Forest School Leader

Forest School Leader

Full-Time 13 - 16 £ / hour (est.) No home office possible
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Exact Sourcing Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead outdoor learning sessions for primary and secondary students with SEMH/SEND needs.
  • Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to nature-based education.
  • Benefits: Earn £18–£20 per hour, enjoy flexible hours, and make a real difference.
  • Why this job: Empower children through hands-on learning in a supportive outdoor environment.
  • Qualifications: Level 3 Forest School Leader qualification and experience with SEMH/SEND children.
  • Other info: Part-time and full-time roles available, term-time only.

The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.

We are seeking a passionate and skilled Forest School Leader to deliver outdoor learning sessions for primary and secondary-aged students with SEMH/SEND needs. This is an exciting opportunity to support children who may struggle to engage in mainstream education through hands-on, nature-based learning.

As a Forest School Leader, you will be:

  • Planning and delivering engaging Forest School and outdoor learning sessions
  • Supporting children’s emotional regulation, social skills, confidence, and wellbeing
  • Encouraging positive routines, teamwork, and communication
  • Adapting activities to meet the needs of all students
  • Maintaining a safe, structured, and supportive outdoor environment
  • Following safeguarding procedures and professional boundaries

As a Forest School Leader, you will have:

  • Experience working with children, ideally with SEMH/SEND needs
  • A Level 3 Forest School Leader qualification
  • A patient, resilient, and adaptable approach
  • A strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection
  • A passion for outdoor learning, nature connection, and child development

Hours & Pay:

  • Part-time and full-time positions available, term-time only (39 weeks)
  • Monday – Friday, 09:00 – 15:30 (sessions 09:00–12:00 and 12:30–15:30)
  • Hourly pay: £18–£20 per hour (based on experience)

Safeguarding Priority Statement: The provider of alternative education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children. The provider of alternative education strictly abides by their Safer Recruitment policy including right to work checks, identification checks, referencing checks, and DBS checks. All applicants should be aware that they must undergo child protection screening appropriate for each job role. It is an offence for any organisation to offer employment that involves regular contact with young people under the age of 18 to anyone who has been convicted of certain specified offences, or those who are included on lists considered unsuitable for such work held by the Department for Education. It is also an offence for people convicted of such offences to apply for work with young people. If you are successful throughout your application, you will be subject to satisfactory completion of an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed.

Further information about the Disclosure and Barring Service can be found at Gov.uk. Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website. Employees of the provider of alternative education are expected to abide by the provider of education's safeguarding policy, codes of conduct, and will attend Safeguarding training through Cambridgeshire County Council.

By applying for this Forest School Leader, you are agreeing to your CV being held on our database, stored confidentially and securely. Your CV details will be used and kept only to provide recruitment services from us. We will only send your details to clients once discussed with you and your data will not be shared with any other third party. You can ask for the deletion or correction of your data, or to opt out of this service at any point by informing Exact Sourcing.

We very much look forward to hearing from you and will be reviewing all applications over the next 2 to 3 weeks. If you are selected, we will be in contact and if not, we will be keeping your details on file for any future vacancies. Exact Sourcing is an equal opportunities employment agency.

Forest School Leader employer: Exact Sourcing Ltd

As a Forest School Leader, you will join a supportive and nurturing environment dedicated to empowering children with SEMH/SEND needs through engaging outdoor learning experiences. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our training opportunities and a culture that values resilience, adaptability, and passion for nature-based education. With flexible working hours and a focus on safeguarding, we offer a rewarding role where you can make a meaningful impact on children's lives while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors.
Exact Sourcing Ltd

Contact Detail:

Exact Sourcing Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Forest School Leader

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the school and its ethos! Research their approach to outdoor learning and SEMH/SEND needs. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with other Forest School Leaders or educators in the field. They might have insider tips or even know about job openings that aren't advertised yet.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for the interview by thinking of specific examples from your experience. Be ready to discuss how you've supported children's emotional regulation and adapted activities for different needs.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that Forest School Leader role!

We think you need these skills to ace Forest School Leader

Outdoor Learning
Emotional Regulation Support
Social Skills Development
Confidence Building
Wellbeing Promotion
Teamwork Encouragement
Communication Skills
Activity Adaptation
Safeguarding Knowledge
Child Protection Understanding
Level 3 Forest School Leader Qualification
Patience
Resilience
Adaptability
Passion for Nature Connection

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Outdoor Learning: When writing your application, let your love for outdoor learning shine through! Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your connection to nature and how it has influenced your teaching style.

Tailor Your CV to the Role: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the Forest School Leader position. Highlight your qualifications, especially your Level 3 Forest School Leader qualification, and any experience working with children with SEMH/SEND needs.

Be Clear About Your Approach: In your application, describe your patient, resilient, and adaptable approach to working with children. Give examples of how you've supported emotional regulation and social skills in past roles to show you understand the needs of the students you'll be working with.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. This way, we can keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at Exact Sourcing Ltd

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you’re familiar with the principles of Forest School and how they apply to children with SEMH/SEND needs. Brush up on your knowledge about outdoor learning techniques and be ready to discuss how you can adapt activities to suit different students.

✨Show Your Passion

Let your enthusiasm for outdoor learning shine through! Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your love for nature and child development. This will help the interviewers see your genuine commitment to making a difference in children's lives.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, especially regarding emotional regulation and safeguarding. Think of examples from your past experience where you successfully supported a child or managed a challenging situation.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready that show your interest in the role and the organisation. You might ask about their approach to teamwork or how they support staff in professional development. This shows you’re not just interested in the job, but also in being part of their community.

Forest School Leader
Exact Sourcing Ltd
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