Forest School Leader / Outdoor Education Instructor

Tradewind Recruitment; Colne; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Permanent contract pathway

Term-time only pattern

Small groups & high staff-pupil ratios

Dedicated support

Job summary

Tradewind Recruitment is seeking an energetic Forest School Leader or Outdoor Education Practitioner for an Alternative Provision serving the Burnley and Colne area. This full-time, temp-to-perm role offers term-time only hours and an immediate or next-term start.

Design, risk‑assess, and lead Forest School and outdoor education sessions for small groups (KS2–KS4), supporting SEMH pupils, ADHD, and ASC, using bushcraft and nature‑based activities to build confidence and resilience.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Forest School Leader certification or equivalent Outdoor Education qualification.
• Experience with vulnerable young people in AP/PRU/SEND settings.
• Enhanced DBS disclosure or willingness to apply.
• Commutable across Burnley, Colne, Nelson and East Lancashire.

Responsibilities

• Design, risk‑assess, and lead Forest School and outdoor education sessions for small groups (KS2–KS4).
• Support SEMH, ADHD, and ASC pupils by creating a calm, therapeutic outdoor learning environment.
• Use bushcraft and nature‑based activities to build confidence, resilience, and teamwork.
• Apply de‑escalation techniques and positive behaviour management strategies to ensure pupil safety and well‑being.
• Collaborate with pastoral leads and school leadership to track learner progress.

Skills

Forest School leadership

Outdoor education experience

Risk assessment

Behaviour management

Bushcraft skills

SEMH support

Education

Level 3 Forest School Leader certification

Outdoor Education qualification

Job description

Location: Burnley & Colne area, Lancashire (BB8 / BB9 / BB10 / BB11)

Salary: Up to £31,850 per annum (equivalent daily rate on temp-to-perm)

Contract Type: Full-time, Temp-to-Perm (Term Time Only)

Start Date: Immediate / Next Term

Are you an energetic Forest School Leader or Outdoor Education Practitioner passionate about re‑engaging young people outside the traditional classroom?

A dedicated Alternative Provision (AP) serving the Burnley and Colne area is looking for an experienced, hands‑on outdoor educator to lead therapeutic, nature‑based learning sessions. This role is offered on a temp-to-perm basis, giving you a smooth transition into a secure, long‑term post.

The Role

Design, risk‑assess, and lead engaging Forest School and outdoor education sessions for small groups of learners (Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 4).

Support pupils with SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs), ADHD, and Autism (ASC) by creating a calm, therapeutic outdoor learning environment.

Use bushcraft, practical conservation, team challenges, and nature‑based crafts to build confidence, resilience, and teamwork.

Apply de‑escalation techniques and positive behaviour management strategies to ensure pupil safety and well‑being.

Collaborate with pastoral leads, SENCOs, and the wider school leadership team to track learner progress and engagement.

Key Requirements

• Qualifications: Level 3 Forest School Leader certification (preferred) or a relevant Outdoor Education / Teaching qualification.
• Experience: Proven track record working with vulnerable young people, SEMH pupils, or within an Alternative Provision (AP) / Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) / SEND setting.
• Skills: Strong practical bushcraft/outdoor skills, risk assessment capability, and confident behaviour management.
• Safeguarding: An Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to apply for one).
• Location: Commutable across Burnley, Colne, Nelson, Pendle, and surrounding East Lancashire areas.

Benefits & Package

• Competitive salary up to £31,850 per annum (pro-rata / daily equivalent during initial contract).
• Clear pathway to a permanent school contract following successful placement.
• Term-time only working pattern (balanced hours, no weekend work).
• Dedicated specialist support, small group sizes, and high staff‑to‑pupil ratios.