Are you an experienced outdoor education professional with a passion for inspiring young people through nature-based and adventurous activities?
Are you resilient, adaptable, and driven to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with social, emotional, and mental health needs?
We are seeking a dynamic Forest School / Outdoor Activity Instructor to join a specialist setting that supports students with a range of complex needs and challenging behaviours. This is not your average instructor role – you’ll be part of a team that delivers life-changing experiences, building confidence and life skills through the great outdoors.
What You’ll Be Doing:
Leading and developing a wide range of outdoor activities including forest school sessions, hiking, mountain biking, bushcraft, and more
Supporting young people in working towards the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
Encouraging teamwork, resilience, and independence through structured and therapeutic outdoor experiences
Adapting activities to meet the diverse needs and abilities of the students
Building strong, trusting relationships with learners who may have experienced significant barriers to education
What We’re Looking For:
Extensive experience delivering outdoor education or forest school activities
Strong understanding of the therapeutic potential of outdoor learning, particularly with young people facing behavioural and emotional challenges
Resilience, creativity, and excellent behaviour management skills
A passion for making a difference in the lives of young people with SEN
Relevant qualifications in outdoor education (Forest School Leader, Mountain Bike Leader, DofE Assessor, etc. – desirable but not essential)
Due to the rural location of the school – The successful applicant will have their own car and driving licence
✅ The Offer:
Full-time, term-time plus holidays (with full pay over half terms and school holidays)
Starting salary of £26,270, with flexibility depending on your experience and qualifications
A supportive and values-driven environment with strong emphasis on personal and professional development
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives outdoors and wants to be part of a nurturing, forward-thinking team that uses nature and adventure to transform young lives.
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website