Permanent- Term-Time (40 weeks per year)
Start Date:
October, 2025
Hours:
37.5
Organisation:
The Outdoors Group Ltd
Closing Date:
28/07/2025
Location:
Community-based (Okehampton, Honiton, Ottery, or Newton Poppleford) with travel between sites and learner pickups from home.
About the outdoors group
The Outdoors Group is a pioneering ‘for purpose’ organisation based in the county of Devon, providing opportunities for children, young people and adults to access education, training and fun experiences in outdoor settings. We are all about creating a fun and fantastic place to work with a strong emphasis on work-life balance as part of a community of like-minded people, focusing on providing excellent opportunities for all our learners, customers and staff.
The Outdoors School is an Independent Special School that is based solely outside in a woodland setting for learners with SEMH and ASD needs. We believe in developing the whole learner, not just their academic ability. We use a project-based method, allowing the learner to be completely autonomous, whilst contributing to a well-rounded education based on skills for lifelong learning and personal development.
We are on the lookout for talented individuals with experience in supporting our young people with SEMH and ASD needs but also a strong ability to support their pastoral needs. No day is the same and a flexible and adaptable approach is essential as some of our young people may have experienced early life trauma.
We are looking for a Facilitator who are expected to work closely with the other members of their team, to deliver learner centred learning opportunities, ensuring they differentiate lesson plans and schemes of work to apply to the individual needs of their learner.
For all our roles, a DBS and reference checks are required. The Outdoors Group Ltd is committed to the safeguarding of all staff, children, young people and vulnerable adults involved in its activities and in promoting their welfare.
We’re seeking a Facilitator to work closely with a team to deliver learner-centred sessions tailored to individual needs. This mainly outdoor role is ideal for those who enjoy nature, physical activity, and hands-on work across varied landscapes.
You’ll support children and young people- some facing emotional or behavioural challenges- helping create safe, supportive environments where they can grow and thrive.
Job Purpose
Support the educational, emotional, and social development of learners through curriculum activities, enrichment, trips, and transport coordination. You’ll work 1:1, in pairs, or small groups, mostly outdoors in woodland and community settings, sometimes detached or at learners’ homes.
Key Responsibilities
Deliver personalised support aligned with individual learner plans
Manage behaviour and contribute to assessments and risk plans
Foster positive relationships and promote learner wellbeing
Maintain accurate records and communicate with families and professionals
Work flexibly across sites and community settings
Engage in training, supervision, and professional development
Special Requirements
Resilience to working outdoors in all weather conditions and emotionally challenging environments
Ability to support learners with dysregulated or challenging behaviours
Physically demanding tasks including hiking, carrying, and use of hand tools
Additional Info
Must adhere to safeguarding, lone working, and travel policies
Enhanced DBS and relevant training required
Driving licence may be necessary depending on duties
person specification
Skills, Knowledge & Experience
* Excellent behaviour management skills with a high emphasis on solution focussed planning and delivery of bespoke SEMH skills program.
* Excellent support skills with a commitment to critical reflection and professional development.
* Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral).
* A learner focussed approach and ability to differentiate and create bespoke opportunities according to learner needs.
* Successful recent experience of working with Primary or Secondary learners with SEMH difficulties and ASD/PDA
* Recent experience of working with Primary or Secondary learners with SEMH difficulties and ASD/PDA
* Previous experience working within outdoor education or Forest School settings
* Knowledge of behaviour intervention and support practices.
* Knowledge of inter-agency working.
* De-escalation and restraint training e.g. PRICE, Team Teach, MAPA, or PIP.
* Experience supporting learners with SEN, SEMH, or in alternate provision settings
* Knowledge of child development and trauma-informed practice
Personal Qualities
* Demonstrate a commitment and passion for the forest school ethos
* Resilience to working primarily outdoors in all weathers
* Enthusiasm and drive for improvement
* Ability to work successfully as part of a small team or lone working
* Commitment to improving outcomes for children and families
* Commitment to safeguarding and safe practice
* Commitment to Equal Opportunities
* Determination and the highest expectations of work and behaviour
* Sense of humour
* Forward-thinking
Qualifications & Training
* 5 GCSE’s grade A-C or equivalent
* Willingness to undergo training the organisation feels is appropriate
* Outdoor, Adventure or Forest School specific paediatric First Aid
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