Forest School Leader - Specialist School

Axcis Education; Somerton; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

Axcis Education in Somerton is seeking a dedicated Forest School/Outdoor Learning practitioner for a full-time term-time to long-term role. You will design and lead outdoor activities, linking them to the wider curriculum and supporting pupils’ independence, teamwork and emotional regulation.

The role involves collaboration with teachers and specialists to grow the school's outdoor provision, while embedding safeguarding and positive behaviour strategies within a nurturing environment.

Qualifications

• Experienced Forest School practitioner or outdoor educator background.
• Passionate about outdoor learning and its benefits for young people.
• Creative, enthusiastic and confident leading practical activities.

Responsibilities

• Planning and leading engaging Forest School and outdoor learning activities.
• Using the natural environment to develop practical skills, curiosity and confidence.
• Supporting pupils to develop independence, teamwork and emotional regulation.
• Adapting activities to meet individual SEND needs.
• Building positive, trusting relationships with pupils.
• Supporting positive behaviour and creating a safe, structured environment.
• Working alongside teachers and other professionals to link outdoor learning with wider curriculum goals.
• Helping develop the school's outdoor provision as it continues to grow.

Skills

Forest School

Outdoor education

Creative

Patience

Behaviour management

Relationship building

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Job description

Location: Somerton

Pay: £92–£109 per day, depending on experience

Contract: Full-time, term-time | Long-term opportunity

The Role:

You will play an important part in creating engaging outdoor learning experiences that support pupils' confidence, independence and wider development.

Your role will include:

• Planning and leading engaging Forest School and outdoor learning activities


• Using the natural environment to develop practical skills, curiosity and confidence


• Supporting pupils to develop independence, teamwork and emotional regulation


• Adapting activities to meet individual SEND needs


• Building positive, trusting relationships with pupils


• Supporting positive behaviour and creating a safe, structured environment


• Working alongside teachers and other professionals to link outdoor learning with wider curriculum goals


• Helping develop the school's outdoor provision as it continues to grow

About You:

You could be an experienced Forest School practitioner, outdoor educator or someone with a strong background in nature-based learning who is keen to bring their skills into specialist education.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about outdoor learning and its benefits for young people


• Creative, enthusiastic and confident leading practical activities


• Patient and adaptable when working with pupils with additional needs


• Skilled at building positive relationships and encouraging participation


• Comfortable managing behaviour while maintaining a nurturing approach


• Keen to work collaboratively within a small specialist team

Why Join?

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape and develop outdoor learning within a growing specialist school, rather than simply delivering an established programme.

You'll work with a small team supporting pupils' academic, social and emotional development, alongside professionals including speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, counsellors and Thrive practitioners.

If you're passionate about the outdoors and want to use it to help young people discover, grow and achieve, we'd love to hear from you.

Axcis is an equal opportunities employer and as such we do not discriminate based on age, gender, disability, race or any other equal opportunities criteria.

The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As such, you will be required to provide an up to date DBS, or be prepared to allow Axcis to process one on your behalf, in addition to other mandatory compliance checks in line with the DfE guidelines (for details please see our website).

If the position you are applying for involves working with children or vulnerable adults, this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.

Salary / Pay Rate will be dependent on your skills and experience.