Job Title
Education and Wellbeing Team Leader
Location
Watchtree Nature Reserve, United Kingdom
Introduction
At Watchtree, Education and Wellbeing aren’t just priorities – they’re at the heart of everything we do.
We believe that connecting people with nature is essential for learning, growth and mental health. Our mission is to use our incredible outdoor spaces to inspire a wide audience—children, young people and adults—to understand and protect the natural environment.
Role Purpose
The Education and Wellbeing Team Leader will design and deliver programmes that utilise Watchtree’s unique outdoor environment to promote learning, personal development and wellbeing for children, young people and adults. Our services emphasise inclusive practice, particularly for individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), those Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET), and those facing mental health challenges.
In this role you will lead the recruitment, coordination and motivation of our dedicated Education Team, currently comprising four part‑time instructors and six volunteers with diverse skills and interests. You will collaborate with external practitioners such as Forest School leaders and wellbeing specialists. While most activities take place in our woodland Education Zone, we utilise the entire 205‑acre reserve, including the Watchtree Wheelers project and hands‑on conservation work.
You will also oversee seasonal and holiday programmes, including commercial kids’ clubs, targeted short breaks and Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) sessions, ensuring all offerings are engaging, safe and accessible.
Key Responsibilities
* Create and lead outdoor education and wellbeing sessions tailored to diverse needs, including Youth SEND and NEET groups.
* Develop nature‑based activities that promote mental health, resilience and social inclusion for adults from a variety of backgrounds.
* Plan and deliver summer holiday programmes, including kids’ club sessions, targeted short breaks and HAF‑funded activities.
* Ensure all programmes align with Watchtree’s mission and environmental values.
* Supervise and support education and wellbeing staff and volunteers.
* Coordinate bookings, practitioners and resources to deliver the best service to each recipient.
* Manage team training to maintain high‑quality delivery.
* Foster a positive, inclusive, and safe environment for participants and team members.
* Work alongside other Reserve Team Leaders to knit education and wellbeing with conservation, habitats, wheelers and events.
Partnership & Community Engagement
* Build relationships with schools, youth services, mental health organisations and community groups.
* Work with local authorities and funding bodies to deliver HAF and targeted short break programmes.
* Represent Watchtree at local networks and events to promote education and wellbeing initiatives.
* Track outcomes and impact of programmes, ensuring continuous improvement.
* Prepare reports and contribute to funding applications where required.
Salary & Benefits
* Salary: £26,428 to £28,783 per annum, pro rata (depending on experience).
* Contract: Guaranteed 30 hours per week, permanent, overtime available at standard rate where required.
* Pension scheme with Nest.
* Professional development and training opportunities.
* Employee Assistance Programme including 24‑hour help‑line with Health Assured.
* 20% discount at Watchtree Nature Reserve and the Watchtree Wheelers – subject to Watchtree discount policy.
* Work laptop and mobile phone.
* Access to Watchtree facilities and staff wellbeing initiatives.
* Opportunity to work in a unique outdoor environment with a passionate team.
Flexibility
We guarantee a minimum of 30 hours per week. Service delivery hours will be determined by bookings, which you will manage. Additional hours may be available as service demand increases. If you successfully grow session uptake, there is potential to increase the guaranteed hours in the future.
All service delivery takes place on‑site at Watchtree Nature Reserve. Outside of session delivery, you may choose to work from the reserve’s office facilities or from home.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Knowledge
* Relevant qualifications in education, youth work, wellbeing or outdoor learning (or equivalent experience).
* Strong understanding of SEND and mental health and wellbeing support approaches.
* Knowledge of safeguarding and health & safety in outdoor environments.
Experience
* Proven experience in planning and delivering educational or wellbeing programmes, ideally in outdoor or nature‑based settings.
* Experience working with diverse groups, including SEND and NEET individuals.
* Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a team of staff and volunteers.
* Experience delivering holiday activities, including HAF‑funded sessions and commercial kids’ clubs.
Skills
* Excellent leadership and team management skills.
* Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
* Ability to adapt activities to meet diverse needs and ensure accessibility.
* Competent in monitoring, evaluation and reporting for programme outcomes.
Personal Attributes
* Passion for nature and its role in education and wellbeing.
* Empathetic, inclusive and creative approach to programme design.
* Resilient and adaptable in a dynamic outdoor environment.
* Highly organised with strong problem‑solving skills.
* Qualification in outdoor education, youth work or mental health support.
* Experience working in a nature reserve or environmental education setting.
* Knowledge of funding applications and partnership development.
Application Process
Interested parties should apply by completing the Application Form here: https://www.watchtree.co.uk/education-and-wellbeing-team-leader/ and sending it via email to wnr@watchtree.co.uk.
If you would like to discuss the role or require any additional information, please contact Ryan Dobson via email on ryan@watchtree.co.uk.
The deadline for applications is 5pm on Wednesday the 14th of January 2025.
Interviews will take place the week commencing 26th of January 2025.
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