Teaching Assistant (Level 2) and Forest School Lead (Level 3)

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Blackburn with Darwen, UK

On-Site

Expires: Expiring in less than 4 weeks

Education

Full time

Avondale Primary School
Durham Road
Darwen
BB3 1NN

Job Title: Teaching Assistant (Level 2) and Forest School Lead (Level 3)
Grade/Salary: Grade C, SCP 3/ Grade E, SCP 9
Contract Type: Permanent
Contract Terms: 31.00 hours (7hrs Grade E, 24hrs Grade C), Term time
Closing Date: Wednesday 21st October 2026
Required From: 4th January 2027

TO APPLY FOR THIS VACANCY PLEASE FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW

Are you passionate about supporting children’s learning and wellbeing – both in the classroom and outdoors? Do you want to join a happy, inclusive and nurturing school community where every day is an adventure?
Avondale Primary School, Darwen, BB3 1NN, is seeking a committed and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant (Level 2) and Forest School Lead (Level 3) to join our supportive staff team. This rare opportunity is ideal for someone who loves working with children and has a genuine passion for the great outdoors.

Your role will include:

Supporting children’s learning in the classroom, working 1:1 and with small groups of children
Planning and leading inspiring Forest School sessions for EYFS to Year 6 in our well-resourced grounds and neighbouring Sunnyhurst woods (Forest School qualification desirable, but full support provided if you wish to train)
Helping to create a positive, inclusive and safe school environment where all children can thrive

What we’re looking for:

An outstanding and creative practitioner who inspires and motivates children
A team player with excellent communication skills and a flexible approach
Someone with high expectations and strong interpersonal skills
A commitment to safeguarding, wellbeing and the inclusive ethos of Avondale

We offer:

A happy and welcoming school where everyone is valued and supported
Well-behaved, amazing children who love to learn and be inspired
Dedicated, friendly and experienced staff and a supportive Governing Body
A real focus on staff wellbeing and professional development
A rare chance to play a key role in our school community
School life at Avondale centres around our happy children and school values. Our positive, nurturing ethos is at the heart of all we do, and we pride ourselves on outstanding pastoral care and high expectations for behaviour and achievement.

Post Title: Teaching Assistant (Level 2) and Forest School Lead (Level 3) Hours: Full time, Term time only, 31 hours per week (7 hours Level 3, 24 hours Level 2)
Salary: Level 2 and Level 3 Location: Avondale Primary School (Darwen, BB3)

Main Purpose of the Role:

To support pupils’ learning and development within the classroom, working with small groups and on a 1:1 basis as required.
To plan, deliver and lead the school’s Forest School sessions from EYFS to Year 6, fostering a love of the outdoors and supporting holistic development.
To contribute to the positive and inclusive ethos of Avondale Primary School, supporting the wellbeing, safeguarding and achievement of all pupils.
To work with and supervise individuals and groups of children, under the direction / supervision of teaching / senior staff both in and out of school hours to enrich the curriculum learning.
To undertake work, care or support programmes, inclusive of special / individual learning needs, to enable access to learning for all pupils.
To assist the teacher in the management of pupils and the classroom.
To provide support to teaching staff and pupils in a variety of ways; including special needs support
Key Responsibilities
Teaching Assistant (Level 2) Duties
Provide classroom support for teaching staff, assisting with the delivery of high-quality teaching and learning.
Work with individual pupils and small groups to promote engagement and progress, including those with SEND.
Support the assessment, recording and reporting of pupils’ progress.
Assist with the implementation of individual education plans and behaviour support plans.
Help prepare classroom materials and resources.
Promote positive behaviour and high expectations at all times.
Build positive relationships with pupils, staff and families.

Forest School Lead (Level 3) Duties:

Plan, deliver and evaluate Forest School sessions across all age groups (EYFS-Year 6) in the school grounds and neighbouring Sunnyhurst woods.
Foster pupils’ confidence, independence, resilience, and teamwork through outdoor learning experiences.
Encourage respect and care for the natural environment.
Ensure all activities are delivered safely, with appropriate risk assessments and safeguarding measures in place.
Work collaboratively with teaching staff to integrate Forest School principles into the wider curriculum.
Maintain and develop the Forest School area, resources and equipment.
Liaise with parents/carers regarding Forest School activities and pupil progress.
A Forest School qualification is desirable; willingness to work towards qualification is essential (school will provide support).

Qualifications and Training:

Level 2 qualification (or equivalent) in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools.
Level 3 Forest School qualification (or willingness to work towards, with support from school).
Evidence of recent and relevant professional development.

Support For Pupils:

Establish good working relationships with pupils, acting as a role model and being aware of and responding appropriately to individual needs.
To ensure that all pupils have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop.
To provide support to pupils, including those with SEND, ensuring their safety and access to learning activities.
To assist with the development and implementation of IEPs and personal care programmes.
To promote self-esteem and independence amongst pupils.
To promote inclusion and acceptance of all pupils in the classroom by encouraging them to interact with each other and to engage in activities led by the teacher.
To provide feedback to pupils on their progress and achievement under the guidance of the teacher.
To support pupil’s access and implement differentiated learning activities.
To focus a pupil to engage with a learning task using a nurturing and supportive approach.

Support for the Teachers:

To promote good pupil behaviour. Dealing promptly with conflicts / issues and encouraging pupils to take responsibility for their own behaviour, in line with the school behaviour policy.
To support constructive relationships with parents and carers promoting the school’s home/school liaison policy.
To assist the teacher with planning the curriculum through sharing observations about the children’s development and by contributing ideas for topics and activities.
To support the teacher by contributing to the delivery of local and national learning strategies e.g. English, Maths, Early Years, and recording achievement, progress and feeding back to the teacher.
To report pupil achievement, progress and issues in agreed format.
Undertake marking of pupils work against agreed marking scheme under the direction of the teacher.
To be responsible for keeping and updating records as agreed by the teacher.
To assist the teacher in targeting identified groups (PP SEND LAC) and know who those children are in the class that the TLA is based.
To collate pupil records in liaison with the teacher, inputting data as required.
To create and maintain a purposeful, orderly and supportive environment, in accordance with lesson plans.
To mount, and display pupils’ work in consultation with the teacher.
To prepare, maintain and use equipment / resources required to meet the lesson plans / learning activity and assist pupils in their use.
To provide minimal clerical support for teachers e.g. photocopying, filing, collecting money, checking deliveries.
To administer routine primary tests and contribute to the invigilation of examinations as required.

Support for the School:

To be aware of and comply with policies relating to child protection, health and safety, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to a nominated person.
To contribute to the overall work and ethos of the school.
To work as part of a team and support the role of other people in the team.
To attend and participate in meetings as required.
To undertake personal development and improve own practice through training, observation, evaluation and discussion with colleagues including performance management, and use this to support others.
To assist with the supervisions of pupils outside lesson time.
To accompany teaching staff and pupils on visits, trips and out of school activities as required and take responsibility for a group under the supervision of a teacher.

Experience:

Experience working with primary-aged children in a school setting.
Experience supporting children individually and in small groups.
Experience of planning and delivering outdoor learning or Forest School sessions (desirable).
Experience of supporting children with additional needs (desirable).
Skills and Knowledge
Strong understanding of effective support strategies for learning and behaviour.
Knowledge of the principles and practice of Forest School and outdoor learning.
Ability to plan and deliver engaging, safe and inclusive activities.
Good communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
Understanding of and commitment to safeguarding children.

Personal Qualities:

Passionate about working with children and supporting their development.
Love of the outdoors and enthusiasm for outdoor learning.
Creative, flexible and adaptable approach.
High expectations for all pupils.
Positive, nurturing and inclusive attitude.
Commitment to personal and professional development.
Reliability, honesty and integrity.

Safeguarding Statement
Avondale Primary School, Darwen, BB3 1NN, is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments will be subject to a satisfactory completion of safeguarding checks.
Avondale Primary School, Darwen, BB3 1NN, is committed to creating a diverse workforce. We’ll consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage or civil partnership.

Application packs are available to download above. Completed applications should be returned to the school by 4pm on the closing date shown above, for the attention of Grace Greenaway via grace.greenaway@avondale.blackburn.sch.uk

Interviews: Wednesday 4th November

Safeguarding: Avondale Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments will be subject to a satisfactory completion of safeguarding checks. If you have a disability and require any amendments to the application process please advise school.

Diversity: Avondale Primary School is committed to creating a diverse workforce. We’ll consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage or civil partnership.
We look forward to welcoming you to our Avondale family!

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Any offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory check supplied by the Disclosure and Barring Service. The check will include any cautions, reprimands, or final warnings as well as convictions.