Site Lead - Forest School & Outdoor Learning in Plymouth

At Forest School & Training, we believe that every child deserves the chance to thrive. Our Alternative Provision is a specialist service designed for young people who find mainstream education a challenge. We provide a nurturing sanctuary where therapeutic outdoor learning, bushcraft, and nature-based activities form the foundation of a transformative educational experience. We utilise Forest School pedagogy, building confidence, resilience, and emotional literacy children need to achieve positive outcomes for their future.

These roles require the ability to work as part of a team, but also the initiative and confidence to work independently with a learner. All roles require a DBS and reference checks. The Outdoors Group Ltd is committed to safeguarding all staff, children, young people and vulnerable adults involved in its activities and in promoting their welfare.

Contract

• Part-Time Position – 30 Hours per Week (4 Days, with scope to increase to 5 days per week as the provision grows.)
• Permanent contract, working year-round (52 weeks per year).
• Salary: £21,792 per annum.

Job Purpose

The Outdoors Group are seeking an enthusiastic, driven and imaginative Site Lead to develop and lead our Cann Wood provision. This is an exciting opportunity for somebody passionate about Forest School, outdoor learning and creating meaningful opportunities for children and young people within a nurturing natural environment.

Cann Wood is a Forest School site that will welcome a diverse range of attendees and learners, including home educated children, toddlers and families, alongside attendees accessing universal Forest School provision. Our Forest School provision also facilitates children and young people with special education needs (SEN) who may struggle in mainstream educational settings. The successful candidate will understand that Forest School principles sit at the heart of everything we do and will be expected to apply these principles across all sessions, regardless of the age, background or needs of the learners attending.

The successful candidate will lead the day-to-day running of the site, creating inclusive, learner-led experiences that promote confidence, resilience, creativity, independence and emotional wellbeing through long-term engagement with the natural environment. As Cann Wood is a developing and more remote site within the organisation, the successful candidate will play a key role in helping the provision grow. This will include building strong relationships with local schools, organisations and the wider community to encourage engagement, attendance and long-term development of the site.

Main Duties

• Lead and prepare engaging Forest School sessions based on the developmental age and needs of learners and attendees.
• Support the daily running and ongoing development of the Cann Wood site in line with company policies and procedures.
• Use support-based approaches to promote social, emotional and mental health development.
• Manage learner behaviour, including responding appropriately to challenging situations where required.
• Create imaginative and engaging opportunities that encourage participation, creativity and exploration.
• Take an active role in developing and improving the site environment and provision in response to learner interests and needs.
• Build positive relationships with local schools, organisations and community groups to promote the site and encourage attendance.
• Support the growth and sustainability of the provision through effective local engagement and promotion.
• Work collaboratively with the Marketing team to help showcase the provision through appropriate social media content, stories and updates.
• Ensure all sites remain safe, tidy, organised and prepared for future sessions.
• Maintain woodland areas, equipment, resources and consumable stock.
• Liaise with the Estates Team regarding site structures, maintenance and equipment needs.
• Take an active role in minimising environmental impact on woodland sites.
• Ensure attendees and learners are signed in and out appropriately.
• Provide verbal feedback to parents, carers, schools and relevant stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate paperwork, records and reports in a timely manner.
• Complete regular site surveys and provide feedback to managers and the Estates Team.
• Monitor attendance and engagement and respond proactively where improvements are needed.
• Support safeguarding procedures and act as a first point of contact for safeguarding concerns during sessions.
• Report all accidents, incidents and safeguarding concerns promptly and in accordance with company policy.
• Set achievable individual learner goals where required, in line with EHCPs, school recommendations or individual needs.
• Provide support, mentorship and induction for new staff, volunteers and freelance team members where appropriate.
• Attend regular meetings with the Deputy Head of Forest School & AOP.
• Engage fully with Company CPD, mandatory training and development opportunities to meet the evolving needs of the role.
• Assist with the design and delivery of CPD and skill-sharing opportunities where appropriate.
• Provide occasional cover at alternative sites where required.

Person Expectations

• Be passionate about Forest School, outdoor learning and child development.
• Be highly motivated, proactive and community-focused.
• Be confident and comfortable to work outdoors all year round.
• Demonstrate creativity, initiative and resourcefulness.
• Have excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Be confident engaging with schools, families, organisations and external stakeholders.
• Show resilience and confidence when supporting learners with additional needs or behavioural challenges.
• Work collaboratively as part of a wider team while also being capable of working independently.
• Be organised and able to manage a developing site effectively.
• Be committed to safeguarding and inclusive practice.
• Be willing to grow professionally through ongoing CPD and training.

Statutory Responsibilities

• Ensure to comply with the Company’s Safeguarding Policy and Procedures.
• Ensure to comply with the Company’s GDPR Policy and Procedures.
• Ensure to comply with the Company’s Health and Safety Policy and Procedures.
• Ensure all mandatory training required for the role and Company are complete.
• Ensure all Company Policies and Procedures issued through People HR are read, understood and signed.

Induction & Training

The successful candidate may initially spend approximately the first half term shadowing and working alongside experienced Site Leads at other established TOG sites. This induction period is designed to support the successful development of the role and provide a strong understanding of TOG systems, expectations and delivery approaches. Additional travel may therefore be required during this period. Any travel outside of the candidate’s typical agreed commute will be reimbursed in line with company policy.

Line Management Responsibilities

Line management of Forest School staff specific to Cann Wood where required. This post requires a DBS check. The Outdoors Group believes in supporting and nurturing all employees and you would therefore be expected to participate and engage with our bespoke Company CPD programs to meet the needs of your job role and enable you to grow with the organisation.

Please note that all employees will be expected to comply with any reasonable request from a manager to undertake work of a similar level that is not specified in their job description.

This job description is current at the date shown, but in consultation with you, may be amended by your line manager to reflect or anticipate changes in the job role.