The Trustees are looking to recruit to the post of Forest School Practitioner at Samuel Laycock School in Ashton Under Lyne.
Scale pts 23-25: £34,434 – £36,363 per annum (full time equivalent). Actual Salary range pro rata: £27,314 – £28,843 per annum. SEN Allowance: £1,539 per annum. Commencing: September 2026. Status: Permanent. Hours of work: 34 hours per week, Term Time only + 5 days (195 days). Based: Samuel Laycock School, Broadoak Road, Ashton Under Lyne.
The successful candidate will have:
* A Forest School Level 3 qualification and an up‑to‑date Outdoor First Aid certificate, or willingness to undertake the Level 3 qualification if not yet held. The school will fully fund this training and requires a signed training agreement.
* A strong passion for outdoor learning and the delivery of a high‑quality Forest School provision.
* Previous experience of leading, planning and delivering learning activities.
* Specific experience or interest in working with pupils with SEND.
* High expectations of young people and a commitment to raising standards of attainment to ensure they can achieve their full educational potential.
* Experience of developing options and alternatives that support children and young people to engage in the learning process.
* Experience of enhancing pupil progress and raising attainment and achievement in all pupils.
* Experience of current assessment practice and the use of data and pupil progress tracking to ensure all groups of learners achieve.
* Experience of managing challenging behaviour.
* The emotional and physical resilience necessary when working with challenging young people with a range of complex needs.
* The ability to foster positive relationships with other staff, pupils, parents and the wider community.
* The willingness to be a team player who can work effectively with all members of the school team.
* Be hardworking, organised and proactive in own professional development.
Areas of responsibility:
* Plan and develop our established Forest School in collaboration with the PE and Outdoor Education lead.
* Plan, prepare and facilitate a range of Forest School sessions for pupils aged 11‑16.
* Ensure Health & Safety requirements are met, including Risk Assessments which are continually checked and updated.
* Supervise and support children with varying needs while delivering sessions.
* Create and maintain an engaging, fun and supportive environment, demonstrating flexibility in planning and running sessions in response to varying/changing needs of pupils.
* Ensure that all sessions are well prepared and risk assessed.
* Be aware of and comply with all school Policies and Procedures.
* Administer basic first aid as the need arises.
This post will be based initially at Samuel Laycock School in Ashton Under Lyne, however, all staff are employed by the New Bridge MAT and may work at any site within the New Bridge Group if required.
All staff are required to have a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check prior to interview. The post is subject to a number of pre‑employment checks including DBS, references and proof of right to work in the UK.
We strive to create a fair and inclusive workplace that is as diverse as the communities we serve. We positively welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
Closing Date: Wednesday 17 June 2026 – 9am. Interviews: w/c Monday 22 June 2026.
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