At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a new forest provision site, creating engaging outdoor learning experiences.
- Company: Join Stable Futures, a pioneering alternative education provider focused on holistic, nature-based learning.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment, professional development opportunities, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Be part of an exciting growth phase, influencing the culture and direction of a new initiative.
- Why this job: Shape the future of outdoor education and empower young people to thrive through nature.
- Qualifications: Experience in education or outdoor learning, with strong leadership and team management skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Stable Futures is entering an exciting new phase of growth. A brand-new alternative provision site, that includes a forest provision department, is being developed to support Amegreen Education’s new secondary SEN school, Juniper House. This Alternative Provision, delivered under Stable Futures, will play a vital role in supporting the transition and development of new pupils joining the school, alongside our established settings at Haywards Farm and Northcroft School.
We are seeking an experienced and visionary Forest Lead to help shape and establish this new forest site from the ground up. This is a unique opportunity to not only implement high-quality outdoor learning provision, but to influence its direction, culture, and long-term impact. You will lead a small team of learning mentors within the Forest provision, providing supervision, guidance, and ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the department.
Stable Futures is an Alternative Provision working with children who have faced significant challenges accessing mainstream education. We support their individual learning journeys through outdoor, experiential education rooted in Forest School principles. Our focus is on building confidence, resilience and re-engagement with learning. Our mission is to create meaningful opportunities for children to thrive through nature-based experiences.
Purpose of the Role
As Forest Lead, you will take overall responsibility for the leadership, development and day-to-day running of our Forest Provision site, supporting an exciting phase of growth as we expand provision linked to the new Juniper House secondary SEN school. You will play a key role in shaping a high-quality outdoor learning environment that serves pupils aged 5–17 across Amegreen Education settings and external referrals. This includes overseeing site operations, maintaining robust risk assessments and ensuring all health and safety procedures are consistently implemented.
Alongside operational leadership, you will design, deliver and coordinate engaging Forest School and outdoor learning experiences that are safe, inclusive and developmentally appropriate for learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). You will lead and support a team of learning mentors within the provision, ensuring consistency, strong behaviour support and a positive learning culture. The role also involves building and maintaining effective partnerships with external schools, Local Authorities and Amegreen Education settings, ensuring the provision supports pupil transition, engagement and reintegration into education.
At its core, this role is about embedding a Forest Provision that reflects the values of holistic, nature-based learning—supporting young people to build confidence, resilience and a renewed connection to education.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Provision Development
- Lead the day-to-day running and ongoing development of the Forest Provision, supporting its growth as part of the expanding Stable Futures offer linked to Juniper House.
- Supervise, support and develop a team of learning mentors within the Forest provision, ensuring high-quality delivery, consistency of practice and a positive team culture.
- Work closely with the Centre Manager to ensure alignment with whole-site priorities, contributing to strategic planning and continuous improvement.
- Contribute to the development of the provision as a recognised Forest School site, supporting accreditation goals by 2026.
- Planning & Delivery of Outdoor Learning
- Design and deliver creative engaging outdoor learning sessions rooted in Forest School principles, including bushcraft, survival skills, PSHE and creative activities.
- Provide a balanced Alternative Curriculum offer alongside curriculum-linked Forest School sessions in partnership with Amegreen Education schools.
- Adapt provision to meet the needs of learners aged 5–17, ensuring sessions are inclusive, flexible and developmentally appropriate.
- Monitor, evaluate and continuously improve the quality and impact of the provision.
- Develop, deliver and adapt structured learning sessions aligned with accredited programmes (including ASDAN and AQA Unit Awards), while also working collaboratively with Amegreen Education teaching staff to support the delivery and embedding of curriculum subjects across the provision, strengthening the connection between classroom learning and practical experiential education.
- SEND & Behaviour Support
- Lead on effective behaviour management and SEND support strategies, aligned with therapeutic approaches such as PACE and THRIVE (ongoing and training offered).
- Support staff to respond consistently and empathetically to learners with a range of additional needs.
- Promote a safe nurturing environment that supports engagement, confidence and emotional development.
- Health, Safety & Site Management
- Take overall responsibility for site safety, including risk-benefit assessments, safe use of tools and compliance with health and safety procedures.
- Ensure all activities are delivered in line with safeguarding, child protection and organisational policies.
- Oversee the safe management, maintenance and development of resources and equipment.
- Partnership Working & Communication
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with referral schools, Local Authorities, parents/carers and Amegreen Education settings.
- Ensure provision aligns with individual learning plans and supports pupil engagement and transition.
- Promote the Forest Provision within the wider community and contribute to its ongoing development and reputation.
- Recording, Reporting & Administration
- Maintain accurate records, including incident reports, observations and progress tracking.
- Contribute to reporting for schools and Local Authorities, including evidence of progress and engagement.
- Use agreed systems (e.g. Tapestry) to support monitoring and communication.
- Professional Practice & Development
- Engage in reflective practice, supervision and ongoing professional development.
- Work towards (or maintain) a Level 3 Forest School Leader qualification, with support to achieve full accreditation by 2026.
- Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement across Stable Futures.
Forest Provision Leader in London employer: Amegreen Childrens Services
Contact Detail:
Amegreen Childrens Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Forest Provision Leader in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education and outdoor learning sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with others on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for outdoor learning! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your experiences and ideas about Forest School principles. Let them see how your vision aligns with their mission to support children through nature-based experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Think about how your skills can contribute to their goals, especially in developing a high-quality outdoor learning environment. Tailor your answers to reflect their focus on building confidence and resilience in learners.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our exciting growth at Stable Futures. Let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Forest Provision Leader in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Outdoor Learning: When writing your application, let your love for outdoor education shine through! Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your commitment to nature-based learning and how it can positively impact young people.
Tailor Your Experience to the Role: Make sure to align your previous experience with the responsibilities of the Forest Lead position. Highlight any relevant leadership roles, especially those involving SEN or outdoor learning, to show us you’re the perfect fit for our team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically so we can easily see your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role without getting lost in lengthy paragraphs.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at Amegreen Childrens Services
✨Know Your Forest School Principles
Make sure you brush up on the core principles of Forest School education. Be ready to discuss how you would implement these in your role as Forest Lead, especially in relation to outdoor learning and bushcraft activities.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Highlight your experience in supporting staff development and creating a positive team culture, as this will be crucial for managing your learning mentors.
✨Understand SEND Needs
Familiarise yourself with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) strategies. Be prepared to discuss how you would adapt learning experiences to meet diverse needs and promote engagement among pupils aged 5-17.
✨Emphasise Partnership Building
Think about how you can build effective relationships with external schools and local authorities. Be ready to share your ideas on how to promote the Forest Provision within the community and support pupil transitions.