Forest School Leader – Outdoor Education & SEL Support

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

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.