Forest School Leader

GLF Schools; East Hagbourne; On-site; GBP 3,100 - 3,800; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Generous holiday allowance

Employee wellbeing initiatives

Career pathways and talent management

Staff benefits portal

Community and collaboration model

Job summary

Aureus Primary School and Nursery in Didcot invites applications for an innovative Forest School Leader on a part-time, fixed-term basis. Join a vibrant team and contribute to outdoor learning experiences for children, with 2–3 afternoons per week during term time.

The role requires a Level 3 Forest School Leader, First Aid certificates, and a commitment to safeguarding. Enjoy flexible, supportive working arrangements within the GLF Schools cluster.

Qualifications

• A Level 3 Forest School Leader qualification is required.
• Current Paediatric and/or Outdoor First Aid certificate.
• GCSE English and Maths at grade C or above; basic IT skills.
• Strong communication and safeguarding commitment.

Responsibilities

• Lead Forest School sessions for pupils 2–3 afternoons a week during term time.
• Plan, deliver and assess outdoor learning activities following guidance.
• Maintain safeguarding principles and promote pupil welfare.
• Collaborate with Aureus Primary School and wider Didcot cluster staff.

Skills

Communication

Planning & Org

Safeguarding

Teamwork

First Aid

IT basics

Education

Forest School Leader Level 3

First Aid Certificate

GCSE English & Maths

Job description

# Forest School LeaderEmployer: Aureus Primary School and NurseryLocation: Didcot, OxfordshireContract Type: Fixed term contractHours: Part Time, Term TimeContract Length: Academic year (July 27)Salary: GLF Associate 2.1 FTE £24,751 actual: £3,547Posted: 5th November 2026Expires: 18th November 2026 09:30 AMStart Date: As Soon As PossibleJob ID: 1582876Job Reference: APS018* Share :* Print**Aureus Primary School are looking for a innovative and enthusiastic Forest School Leader to join our vibrant and supportive team on a part time, fixed term basis and be part of the school community. If you are passionate about wanting to make a difference in children's lives, we would love to hear from you!****Your opportunity**We currently have an opportunity for a qualified Forest School Leader to join our supportive team at Aureus Primary School for 2-3 afternoons each week during term time. Aureus Primary School has a passion and understanding of what effective learning is and we help to inspire our pupils to be the best they can be.Please read the job description and person specification carefully to ensure your personal application statement demonstrates how your skills match what we are looking for.**What we're looking for:*** A Level 3 Forest School Leader qualification* Current Paediatric and/or Outdoor First Aid Certificate* A good general education, including GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Maths (Grade C or above).* Basic IT skills to support learning and administrative tasks.* Strong communication skills, with the ability to clarify instructions and engage students effectively.* The ability to plan, prioritise tasks, and follow teacher guidance.* A professional and confidential approach to working with children.* A trustworthy, approachable, and passionate attitude towards making a positive impact on students’ lives.* A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, in line with GLF Schools' policies.This role is suited to someone who is dedicated, patient, and enthusiastic about helping students reach their full potential.**About The Didcot Cluster**Aureus Primary School and Manor Primary School make up the Didcot Cluster, a newly established cluster of schools overseen by a Regional Director. Alongside this, the wider Oxfordshire cluster includes; William Morris, Longford Park, Hardwick and Cherry Fields. This is an exciting opportunity to work collaboratively with colleagues across this cluster, to share expertise and experience, ensuring all children in our schools receive an excellent education and reach their potential. It also provides opportunities for career progression across the cluster and gives you the chance to further your professional development.**Join the GLF Schools Community**As a part of GLF Schools, you will join a community of staff dedicated to transforming education. With regular progression discussions, there will be a wealth of opportunities for you to grow your career, whether in one of our 43 academies or in our central team.* Founded upon the values of Respect, Inclusivity, Integrity and Kindness* 43 primary and secondary schools across 7 Local Authority areas across the south of England* We work as a community whilst ensuring each school maintains its own unique identity* Committed to ensuring all children and young people receive the best possible education**GLF Schools Employment Offer**GLF Schools has a generous employment offer, which allows all our colleagues to Grow, Learn and Flourish* Access to our highly competitive Local Government Pension Scheme* Flexible working options* Generous holiday allowance* Work life and family friendly policies* Employee wellbeing initiatives* Career pathways and talent management* Access to a staff benefits portal* Community and collaboration working modelPlease read the attached Join Our Community candidate pack for further information.**The Details****Start Date:** ASAP**Salary:** GLF Associate 2.1 - FTE £24,751 actual salary: £3,457 (based on 6 hours per week)**Contract:** Fixed term contract to the end of the academic year**Hours:** To be agreed, ideally 2-3 afternoons hours per week (Term time 38 weeks).**Closing Date:** 18th November 2026 at 9.30am**Interview Date:** We reserve the right to interview candidates before the closing date### AttachmentsJoin Our Community - Associate 2025 - 26Forest School Leader - JD (APS)Forest School Leader - PS APS### Safeguarding Statement:GLF Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Employment is subject to a satisfactory enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).As a Trust, we are happy to discuss flexible working opportunities. GLF Schools recognises and celebrates the diversity of its schools and their communities. There is a shared commitment across the Trust to develop further a culture of respect, where discrimination is not tolerated, and individuals are treated equitably and fairly and feel a sense of belonging. We strive for an inclusive environment where staff, children and students are comfortable to express their own identity, should they wish, in which diversity and inclusion is of mutual benefit for everyone in our schools. We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented groups including those based on ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.We reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy at any time ahead of the closing date if there is a good level of response. Therefore, we recommend you submit your application as early as possible.We also reserve the right to interview shortlisted candidates ahead of the closing date.Please be advised that references may be requested on receipt of your application. Please state if you wish this to be delayed until shortlisting/interviews have taken place.