Forest School Leader

Five Rivers; Taunton; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ongoing training and learning

Gold Investors in People Award

Simply Health Medical Cash Back

In-house and external trainer support

Employee Support Programmes

Enhanced pension scheme

Enhanced Maternity Leave

Refer a Friend bonus

Long service recognition

Job summary

Five Rivers Child Care is seeking an experienced Forest School leader to join Park House, Taunton, as part of our 1 Ace Somerset provision. You will lead Forest School and outdoor learning programs, including 1:1 and small group sessions, in a trauma-informed educational setting, contributing to a Gold-standard award environment.

The role emphasizes flexible structure, professional development, and working within a therapeutic framework to support children and young people aged 8–19.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Forest School Leader and suitable first aid qualification.
• Relevant NGB qualifications.
• Good written and IT skills.
• Able to communicate with children, colleagues, and external customers.
• Able to actively listen to others.
• Valid Driving Licence with a car – essential.
• Have the Right to Work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Lead Forest School sessions and outdoor learning, 1:1 and small groups.
• Deliver bespoke therapeutic educational frameworks tailored to each child.
• Work within an HLTA role within the school setting.

Skills

Forest School Leader Level 3

First Aid

IT Skills

Communication

Driving Licence

Education

Relevant NGB qualifications

Job description

Your career in trauma informed education with Five Rivers Child Care starts here, we are looking for an experienced Forest School leader to join our school in Park House, Somerset our 1 Ace Provision, you will be working with an experienced team and in a culture where children are respected, listened to, and involved in as many decisions as possible.

We are particularly interested in speaking with outdoor professionals with competency in delivering Forest School, bushcraft sessions, Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and progressive outdoor education.

As a 1 ACE Forest School Leader, your day will be varied and interesting you will be able to follow a flexible structure whilst supporting our children and young people by providing bespoke therapeutic educational frameworks that are tailor-made to each child and young person. This role will include working within an HLTA role within the school setting, in addition to delivering high quality Forest School and outdoor learning sessions both 1:1 and in small groups.

1 ACE (Another Chance Education) is our alternative education provision, which works with children and young people who struggle in their formal or specialised education settings, we offer education on an outreach basis or within one of our Ofsted registered school.

You will be working within a Trauma-informed practice model where we can support and follow a therapeutic practice. Our schools have been awarded the ‘Gold Attachment and Trauma Sensitive School Award’.

Our leadership team will invest in your progression as a professional in the Education sector. Not only do we source and deliver up-to-date training opportunities, but we also prioritise and discuss your personal development goals to ensure you’re getting the most out of your career.

Our young people may have had many adults come in and out of their lives, often adding to their trauma. Therefore, we are looking for committed and dedicated people that want to continue their careers with a therapeutically based organisation and leading alternative education provision.

About Five Rivers

We offer a range of supportive, safe environments for children and young people with whom mainstream and other school settings have not worked. Our Ofsted registered and rated independent schools around England offer a range of academic, vocational, SEN, and disabilities (SEND) options.

Our Team at Park House – 1 Ace Somerset

Park House is a small bungalow on the edge of a beautiful park in central Taunton, we are a team of 32 who support children and young people covering Somerset, our children are aged between 8-19 years.

We offer a school without walls for our children & young people. We have our own forest school area and a teaching site at a local equine facility as well as lots of access to other areas and settings.

We have been awarded the Attachment & Trauma - Sensitive Award (ATSSA)– Gold

We are looking forward to you joining our team!

Hours

Term Time, this goes in line with the local authority

Our full-time hours are 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday 08:30 am -16:30pm

Why Five Rivers?

• On-going training and learning through our Learning & Development Team
• We are committed to your development – we hold a Gold Investors in People Award
• Simply Health Medical Cash Back Scheme
• Ongoing training and support from in-house and external trainers
• Employee Support Programmes
• Enhanced company pension scheme (4% employer contribution)
• Enhanced Maternity Leave Package for mothers who have been with us for over 1 year.
• Refer a Friend bonus scheme.
• Long service and recognition scheme

Requirements

• Level 3 Forest School Leader and suitable first aid qualification
• Relevant NGB qualifications
• Good written and IT skills.
• Able to communicate with children, colleagues, and external customers
• Able to actively listen to others
• Valid Driving Licence with a car – this is essential for this role
• Have the Right to Work in the UK

Desirable

• Summer Mountain Leader or Walking Group Leader Qualification
• SPA or CWA
• BCU coaching or instructor awards

Safeguarding & Equal Opportunities

Five Rivers is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants must be willing to undergo appropriate checks, including references and a DBS check.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.