Forest School Leader (1)

Channels & Choices Therapeutic Children's Services; Dover; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A therapeutic educational organization in Dover seeks a Level 3 qualified Forest School Leader to develop and deliver outdoor learning experiences for pupils aged 7–16 with SEMH needs. The candidate will promote emotional regulation and social interaction through structured outdoor activities. This full-time role offers a salary of £29,000 – £35,000 per annum pro rata, alongside various employee benefits.

Benefits

Private Optical, Dental and Audiological cover

Private Medical care

Long service awards

Complimentary health and wellbeing support

Full Induction training Package

Qualifications

• Experience working with children with SEMH or SEN.
• Full UK driving licence and access to transport.
• Outdoor First Aid qualification (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of the Forest School programme.
• Supervise and support pupils during outdoor learning activities.
• Promote positive behaviour through therapeutic approaches.

Skills

Experience working with children or young people in outdoor education

Strong communication skills

Ability to plan and lead outdoor learning sessions

Understanding of safeguarding strategies

Education

Level 3 Forest School Leader diploma

Job description

Overview

Salary: £29,000 – £35,000 per annum

Position: Full Time (37.5 hours per week)

Closing date: 31st October 2025

Location: The Sallygate School, Alkham Valley, near Dover

The Sallygate School is an Independent Special School catering to the unique needs of pupils with SEMH. Located in the heart of the Alkham Valley, near Dover, the Sallygate School is part of Channels & Choices Therapeutic Community which comprises several therapeutic residential children’s homes, an independent therapeutic fostering agency and a multi-disciplinary therapy service, including SaLT & OT service.

Benefits

• Private Optical, Dental and Audiological cover
• Private Medical care
• Long service awards for 5-, 10- and 15-years’ service
• Regular team building days, parties, meals and more!
• Complimentary health and wellbeing support with our employee assistance programme
• Full Induction training Package

Job Details

Role: Forest School Leader

Term: Full time, term time only

Salary details: £29,000 – £35,000 per annum pro rata to 41 weeks out of 52, plus SEN allowance

Job Summary

We are seeking a skilled and enthusiastic Level 3 qualified Forest School Leader to support the further development and leadership of our established Forest School provision, working with pupils aged 7–16 with a range of SEMH and associated needs.

You will play a key role in planning and delivering structured, therapeutic outdoor learning experiences that support pupils’ emotional regulation, social interaction, personal development, and academic progress.

Working collaboratively with our existing Forest School team, teaching staff and therapy colleagues, you will help ensure that outdoor learning is embedded across the curriculum and aligned with the school’s values of Kindness, Respect, Tolerance and Resilience.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Forest School

• Lead the development and delivery of the Forest School programme, including planning, risk assessments, and activity design.
• Supervise and support pupils, ensuring safety and engagement in outdoor learning activities.
• Model and promote positive behaviour through therapeutic and relational approaches.
• Maintain and prepare equipment and spaces for Forest School sessions.
• Observe, assess, and contribute to pupil progress records and planning reviews.
• Coordinate with the wider school team to integrate outdoor learning into the curriculum.

Safeguarding and Compliance

• Follow and promote all school safeguarding procedures and policies.
• Maintain confidentiality and data protection (GDPR) standards.
• Attend training and comply with health and safety expectations.

Pupil Support and Inclusion

• Foster inclusive practice and promote social interaction, self-regulation and confidence through outdoor learning.
• Build therapeutic relationships and use restorative approaches in line with the school’s SEMH ethos.
• Work collaboratively with therapists, mentors and teaching teams.

Professional Responsibilities

• Participate in CPD and relevant meetings.
• Uphold school values in all interactions.
• Contribute to the wider life of the school including themed days and enrichment.

Person Specification

Essential

• Level 3 Forest School Leader diploma
• Experience working with children or young people in outdoor education
• Experience working with children with SEMH or SEN
• Strong communication and relational practice skills
• Ability to plan and lead outdoor learning sessions
• Understanding of safeguarding and behaviour regulation strategies
• Full UK driving licence and access to transport

Desirable

• GCSE English and Maths
• Outdoor First Aid qualification

Channels and Choices are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the young people in our care. Staff are all required to adhere to the organisation’s Safeguarding Policies and Procedures. This post will be subject to a clear Enhanced DBS Disclosure, an employment background check, satisfactory references & verification of a right to work in the UK. As part of our commitment to Safer Recruitment, CVs cannot be considered without a completed application form.

Channels & Choices are committed to ensuring that we are always recruiting, retaining, and promoting a diverse mix of colleagues who are representative of the diversity in our local community. We actively celebrate our staff’s different abilities, sexual orientation, ethnicity, faith, and gender. Everyone is welcome to apply for a job with Channels & Choices and our staff are supported in their development at all stages in their journey with us.

Channels and Choices reserve the right to carry out background social media checks on all new applicants.

Application – Apply now