Qualified Teacher – Outdoor Education, Forest School & ASDAN Gardening/Environmental Awards in Rochdale

Reports To: Headteacher / Deputy Headteacher

Salary: MPS/UPS (depending on experience) + any relevant allowances

Contract Type: Full-time / Permanent (Part-time 0.6)

Job Purpose: To plan, lead, and deliver a high-quality outdoor education curriculum that includes Forest School sessions and ASDAN Gardening and Environmental Awards, promoting students’ personal development, wellbeing, and academic progress. The role involves working with a diverse range of learners, including those with additional needs, to develop skills, confidence, and a love for the natural environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Teaching & Learning: Plan and deliver engaging outdoor education sessions, including Forest School activities, aligned with the school curriculum and students’ individual learning plans. Deliver and assess ASDAN Gardening and Environmental Awards, maintaining high standards of teaching and learning. Differentiate activities to meet a range of abilities, including students with SEND, EAL, and other additional needs. Foster a safe, nurturing, and inclusive outdoor learning environment. Promote cross-curricular links, embedding literacy, numeracy, and social skills within outdoor activities. Provide small group and 1:1 outdoor learning sessions to re-engage pupils in education.
• Leadership & Management: Take responsibility for the development and sustainability of the Forest School and outdoor education provision. Co-ordinate, adapt and develop curriculum for Forest School, outdoor education and ASDAN awards for Gardening. Develop and maintain the outdoor learning areas, including gardens and nature spaces. Liaise with colleagues, parents, and external agencies to support students’ progress and wellbeing. Organise and manage resources, equipment, and risk assessments to ensure the highest standards of health and safety. Keep up to date with Forest School best practice, ASDAN accreditation requirements, and relevant training.
• Monitoring & Assessment: Assess, record, and report on students’ progress in outdoor education, Forest School, and ASDAN units. Maintain accurate records and portfolios of evidence for ASDAN moderation. Contribute to whole-school assessment, target setting, and reporting procedures.
• Wider Professional Responsibilities: Contribute to whole-school policies and development plans relating to outdoor learning and sustainability. Develop links with other schools and external partners to build relationships within the community. Lead or support extracurricular activities, community gardening projects, and outdoor events. Model and promote environmentally sustainable practices throughout the school. Take part in relevant CPD and support the training of other staff in outdoor learning techniques.

Person Specification:

• Essential:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Proven experience delivering engaging and inclusive lessons
• Level 3 Forest School Leader qualification (or willingness to train)
• Experience with ASDAN or similar alternative accreditation
• Excellent understanding of outdoor learning pedagogy and child-centred approaches
• Strong behaviour management and safeguarding knowledge
• Ability to motivate and inspire students of all abilities and backgrounds
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• Commitment to sustainability and environmental awareness

• Additional training in horticulture, conservation, or environmental education
• Experience working with SEND students in an outdoor context
• First Aid and Outdoor Emergency qualifications

Safeguarding Statement: This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check will be required.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits: Casual dress, Company events, Discounted or free food, Employee discount, Free or subsidised travel, Health & wellbeing programme, On-site parking, Referral programme, Store discount