Wild Learning Lead/Teaching Assistant
Thoresby Vale Primary Academy, Mansfield, NG21 9TA17 days remaining to apply
Closing date
31 October 2026 at 11:59pm
Date listed
9 October 2026
Job details
Job role
- Teaching assistant
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Full time equivalent salary
- £23,261.25 - £23,261.25 Annually (Actual) Term time only
Wild Learning Lead/Teaching Assistant job summary
Wild Education Lead
Teaching Assistant
Ready to make learning wild?
We’re looking for an energetic, passionate and visionary person to bring our children’s learning to life beyond the classroom. From Forest School and gardening to outdoor adventures, nature exploration and environmental learning, this is a role for someone who believes that some of the very best learning happens outside.
If you’re creative, resilient and excited by possibilities — someone who loves getting stuck in, getting muddy and inspiring children to explore, discover and care for the world around them — we’d love to hear from you!
The role
As our Wild Education Lead, you will play a key role in developing and delivering our exciting outdoor learning offer, while also working as part of our Teaching Assistant team.
You will:
- Lead and develop our Forest School provision, creating memorable and meaningful experiences for children.
- Inspire children through gardening, growing, nature and wildlife.
- Champion outdoor learning and use our natural environment as an extension of the classroom.
- Develop children’s understanding of environmental issues, sustainability and caring for our planet.
- Create opportunities for children to develop confidence, independence, resilience, curiosity and a sense of adventure.
- Bring energy, creativity and fresh ideas to our outdoor spaces and learning.
- Work alongside teachers to weave outdoor experiences into the wider curriculum.
- Support children as a Teaching Assistant, contributing to their learning, wellbeing and development.
- Help us deliver on our outdoor learning vision for the future.
- Promote safe, inclusive and purposeful outdoor experiences for every child.
What we’re looking for
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has a genuine passion for children, education, nature and outdoor learning.
- Is creative, enthusiastic and full of ideas.
- Is resilient and resourceful, with a “let’s make it happen” attitude.
- Has the vision and confidence to develop and grow our outdoor provision.
- Loves working with children and is able to build warm, positive relationships.
- Is happy to get stuck in — whatever the weather!
- Can inspire children to be curious, courageous and environmentally conscious.
- Works well as part of a team and is keen to collaborate with colleagues.
- Believes all children need a champion and that we can make a positive difference to all children.
- Is organised, responsible and understands the importance of safeguarding and safety.
- Ideally has experience or qualifications in Forest School and outdoor education, and has experience of teaching children — but, above all, we are looking for passion, potential and the right attitude.
What we can offer
In return, we can offer:
- The opportunity to shape and develop an exciting area of school life.
- A school that values creativity, curiosity and learning beyond the classroom.
- The chance to make a genuine difference to children’s experiences and wellbeing.
- A dedication, passionate and driven team.
- Space to bring your ideas to life and develop your own areas of expertise.
- Children who are ready to explore, get involved and have fun!
- The opportunity to grow professionally through training and development.
- A role where no two days are quite the same — and where getting muddy can genuinely be part of the job!
Visits to see our school in action are welcomed and encouraged.
Our employee benefits
At Diverse Academies, you’ll find yourself in a vibrant, inclusive and supportive environment, where everyone can grow, progress and achieve a fulfilling career. We offer a fantastic range of rewards and benefits, challenging and interesting work, and opportunities to achieve your potential.
In return you will benefit from:
Enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme with an employer contribution of at least 16.6%
Excellent Continuous Professional Development (CPD) opportunities covering technical, leadership and coaching skills via the trust’s Diverse Association for Professional Learning
Employee Assistance Programme
GP helpline
Health and wellbeing advice and support
Eyecare vouchers
Salary sacrifice schemes - car scheme, cycle to work, home and electronics
Lifestyle savings - discounts and offers on gym memberships, holidays, days out, shopping, restaurants, etc
Health cash plan (personal or family) - where you pay monthly and can claim money back on private treatments such as dental, optical and therapies (e.g. physiotherapy, osteopathy etc)
Childcare - breakfast and after school provision
Take a look at our rewards and benefits online
About Diverse Academies Trust
Diverse Academies is a multi-academy trust with a vision to inspire, to raise aspirations and to create brighter tomorrows. Across primary, secondary and special settings, we share a common mission to nurture curiosity, develop wellbeing and empower children and young people to go beyond their aspirations. Together, we believe we can make a difference in our diverse communities, and in the lives of those who learn with us and work with us.
We empower. We respect. We care.
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in our care. We expect everybody volunteering for the organisation to share this
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.
Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.
Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children
You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Applying for the job
This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on external website (opens in new tab)About Thoresby Vale Primary Academy
- Organisation type
- Free School, ages 4 to 11
- Education phase
- Primary school
- Size
- 91 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 4 to 11
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
Are you passionate about education that goes beyond the classroom? Do you believe every child deserves a champion — someone who sees their potential and nurtures it every day? Could you thrive in a school where nature is not just a backdrop, but a central part of the curriculum?
Thoresby Vale Primary Academy in Edwinstowe is offering a rare and exciting opportunity to join our growing team as we expand due to the flourishing success of our brand-new school.
Nestled in the heart of Sherwood Forest and surrounded by wildflower meadows, woodlands, and a 350-acre country park, our academy is built on a foundation of curiosity, sustainability, and community. With a strong forest school ethos and a commitment to outdoor learning, we offer a rich curriculum that blends academic excellence with hands-on experiences in nature.
School location
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