Forest School Leader

Outcomes First Group; Southampton; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Assurance

Pension scheme with options to extend

Your Wellbeing Matters – mental health

Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista) – )

Job summary

Bower Lodge School in Dibden, Southampton, is seeking a Forest School Lead to develop and lead our outdoor learning provision. You will create engaging, practical, inclusive experiences and support students to achieve accreditations while promoting risk-aware, safe outdoor activities.

You will work with staff to embed outdoor learning across the curriculum and lead our Squirrels Scout Group after school. A passion for helping students with additional needs and a love of the outdoors is

Qualifications

• Holds a Forest School Level 3 qualification and First Aid certification, or is willing to undertake training.
• Experience in Forest School, outdoor education, youth work, scouting or a similar environment.
• Driving licence is required.

Responsibilities

• Leading and developing our Forest School and outdoor learning provision across the school.
• Delivering engaging outdoor sessions that build confidence, wellbeing, independence and resilience.
• Creating exciting opportunities for students to learn through nature, exploration and practical activities.
• Supporting students to achieve recognised awards and accreditations, including AQA Unit Awards.
• Leading our after-school Scout Group (Squirrels) provision.
• Promoting safe outdoor learning through effective risk management and site safety.
• Working collaboratively with staff and leaders to embed outdoor learning across the curriculum.
• Supporting the delivery of other subjects, including Independent Living, where required.

Skills

Leadership

Outdoor education

Creativity

Teamwork

Risk management

Education

Forest School Level 3 qualification

First Aid certification

Job description

Bower Lodge School is looking for an enthusiastic and creative Forest School Lead to develop and lead our outdoor learning provision, creating meaningful experiences that help students build confidence, resilience, independence and life skills. This is more than a Forest School role. It's an opportunity to shape an engaging outdoor curriculum, lead exciting enrichment activities, support students to achieve recognised accreditations, and make a genuine difference to the lives of young people with additional needs. Working closely with our leadership team, you'll take ownership of our Forest School and wider outdoor education programme, ensuring every student has the opportunity to learn, explore and succeed beyond the classroom. You'll also lead our after-school Scout Group (Squirrels), helping students develop teamwork, leadership and social skills in a fun and supportive environment. Whether your background is in Forest School, outdoor education, scouting, environmental education, youth work or activity leadership, we'd love to hear from you.

What you will be doing

• Leading and developing our Forest School and outdoor learning provision across the school.
• Delivering engaging outdoor sessions that build confidence, wellbeing, independence and resilience.
• Creating exciting opportunities for students to learn through nature, exploration and practical activities.
• Supporting students to achieve recognised awards and accreditations, including AQA Unit Awards.
• Leading our after-school Scout Group (Squirrels) provision.
• Promoting safe outdoor learning through effective risk management and site safety.
• Working collaboratively with staff and leaders to embed outdoor learning across the curriculum.
• Supporting the delivery of other subjects, including Independent Living, where required.
  Experience in Forest School, outdoor education, youth work, scouting or a similar environment.
• Is passionate about helping students overcome barriers and achieve their potential.
• Can create engaging, practical and inclusive learning experiences..
• Holds a Forest School Level 3 qualification and First Aid certification, or is willing to undertake training.
• Has experience working with children or young people, particularly those with additional needs.
• Brings enthusiasm, creativity and a genuine love of the outdoors.
• Driving licence is required
  Bower Lodge School is a specialist day school in Dibden, Southampton, for boys and girls aged 4-11 with a diagnosis of autism and complex learning, communication, and sensory needs.

With capacity for 40 students, we provide a small, nurturing, and inclusive environment. Our approach is tailored to each child's individual strengths and needs. Through personalised learning and high levels of support, we help students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. At Bower Lodge School, every child is valued, understood, and empowered to reach their full potential. At Outcomes First Schools, we provide specialist education for learners who need a deeper level of understanding, expertise and support than mainstream education can typically offer. We support students with a wide range of complex, co-occurring and neurodivergent needs, including autism, ADHD, SEMH, speech and communication needs, dyslexia and experiences of trauma or adversity. We are proud to be a part of OFG Education who in 2025 were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the sixth year running.

We place students and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

Benefits

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• \"Your Wellbeing Matters\" - mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
• Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
• Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support