Salary: £24,387 per annum pro rata plus SEN allowance of £2,679 per annum
Position: Full Time (37.5 hours per week)
Positions available: 5
Closing date: 31st October 2025
Outdoor Learning Mentor
£24,387 per annum pro rata plus SEN allowance of £2,679 per annum
Working 37.5 hours per week, Term Time Only
The Sallygate School is an Independent Special School catering to the unique needs of pupils with SEMH. Located in the heart of the Alkham Valley, near Dover, the Sallygate School is part of Channels & Choices Therapeutic Community which comprises of several therapeutic residential children’s homes, an independent therapeutic fostering agency and a multi-disciplinary therapy service, including SaLT & OT service.
Additional Perks, Rewards And Benefits
* Private Optical, Dental and Audiological cover
* Private Medical care
* Long service awards for 5-, 10- and 15-years’ service
* Regular team building days, parties, meals and more!
* Complimentary health and wellbeing support with our employee assistance programme
* Full Induction Package
Job Summary
The Outdoor Learning Mentor will play a vital role in supporting the delivery of the school’s Forest School provision, as well as wider outdoor learning activities across the curriculum. This includes therapeutic outdoor sessions, curriculum-linked outdoor experiences, and enrichment activities which promote social, emotional and academic development.
The post-holder will work closely with teaching staff, support teams, and the therapy team to deliver inclusive, engaging, and purposeful outdoor learning opportunities for pupils aged 7–16, many of whom have Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, special educational needs (SEN), or have experienced trauma. The role also includes mentoring children during the school day to support their personal development, engagement in learning, and well-being.
Duties And Responsibilities
Outdoor Learning and Forest School
* Support the delivery of engaging outdoor learning sessions under the Forest School ethos or other relevant frameworks, including bushcraft, environmental education, and outdoor play.
* Assist with maintaining outdoor learning spaces, including woods, gardens, and activity areas to ensure safety, accessibility, and stimulation for all pupils.
* Work collaboratively with class teachers to adapt curriculum-linked activities to outdoor settings and meet the learning needs of individual pupils.
* Support pupils’ regulation, well-being and resilience through carefully structured and therapeutic outdoor experiences.
* Promote the school’s values through outdoor work, including Respect, Kindness, Tolerance and Resilience.
Mentoring and Pupil Support
* Build positive, trusting relationships with children, acting as a role model and mentor during structured and unstructured times.
* Provide 1:1 or small group support to pupils who require additional help with emotional regulation, engagement, or developing social skills.
* Promote the development of independence, problem-solving and self-esteem through outdoor activities and relational practice.
* Support transitions in and out of outdoor sessions to ensure continuity of learning and emotional safety.
* Observe, record and report on pupil progress and engagement in collaboration with teachers and pastoral staff.
General Support within School
* Provide classroom support as directed, including contributing to a calm, therapeutic environment.
* Attend relevant training including safeguarding, Team Teach (or equivalent), and outdoor learning CPD.
* Contribute to planning and review meetings regarding pupil provision where appropriate.
* Uphold school-wide policies including safeguarding, behaviour, and health and safety.
* Model high standards of conduct, communication, and professional relationships.
Essential:
Skills and Experience
* Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive, therapeutic relationships.
* Experience supporting or delivering outdoor learning, Forest School or youth work in an outdoor setting.
* Understanding of the importance of structure, boundaries and consistency for children with complex needs.
* Willingness to work outdoors in all seasons and to model a proactive, enthusiastic approach.
Desirable:
* Level 2 or 3 Forest School qualification or equivalent experience in outdoor education.
* Experience working with children or young people, ideally with SEMH, SEN or trauma backgrounds.
* Relevant qualifications in child care, youth work, education, or behaviour support.
* First Aid qualification (including outdoor/paediatric First Aid).
* Experience of working in a trauma-informed or therapeutic educational environment.
* Knowledge of strategies for emotional regulation, attachment-aware practice, or sensory integration.
Person Specification
Essential
* Enthusiasm for outdoor learning and nature-based education
* Ability to engage and motivate vulnerable pupils
* High level of emotional intelligence and resilience
* Able to work independently and as part of a team
* Commitment to safeguarding and promoting pupil welfare
* Awareness of therapeutic and relational approaches
* Ability to adapt and respond to unpredictable situations calmly
Desirable
* Outdoor Learning or Forest School qualification
* Full UK driving licence and willingness to transport resources/pupils (if required)
Channels and Choices are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the young people in our care. Staff are all required to adhere to the organisation’s Safeguarding Policies and Procedures. This post will be subject to a clear Enhanced DBS Disclosure, an employment background check, satisfactory references & verification of a right to work in the UK. As part of our commitment to Safer Recruitment, CVs cannot be considered without a completed application form.
Channels & Choices are committed to ensuring that we are always recruiting, retaining, and promoting a diverse mix of colleagues who are representative of the diversity in our local community. We actively celebrate our staff’s different abilities, sexual orientation, ethnicity, faith, and gender. Everyone is welcome to apply for a job with Channels & Choices and our staff are supported in their development at all stages in their journey with us.
Channels and Choices reserve the right to carry out background social media checks on all new applicants.
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