach and mentor LSAs, Teaching Assistants etc.

• Ability to adapt teaching and communication skills, both written and verbal according to audience.

• Effective skills in planning, preparation, recording and reviewing students’ progress.

• Ability to identify and de-escalate emotional and behavioural issues.

• Good IT skills.

• Working knowledge of managing a small veg and flower patch

• An interest in nature and being outside.

Benefits and Additional Information

What’s on Offer at Aurora?

We believe in supporting you as much as we support the children and young people in our care. Here’s a snapshot of the fantastic benefits waiting for you:

Grow with Us – Training & Development

Learning never stops at Aurora! We offer a wide range of training programmes and career development opportunities to help you build your skills and reach your goals.

Save Money on Everyday Essentials

With the rising cost of living, our Perkbox app helps you stretch your money further:

• Discounts on groceries, phone plans, internet, dining out, gym memberships & more

• Access to our Cycle to Work and Car Scheme

Access Wagestream – a financial wellbeing app that helps you track earnings, save, get expert money advice, and even access part of your pay early when needed

Competitive Pay & Reward

We regularly benchmark our pay and benefits to stay ahead of the curve. You’ll enjoy:

• Enhanced Annual Leave

• Company Sick Pay

• Enhanced Pension

• Life Assurance

24/7 GP Access – For You & Your Household

Need a doctor? No problem. Book a phone or video appointment anytime, day or night. This service covers everyone in your household.

UK Health Cash Plan

Cover everyday healthcare costs like dental and optician bills. You and your children are included in the scheme, and you can upgrade to add your partner too!

Employee Assistance Programme

Your wellbeing matters. Get confidential support on a wide range of issues, including:

• Freephone counselling (available 24/7)

• Online tools and resources

Refer a Friend – Earn £1,000!

Know someone who’d be a great fit? Refer them and get rewarded!

(*Terms apply)

How to apply :

For candidates that haven’t worked in this sector before please be aware that for regulatory reasons the application process is far more detailed and thorough compared to other sectors.

Please complete the online application form in full, including all employment and education details, and provide a personal statement that makes us keen to speak to you.

If you need any assistance or would like any more information, please contact Liz in the Aurora Group Recruitment Team at [email protected]

Successful applicants will be subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks including an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Aurora Group is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.

The Aurora Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children and young adults in our care and is a disability confident and equal opportunities employer.

This advert could be taken down at any point in time without prior notice if the position is filled.

Please note that candidates that are shortlisted might be subject to an online search.