Forest School Practitioner in Southampton

Job title: Forest School Practitioner

Job location: Oakfield Academy

Working Hours: 11.25 hours per week. 1.00pm - 3.15pm Monday to Friday

Term time Only, INSET days + 1 week (40 weeks per year)

Pay: Grade B £25,614 - £25,956 FTE - Actual Annual Salary £6832.51 - £6923.74

Responsible to: Forest School Leader

About the role

Do you love the great outdoors and have a passion for inspiring young minds? Are you enthusiastic about outdoor learning, unfazed by all types of weather and eager to get your hands dirty? If you have a good sense of humour and a caring, approachable nature, we would love to hear from you.

We are seeking to appoint a Forest School Practitioner to support our experienced Forest School Leader in delivering exciting outdoor learning opportunities for our children. An understanding of the Forest School ethos and some knowledge of nature and/or bushcraft skills would be an advantage, but this is not essential.

We Are Looking For Someone Who:

• Has a passion for outdoor learning and working with children.
• Enjoys being outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Can work effectively as part of a team.
• Has excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Takes a proactive, flexible and enthusiastic approach to their work.
• Can build positive relationships with children and support their personal development.
• Shares our commitment to providing enriching experiences for all children.

Key Responsibilities

• Work alongside the Forest School Leader to plan, prepare and deliver high-quality outdoor learning experiences for primary-aged children.
• Support the teaching of practical outdoor skills, including shelter building, safe tool use, knot tying and fire management.
• Encourage children to explore and appreciate the natural environment through hands‑on learning.
• Help children identify and understand local flora and fauna.
• Promote health and wellbeing through outdoor activities, mindfulness and connection with nature.
• Develop teamwork, resilience and communication skills through collaborative activities and problem‑solving tasks.
• Support environmental education by helping children understand conservation and the impact of human activity on the environment.
• Ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of all children participating in Forest School activities.
• Assist in the organisation, maintenance and preparation of equipment and learning environments.
• Maintain and develop knowledge of outdoor learning practices, local ecology and natural resources.

Desirable Experience and Qualifications

• Experience working with children in an educational, childcare or recreational setting, particularly within a primary school environment.
• An understanding of the Forest School ethos and knowledge of nature and/or bushcraft skills.
• A First Aid qualification or willingness to undertake training.
• Forest School qualifications or relevant outdoor learning training.

Whilst these qualifications and experiences are desirable, they are not essential. We are committed to supporting the successful candidate through training and continuing professional development opportunities.

In Return We Offer

• Opportunities for professional learning and nationally recognised qualifications.
• A positive and supportive working environment.
• Complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits.
• Access to technology and resources to support your role.
• Staff benefits programme, including a Cycle to Work scheme.
• A strong commitment to staff wellbeing, including:
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Free flu vaccination
• Eye care vouchers
• Discounted lunches from our excellent in-house kitchen.
• Free on‑site staff parking.

Safeguarding Statement

The Gateway Trust is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with previous employers and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.