Alternative Provision in Blackpool seeking an Outdoor Education & Land-Based Mentor. Small groups (2-4 pupils), equine therapy, local farms & DofE. Up to £33,000. Location: Blackpool & The Fylde Coast, Lancashire (FY postcodes) Position Type: Full-Time, Temporary-to-Permanent Salary: Up to £33,000 per annum upon permanent appointment (competitive equivalent daily rate during the initial temp-to-perm transition) About the Setting Our Alternative Provision (AP) supports secondary-aged learners across Blackpool who experience Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties, trauma, or school disengagement. We step away from desk-bound schooling to deliver relational, nature-based education. In partnership with local working farms, equine assisted therapy centres, and expedition routes across Lancashire, we use land-based skills and outdoor challenges to build self-worth, emotional regulation, and accredited qualifications. Rather than managing large classes, our practitioners work with micro-groups of just 2 to 4 pupils, supported at all times by dedicated pastoral mentors. The Role We are seeking an active, grounded, and resilient Outdoor Education Specialist to lead practical field, farm, and expedition activities on a temp-to-perm contract. You do not need traditional teacher status (QTS). We are looking for hands-on mentors-such as DofE leaders, equine/animal care practitioners, outdoor pursuit instructors, or farm-based youth workers-who excel at co-regulating young people through real-world, purposeful activity. Key Responsibilities Equine & Animal-Assisted Engagement: Support safe animal handling, stable management, and sensory co-regulation at partner equine therapy yards and local working farms. Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE): Guide small groups through Bronze and Silver DofE modules, including navigation, campcraft, volunteering, and outdoor expeditions. Micro-Group Mentoring: Work with focused groups of 2 to 4 pupils, embedding functional English, maths, and problem-solving into hands-on outdoor tasks. Farm & Land-Based Skills: Facilitate practical conservation, horticulture, fencing, livestock care, and countryside maintenance projects. Positive Behaviour & De-escalation: Apply trauma-informed practices, consistent boundaries, and low-arousal strategies to de-escalate anxiety and emotional deregulation. Off-Site Safety: Maintain risk assessments and pastoral logs during minibus transport, visits, and expeditions. Who We Are Looking For Practical Experience: Background in outdoor education, DofE expedition leadership, farm work, equine-assisted learning, Bushcraft, or Forest School delivery. SEMH & AP Aptitude: Empathy, patience, and confidence working alongside neurodivergent learners (ADHD, ASC) or pupils with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Ratio Focus: Enjoyment of working closely with intimate cohorts of 2 to 4 students where genuine relational trust can be built. Driving Licence: A full UK driving licence (experience driving a school minibus or towing is highly advantageous for off-site trips). Safeguarding: Commitment to child protection and safer recruitment standards (an Enhanced Child Workforce DBS on the Update Service will be required prior to start). What We Offer Salary: Up to £33,000 per annum (pro-rata / D.O.E.) upon permanent transition. Micro-Ratios: Dedicated group sizes capped at 2 to 4 students, eliminating large-classroom behaviour fatigue. Clear Route to Permanent: A structured 12-week agency transition offering immediate start stability. Dynamic Work Environment: Variety across coastal trails, partner stables, local farms, and community conservation sites across the Fylde. JSON-LD
Outdoor Learning & Land-Based Education Specialist (AP / SEMH) in Blackpool employer: Tradewind Recruitment
Tradewind Recruitment is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in Preston that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With competitive salaries, immediate commission opportunities, and generous holiday allowances, we ensure our team members thrive both personally and professionally. Our comprehensive Impact Academy training programme equips you with the skills to excel in recruitment, while ongoing support from experienced mentors fosters a collaborative environment where you can achieve your career aspirations.
