Job Description
Forest School Leader - SEN Outdoor Learning Provision
A specialist SEN school in Waterlooville is seeking an enthusiastic, creative and resilient Forest School Leader to develop and lead its expanding outdoor learning provision.
Working closely with class teachers, therapists and support staff, the Forest School Leader will plan and deliver engaging outdoor sessions that nurture pupils' social, emotional and educational development. You will lead forest school activities, promote safe and inclusive outdoor experiences, and contribute to the wider curriculum through child-centred, sensory-rich learning in a natural environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Planning and delivering forest school and outdoor learning sessions tailored to pupils with autism, sensory needs, communication differences, PMLD, SLD and complex learning profiles
* Creating safe, inclusive and stimulating woodland environments that encourage exploration, independence and curiosity
* Supporting pupils who may experience anxiety, emotional dysregulation, sensory overload or challenges with transitions and routines
* Using nature-based, practical, creative and therapeutic activities to promote engagement across early years, primary and secondary age groups
* Encouraging communication, emotional regulation, social understanding and life-skills development through outdoor experiences
* Modelling calm, clear and supportive communication to build trusting relationships
* Ensuring all outdoor activities follow robust safeguarding, risk assessment and safety procedures
Contract Details
Location: Waterlooville
Position: Forest School Leader - SEN School
Start Date: September 2026
Contract Type: Full-time / temp-to-perm
Working Hours: 31.75 hours per week (8:30-3:30 four days, 8:30-4:00 one day)
Pay Rate: From £14.25 per hour
Requirements
You must:
* Have the Right to Work in the UK
* Hold an enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or be willing to apply)
* Provide professional references covering the last 24 months
* Hold a Level 2/3 qualification in childcare, education, forest school, or health & social care or have relevant SEN experience supporting children or young people with complex needs
* Be confident working outdoors in all seasons and committed to nature-based learning
What We Offer
* Free accredited CPD, including safeguarding, behaviour support, de-escalation and outdoor learning training
* Access to a specialist in-house Training & Development Team
* Ongoing support from a dedicated SEN consultant
Refer a Friend
Know someone who would thrive in a specialist SEN or outdoor learning setting? Earn a referral bonus for every successful recommendation (T&Cs apply).
If you are passionate about outdoor learning, forest school practice and supporting pupils with complex needs to thrive in nature-rich environments, we would love to hear from you.