Outdoor Learning and Forest School Instructor in Billingshurst

Outdoor Learning and Forest School Instructor

Ingfield Manor School is a non-maintained special school and part of Salutem Care and Education who have services across England and Wales supporting adults and children in residential and educational Environments.

Based in our own idyllic grounds, Ingfield Manor School offers extensive specialist facilities with the aim to provide an exceptional learning environment, helping children and young people fulfil their potential. Facilities include woodland and outdoor classroom space, high specification sensory room and swimming pool.

At Ingfield Manor School, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to live a healthy, active, and fulfilling life, regardless of their background or disability. The aim of our services is to provide a safe and stimulating environment that enables children and young people to flourish and grow.

Our IMS provision caters for students aged 3—19 years with neurological motor impairment such as Cerebral Palsy and associated medical and sensory needs. Following the Conductive Education approach, Ingfield Manor School focuses on the holistic development of everyone, including their physical and communication skills.

Our Woodview provision is for secondary aged students with special educational needs including speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN) and autistic spectrum conditions (ASC).

About The Role

We are seeking a skilled and passionate Outdoor Learning and Forest School Instructor to lead and develop a high-quality, therapeutic outdoor learning provision for pupils with complex needs.

Role Summary

You will design and deliver inclusive outdoor learning across all phases, including KS3 provision, using approaches such as forest school, horticulture, and environmental learning. The role focuses on promoting independence, wellbeing, and functional life skills through a therapeutic, person-centred approach aligned with EHCP outcomes and Conductive Education principles.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver engaging, safe, and inclusive outdoor learning experiences tailored to pupils with complex needs.
• Embed outdoor learning within the wider curriculum, supporting personal development, resilience, communication, and independence.
• Develop a progressive accredited pathway (e.g. Foundation Learning, with BTEC/City & Guilds planned from 2027), ensuring accessibility and meaningful outcomes.
• Lead and coordinate an inclusive Duke of Edinburgh programme, ensuring compliance, accessibility, and successful participation.
• Provide vocational and land-based learning opportunities, developing transferable skills and real-world experiences through partnerships and community engagement.
• Maintain and enhance outdoor learning spaces, ensuring they are safe, accessible, and promote high-quality learning.
• Work as part of a transdisciplinary team, monitor pupil progress, and contribute to assessment and reporting.
• Ensure all provision meets safeguarding, health and safety, and risk management requirements, while promoting positive risk-taking.

About You

• Experience or strong interest in outdoor learning, forest school, or land-based education.
• Commitment to inclusive, therapeutic practice.
• Ability to support pupils with additional or complex needs (experience desirable).
• Strong organisational and teamwork skills.
• Commitment to safeguarding and pupil wellbeing.

Safer Recruitment

As part of our safer recruitment process, the successful candidate will be required to complete thorough pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS and, where applicable, overseas criminal record checks.

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