At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engaging outdoor learning sessions and support children with special educational needs.
- Company: Independent specialist school focused on outdoor education and therapeutic approaches.
- Benefits: Generous pension, health care plan, ongoing professional development, and beautiful outdoor working environment.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and shape an outstanding Outdoor Learning provision.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through nature and outdoor learning.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Forest School qualification or equivalent, experience with SEND, and strong communication skills.
Are you looking for Forest School jobs or Outdoor Learning jobs where you can make a genuine difference? Do you have a passion for Outdoor Education, Forest School, and supporting children with Special Educational Needs (SEND)? Our client, a leading independent specialist school, is seeking an enthusiastic Outdoor Learning & Forest School Co-ordinator to join their dedicated team. This rewarding role is ideal for an experienced Forest School Leader, Outdoor Learning Practitioner, Outdoor Education Instructor, or someone with experience delivering therapeutic outdoor learning within a specialist education setting. The school are open to you coming onto a permanent contract immediately, or temp to perm.
About the Outdoor Learning & Forest School Role
As the Outdoor Learning & Forest School Co-ordinator, you will lead and develop an engaging programme of outdoor learning, helping pupils build confidence, resilience, independence and emotional wellbeing through meaningful experiences in nature. Working closely with the Assistant Headteacher, teaching staff and therapists, you will deliver creative and inclusive Forest School sessions and Outdoor Learning activities that support pupils with SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs), Autism (ASC) and additional learning needs. Based within extensive outdoor grounds, this is a hands-on role delivering activities including:
- Forest School sessions
- Bushcraft
- Outdoor cooking
- Shelter building
- Nature-based learning
- Environmental education
- Woodland management projects
- Therapeutic outdoor learning
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, deliver and evaluate high-quality Forest School and Outdoor Learning sessions.
- Deliver engaging activities that support EHCP outcomes.
- Adapt learning for children with SEND, SEMH, ASC and complex needs.
- Promote resilience, independence and confidence through outdoor education.
- Use trauma-informed and therapeutic approaches to behaviour support.
- Complete risk assessments and ensure safe use of tools and outdoor equipment.
- Maintain woodland areas, outdoor learning spaces and resources.
- Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists and support staff.
- Encourage environmental awareness and sustainability across the school.
About You
We're looking for someone who has:
- A Level 3 Forest School qualification (or equivalent), or willingness to work towards it.
- Experience working within SEND, Special Educational Needs, Special Schools, SEMH, Autism (ASC) or Alternative Provision.
- Experience delivering Outdoor Learning, Forest School, Bushcraft, or Outdoor Education programmes.
- Excellent knowledge of health and safety in outdoor environments.
- A positive, flexible and creative approach.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- A genuine passion for helping children thrive through outdoor learning.
About Our Client
Our client is an independent specialist school supporting children and young people aged 5–19 with Special Educational Needs (SEND), including SEMH, Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and associated needs. The school follows a therapeutic, relationship-based approach where behaviour is understood as communication. Outdoor learning is central to the curriculum, helping pupils develop confidence, emotional regulation, resilience and life skills.
Benefits
- Generous employer pension contribution.
- Ongoing CPD and professional development.
- Health Care Plan following probation.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Beautiful outdoor working environment.
- Access to on-site leisure facilities at designated times.
- Supportive leadership team and multidisciplinary colleagues.
- Opportunity to shape and develop an outstanding Outdoor Learning provision.
Working Hours
35 hours per week | Term Time Only
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday: 8:30am – 4:00pm
Wednesday: 8:30am – 4:30pm
Friday: 8:30am – 3:30pm
Apply for this Forest School Job
If you're searching for Forest School jobs, Outdoor Education jobs, Outdoor Learning jobs, SEND school jobs, SEMH jobs, or Special Educational Needs jobs, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today to join a specialist school where you'll inspire children and young people through the power of nature and outdoor learning while making a lasting difference to their education and wellbeing.
Outdoor Learning and Forest School Leader in Shaftesbury employer: Vision for Education - Bristol
Join a leading independent specialist school that prioritises outdoor education and therapeutic learning, where you can truly make a difference in the lives of children with Special Educational Needs. With a supportive leadership team, ongoing professional development opportunities, and a beautiful outdoor working environment, this role as an Outdoor Learning & Forest School Co-ordinator offers a rewarding career path in a collaborative and inclusive setting. Embrace the chance to shape an outstanding Outdoor Learning provision while enjoying generous benefits and a focus on employee wellbeing.
Contact Details:
Vision for Education - Bristol Recruitment Team
