Abbeycroft, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 3TT £28,154 per annum 37 hours per week Permanent Reference: 0170 Required as soon as possible Monday- Friday: Some flexibility with hours (this can be discussed at interview). Your role We are looking for a full-time Forest School Manager to join our team. You will be responsible for designing and delivering a broad range of forest school programmes for young people of all ages following the principles and good practice guidance for forest school providers. You will also proactively seek business and funding opportunities whilst developing partnerships with educational organisations. In addition, the Forest Schools Manager will foster a collaborative working relationship with the outdoor education manager to ensure provision of a financially sustainable programme whilst also providing support and guidance for the broader team of Forest School Leaders and Outdoor Instructors. As a part of the Explore Outdoor team you will also engage in a diverse range of outdoor activities and educational programmes as required by the needs of the business. What will the job entail? Your responsibilities design and deliver the Forest Schools programme, adhering to best practice guidance develop partnerships with educational establishments to support the programme collaborate with the Outdoor Education Manager to identify and pursue funding opportunities oversee team of Forest School leaders and Outdoor Instructors to ensure delivery of high-quality sessions manage programme budgets and expenses maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with GDPR requirements stay updated on industry trends and best practices liaise with HR for recruitment and ensure staff receive proper induction and training evaluate staff performance and provide feedback communicate with participants and their families ensure smooth operation of the Forest Schools Programme support the wider Explore Outdoor team as needed. You will need: to be a confident communicator to service users, staff and stakeholders the ability to work well both independently and as part of a team to be a confident driver with full UK driving licence the ability to plan own workload and meet deadlines experience designing and implementing similar programmes would be advantageous. Qualifications: Level 3 Forest School Leader- essential First Aid- Essential Safeguarding - Advantageous Educational Background- Advantageous We will provide additional training for all staff to be able to deliver a broad range of outdoor activities beyond that of the Forest School curriculum with opportunities to train in specialisms such as archery, mountain biking and axe throwing. About us Join our team at Abbeycroft and become part of a rewarding journey dedicated to community well-being. Apply now to start your adventure with us Abbeycroft’s Explore Outdoor initiative is Suffolk’s largest provider of mobile, outdoor activities and education programmes. Delivering bespoke, safe, exciting, educational sessions as well as energy-fuelled, adventure days, family park cooking, Duke of Edinburgh Awards, Forest Schools and more. We will offer you: a multisite membership a discounted multisite membership for someone that lives with you free child swims (Not lessons) annual leave entitlement a pension scheme with NEST opportunities for career development and progression. We also offer Westfield Health Benefits which include Mental, Physical health and financial support, a 24/7 DoctorLineTM, access to Togetherall and generous Highstreet discounts and cashback. To find out more For an informal discussion only, please call Frank Carn-Pryor on 07983 918318. How to apply Visit our careers page on: https://www.abbeycroft.org.uk/careers/. To apply for this vacancy, please use the ‘apply now’ button within the Forest Schools Manager job advert. Closing date: 1pm, 6 May 2025. Interview date: Interviews will take place onsite or on Microsoft Teams throughout this vacancy. As a Disability Confident Employer, we encourage you to let us know If you require reasonable adjustments to any part of the recruitment/selection process. We will guarantee an interview to a candidate with a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010, if they otherwise meet the minimum selection requirements.