Forest Schools Practitioner in Montrose

The closing date for completed applications for this post is 9am on Wednesday 17 June 2026, and it is anticipated interviews will take place on Tuesday 30 June 2026.

Hours: 37 hours per week.

Salary: £29,920 - £31,230 (SCP 20 - 22)

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Forest School Practitioner will deliver exciting and engaging Outdoor Learning opportunities as part of our wider educational offer at Rossie. They will support the development and delivery of Forest School provision within Rossie, creating engaging outdoor learning experiences that contribute to the education, wellbeing and achievement of young people.

The post holder will work collaboratively with the Education Leadership and Management Team and wider educational teams to support the planning, delivery and ongoing development of a Forest and Outdoor Learning Award. The role is suited to an individual who is passionate about outdoor learning and supporting young people, and who is motivated to develop their knowledge, skills and qualifications in Forest School and accredited learning delivery.

• Deliver high-quality outdoor learning experiences.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of the Forest and Outdoor Learning Award (FOLA) programme.
• Support positive outcomes, attainment and achievement for young people.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with young people and staff.
• Assist with the organisation, administration and development of Forest School.
• Support the health, safety and wellbeing of young people within Forest School activities.
• Deliver learning and teaching.
• Plan and deliver Forest School and outdoor learning sessions.
• Support young people to engage positively in learning experiences and activities.
• Deliver sessions aligned to FOLA and Curriculum for Excellence.
• Support young people to achieve awards, accreditation and positive learning outcomes.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, parents/carers and external partners.
• Promote positive relationships and inclusive practice.
• Develop positive, respectful and supportive relationships with young people.
• Promote nurturing and trauma-informed approaches in all interactions.
• Support inclusive practice that recognises diverse and complex learner needs.
• Encourage participation, confidence and learner voice.
• Work cooperatively and as part of the wider staff team.
• Resource management and programme administration.
• Organise and maintain Forest School resources and environments.
• Prepare materials and equipment for sessions and activities.
• Complete and attend to attendance records, risk assessments and learner records.
• Contribute to the gathering of evidence for accredited learning and programme evaluation.
• Support the ongoing development of Forest School provision.
• Health, safety and wellbeing.
• Follow risk assessment procedures and safe working practices for all activities.
• Deliver safe, risk assessed outdoor learning experiences.
• Follow organisational safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• Promote confidence, resilience and independence in young people.
• Provide first aid support where appropriate.
• Promote positive behaviour, engagement and respectful interactions.

Please note this job description is to provide a clear and concise statement of the main tasks and activities of the post, and it is not intended as an exhaustive list of every aspect of the post-holder's duties. All the above duties will be carried out in line with Rossie policies and procedures.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Qualifications (Essential):

• SCQF level 5 awards in literacy and numeracy.
• Commitment to continuing professional development.

Qualifications (Desirable):

• Relevant HNC level qualification.
• FOLA or equivalent outdoor learning accreditation or qualification.

Skills (Essential):

• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
• Excellent organisational skills, ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, and oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues.
• Ability to deal with confidential/sensitive matters.

Skills (Desirable):

• Experience of leading project work with young people.

Experience (Essential):

• Working with young people in a relevant field.
• Working in partnership with other agencies.
• Facilitating learning.

Experience (Desirable):

• Planning programmes of work.
• Reporting on progress.
• Working in an outdoor learning environment.

Knowledge Base (Essential):

• Confident in the use of Microsoft Office applications, internet searches, using social media and online planning, learning and communication tools.
• Understanding of relevant national policy, including GIRFEC.

Knowledge Base (Desirable):

• Challenges and opportunities arising from working in a residential and secure care setting.
• An understanding of trauma, and the impact of this in a learning context.

Qualities (Essential):

• Flexible and adaptive approach.
• Empathetic approach to working with vulnerable young people.

Qualities (Desirable):

• The ability to establish and safely maintain professional boundaries.
• Full Clean Driving Licence (Essential).