Forest School and Outdoor Learning Apprentice - Buckinghamshire

Outdoor Learning; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 11,000 - 15,000; Full time

Job summary

Brave Roots Forest School is hiring a Forest School and Outdoor Learning Apprentice. This mobile role works across Buckinghamshire and surrounding areas, delivering outdoor sessions to children in various settings.

You’ll train towards Level 3 Outdoor Activity Instructor Apprenticeship, learn activity planning, safeguarding, and risk management, and gain hands-on classroom-to-field experience. You’ll support den building, bushcraft, cooking, crafts, and wildlife activities while developing

Qualifications

• GCSE English and Maths at grade 3/D or above, or equivalent Level 1 Functional Skills.
• Level 3 Outdoor Activity Instructor Apprenticeship training.
• Training in safeguarding and inclusion and related HSQE courses.

Responsibilities

• Deliver and assist Forest School sessions in schools, nurseries, and clubs.
• Plan and prepare age-appropriate outdoor activities.
• Set up outdoor spaces and maintain equipment and resources.
• Support safeguarding procedures and risk assessments.
• Develop skills through apprenticeship training and courses.
• Progress into greater planning and leading activities over time.

Skills

Outdoor education

Child engagement

Planning and prep

Teamwork

Education

GCSE English and Maths (3/D) or Functional Skills Level 1

Level 3 Outdoor Activity Instructor Apprenticeship

RPIOL - Registered Practitioner of the Institute for Outdoor Learning

Level 2 Safeguarding (HSQE)

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (HSQE)

Level 2 Bushcraft

Level 3 Learning Beyond the Classroom

Job description

• Forest School and Outdoor Learning Apprentice - Buckinghamshire

Brave Roots Forest School – Forest School and Outdoor Learning Apprentice

Location: Multiple Forest School sites across Buckinghamshire and surrounding areas.

This is a mobile role, with the apprentice working at different schools, nurseries and outdoor learning locations throughout the week.

Ideally, applicants should be based in or around Winslow, Buckingham, Milton Keynes, Leighton Buzzard or Towcester, allowing reasonable travel to our main delivery locations. A driving licence and access to a vehicle is required due to the varied locations.

No of postions available: 1

Duration: 12-18 months

Working hours: 24 hours/week. 8 hrs/day on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Travel time to and from settings will be included as working time.

About the role:

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who loves being outdoors, enjoys working with children and wants to develop a career in outdoor education.

As a Forest School & Outdoor Learning Apprentice at Brave Roots you’ll work alongside an experienced Forest School Leader, learning how to plan, prepare and deliver engaging outdoor activities for children of different ages. You’ll be helping to create exciting, engaging and memorable outdoor experiences for children.’

One day you might be helping children build dens, light campfires or discover wildlife. Another day you could be supporting woodland crafts, outdoor cooking, imaginative games or nature-based activities.

You’ll also gain valuable experience in the behind-the-scenes work involved in running a growing Forest School business.

Qualifications and training to be provided:

As part of the role, you’ll work towards a nationally recognised Level 3 Outdoor Activity Instructor Apprenticeship, combining practical experience with structured training and support. You’ll receive guidance and mentoring as you develop the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed to deliver outdoor learning activities. There will be opportunities to develop skills in outdoor education, activity leadership, safeguarding, first aid and risk management, with further training opportunities depending on the apprenticeship programme.

Training and qualifications that can be gained during the apprenticeship include:

• Level 3 Outdoor Activity Instructor Apprenticeship Standard
• Registered Practitioner of the Institute for Outdoor Learning (RPIOL)
• Level 2 Safeguarding(HSQE)
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion training (HSQE)
• Four other choice HSQE course from a possible 65 courses (for example Manual Handling, COSHH, Food safety, Fire Warden, etc)
• Level 2 Bushcraft,
• Level 3 Learning Beyond the Classroom,

As a Forest School & Outdoor Learning Apprentice at Brave Roots, you’ll work alongside an experienced Forest School Leader, helping to create exciting, engaging and memorable outdoor experiences for children.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the delivery of Forest School sessions in primary schools, nurseries, after-school clubs and holiday camps.
• Helping children explore nature, develop confidence, build friendships and learn new skills through outdoor play and adventure.
• Leading and assisting with activities such as den building, bushcraft, fire lighting, outdoor cooking, woodland crafts and wildlife exploration.
• Planning and preparing creative, age-appropriate activities that encourage curiosity, independence and teamwork.
• Setting up outdoor learning spaces, preparing equipment and packing away after sessions.
• Helping to maintain Forest School equipment, tools and resources.
• Supporting children’s safety and wellbeing, following safeguarding procedures and helping with risk assessments.
• Adapting activities to meet the needs and abilities of different children, ensuring everyone feels included.
• Working with the Forest School Leader to reflect on sessions and develop new activity ideas.
• Undertaking apprenticeship training, attending courses and developing practical outdoor education skills.
• Gradually taking on greater responsibility for planning and leading activities as your skills and confidence develop.

The role will involve a mixture of practical sessions with children, activity planning, preparation, equipment maintenance and professional training. No two days will be the same! You’ll spend much of your time outdoors, helping children learn, explore and develop a lasting connection with the natural world.

Personal qualities:

We’re particularly interested in someone who:

• Loves being outdoors in all seasons and weather conditions.
• Enjoys spending time with children and helping them learn and grow.
• Is enthusiastic, energetic, creative and willing to get stuck in.
• Is patient, kind, reliable and responsible.
• Has a positive attitude and enjoys working as part of a small team.
• Is keen to learn new skills and develop professionally.
• Has an interest in nature, wildlife, education, bushcraft or outdoor adventure.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Willingness to learn new practical skills and follow instructions.
• Ability to engage positively with children of different ages and abilities.
• Good organisational skills and reliability.
• Ability to work safely and follow safeguarding procedures.

Qualifications required:

Essential: GCSE English and Maths at grade 3/D or above, or equivalent Level 1 Functional Skills qualifications, in accordance with apprenticeship entry requirements.

Desirable: GCSEs in English and Maths at grade 4/C or above.

Any relevant qualifications in childcare, outdoor education, sports leadership or first aid. No previous Forest School qualifications are required.

Future Prospects:

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, there may be opportunities for continued employment and career progression within Brave Roots as the business grows. Future opportunities could include taking on greater responsibility for planning and leading sessions, undertaking further qualifications such as Level 3 Forest School Leader training, and progressing into a more senior role within Brave Roots.

Potential start date: Wednesday 6th January 2027