At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engaging outdoor learning sessions for pupils with social, emotional, and mental health needs.
- Company: Specialist SEMH school focused on therapeutic approaches and personalised learning.
- Benefits: Supportive team, small group sizes, ongoing professional development, and excellent outdoor facilities.
- Other info: Join a nurturing environment committed to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on pupil wellbeing through structured and therapeutic outdoor education.
- Qualifications: Experience in Forest School or outdoor learning, strong behaviour management skills, and excellent communication.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Location: SEMH School, Orpington
Start Date: May 2026
Contract Type: Full-time (term-time) / Permanent or Fixed Term (depending on school need)
About the Role
We are seeking a qualified and experienced Level 3 Forest School Leader to join a specialist SEMH school in Orpington from May 2026. This is a unique and rewarding opportunity to play a vital role in supporting pupils with social, emotional, and mental health needs through structured and therapeutic outdoor learning. The successful candidate will be responsible for planning, leading, and delivering high-quality Forest School sessions for small groups of pupils, using outdoor education to promote emotional regulation, resilience, confidence, and positive behaviour.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, deliver, and evaluate engaging Forest School sessions in line with Forest School principles
- Lead outdoor learning activities for small groups of SEMH pupils
- Create a safe, inclusive, and nurturing outdoor learning environment
- Adapt activities to meet individual pupil needs and EHCP targets
- Manage risk assessments, safeguarding, and health & safety procedures
- Work collaboratively with teachers, support staff, and pastoral teams
- Track pupil progress and contribute to behaviour and wellbeing outcomes
Requirements
- Proven experience delivering Forest School or outdoor learning programmes
- Experience working with children or young people with SEMH needs
- Strong behaviour management and de-escalation skills
- Confident leading sessions independently and managing small groups
- Excellent communication, organisation, and planning skills
- Commitment to safeguarding and inclusive practice
About the School
The school is a specialist SEMH provision with a strong focus on therapeutic approaches, emotional wellbeing, and personalised learning. Outdoor education plays a key role in supporting pupils’ development, and the Forest School provision is highly valued within the school community.
What We Offer
- A supportive and experienced SEN leadership team
- Small group sizes and a therapeutic working environment
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on pupil wellbeing
- Ongoing professional development and SEN-focused training
- Excellent outdoor facilities and resources
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Forest School Leader (Level 3) in Orpington employer: Veritas-Education-Recruitmen
Join our dedicated team at a specialist SEMH school in Orpington, where you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with social, emotional, and mental health needs. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and nurturing work culture, offering ongoing professional development and access to excellent outdoor facilities that enhance your teaching experience. As a Forest School Leader, you will be part of a collaborative environment that values therapeutic approaches and personalised learning, ensuring both your growth and the wellbeing of our students.
Contact Detail:
Veritas-Education-Recruitmen Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Forest School Leader (Level 3) in Orpington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved with SEMH or outdoor learning. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your previous Forest School sessions and any relevant training. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family, focusing on common questions related to SEMH and outdoor education. This will boost your confidence and help you articulate your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you prepare and land that dream job as a Forest School Leader. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on new opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Forest School Leader (Level 3) in Orpington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Outdoor Learning:When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for Forest School principles and outdoor education. Share any personal experiences or insights that highlight why you love working in nature and how it benefits pupils with SEMH needs.
Tailor Your Experience to the Role:Make sure to align your previous experience with the key responsibilities listed in the job description. We want to see how your background in delivering Forest School sessions or working with SEMH pupils makes you a perfect fit for our team.
Highlight Your Teamwork Skills:Since collaboration is key in our school, emphasise your ability to work with teachers, support staff, and pastoral teams. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past to create a nurturing environment for pupils.
Keep It Clear and Concise:While we appreciate detail, make sure your application is easy to read. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us quickly understand your qualifications and passion for the role. And remember, apply through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Veritas-Education-Recruitmen
✨Know Your Forest School Principles
Make sure you’re well-versed in the principles of Forest School. Be ready to discuss how you would plan and deliver sessions that promote emotional regulation and resilience. Think about specific activities you could implement and how they align with the school's ethos.
✨Showcase Your Experience with SEMH Needs
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully worked with children or young people with social, emotional, and mental health needs. Highlight your behaviour management strategies and how you’ve adapted activities to meet individual needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Planning Skills
Bring along a sample lesson plan or outline of a Forest School session you’ve led before. This will show your organisational skills and ability to create engaging, safe, and inclusive learning environments tailored to small groups.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Communication
Be ready to discuss how you work with teachers, support staff, and pastoral teams. Share examples of how effective communication has helped you track pupil progress and contribute to their wellbeing outcomes, as this is crucial in a specialist SEMH setting.
