HLTA - Outdoor Activity Instructor

Higher Level Teaching Assistant - Outdoor Learning & Activity Lead

Location: Rochdale
Salary: £24,500 - £28,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
Contract: Permanent, Full Time, Term Time Only

Aspire People is recruiting on behalf of a specialist Alternative Provision in Rochdale for a HLTA with a passion for outdoor learning, enrichment and activity-based education.

This is a unique opportunity to work with young people who may have experienced barriers to mainstream education, including SEMH needs, SEND, poor attendance, anxiety or previous disengagement from school. The provision uses a trauma-informed and relationship-led approach, combining education, personal development and practical learning to help pupils re-engage and achieve positive outcomes.

The successful candidate will take a leading role in delivering outdoor learning and enrichment activities designed to develop confidence, resilience, teamwork and emotional wellbeing.

Rather than a traditional classroom-based HLTA position, this role will suit somebody who enjoys working outside, building positive relationships with young people and engaging learners through practical experiences.

You will plan and deliver activities that encourage participation, personal development and positive behaviour, while helping pupils build skills that can support future education, employment and training pathways.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead outdoor learning, enrichment and activity-based programmes
- Deliver structured sessions for individuals and small groups
- Promote teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills
- Organise practical activities that encourage engagement and personal development
- Support young people with SEMH and SEND needs
- Build strong, positive relationships with pupils
- Help pupils develop confidence, resilience and self-esteem
- Work closely with teaching, pastoral and leadership teams
- Contribute to EHCP outcomes and personalised support plans
- Promote safeguarding, wellbeing and positive behaviour at all times

Activities May Include

- Outdoor education projects
- Team-building activities
- Bushcraft and environmental learning
- Sport and physical activities
- Personal development programmes
- Community and enrichment projects
- Employability and life-skills activities

This role would be particularly suitable for candidates from backgrounds such as:

- Outdoor education
- Activity instruction
- Forest School
- Duke of Edinburgh programmes
- Sports coaching
- Youth work
- Military or cadet instructor backgrounds
- Residential support
- Alternative Provision
- Behaviour mentoring

The ideal candidate will be:

- Energetic and engaging
- Resilient and adaptable
- Confident leading groups of young people
- Skilled at building positive relationships
- Passionate about supporting vulnerable learners
- Calm and consistent when managing challenging situations

Essential Requirements

- Experience working with children or young people
- Experience leading activities, interventions or enrichment programmes
- Strong behaviour management and communication skills
- Understanding of SEMH, SEND or vulnerable learners
- Full-time availability
- Eligibility to work in the UK
- Willingness to complete safeguarding and vetting checks

What's on Offer

- Permanent, term-time-only position
- Small group working environment
- Opportunities to shape and lead outdoor learning programmes
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Supportive leadership team
- A genuinely rewarding role making a difference to young people's lives

If you're an Outdoor Activity Instructor, Sports Coach, Youth Worker or experienced HLTA looking to use practical learning to inspire and engage young people, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and a member of the Aspire People team will be in touch to discuss this opportunity further.