Forest School Practitioner - PRU Setting

Protocol Education Ltd; Sunderland; On-site; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution is seeking a dedicated Forest School Practitioner to lead outdoor learning sessions for pupils with SEMH needs. The role involves developing tailored experiences that promote emotional wellbeing and resilience, working collaboratively within a supportive environment to enhance students' learning and personal growth.

Benefits

Ongoing CPD and training access

Supportive consultant guidance

Potential for long-term roles

Competitive daily rates

Qualifications

• Recognised Forest School qualification is desirable.
• Experience with children/young people with SEMH needs.
• Excellent behaviour management skills.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging forest school sessions tailored to vulnerable learners.
• Support pupils in developing confidence and resilience.
• Create a safe, nurturing space for exploration.

Skills

Behaviour management

Creativity

Patience

Therapeutic engagement

Confidence in leading outdoor sessions

Education

Forest School qualification (Level 3)

Job description

Job Title: Forest School Practitioner – PRU Setting
Location:Sunderland
Contract Type: Full-Time, Term Time Only
Start Date:September 2025
Daily Rate: £89 - £110 (depending on experience and qualifications)

Do you believe in the power of nature to transform learning and wellbeing?
Are you passionate about outdoor education and helping young people reconnect with themselves and the world around them?

Protocol Education is working with a Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) that is seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Forest School Practitioner to deliver high-quality outdoor learning experiences for pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

About the Role:

• Delivering engaging forest school sessions tailored to meet the emotional and educational needs of vulnerable and disengaged learners

• Supporting pupils in developing confidence, self-regulation and resilience through hands-on, outdoor activities

• Creating a safe, nurturing space where children can explore nature, take appropriate risks and develop positive relationships

• Working closely with teaching staff, pastoral teams and external agencies to support holistic development

• Promoting sustainability, mindfulness and emotional wellbeing through nature-based learning

You Will Need:

• A recognised Forest School qualification (Level 3 desirable)

• Experience working with children or young people with SEMH needs, behavioural difficulties or in alternative provision

• Excellent behaviour management and de-escalation skills

• Creativity, patience and a therapeutic approach to engagement

• Confidence in leading outdoor sessions in all weathers and managing risk assessments

What We Offer:

• A rewarding opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people

• Competitive daily rates (£89 - £110), paid weekly via PAYE

• Ongoing CPD and access to outdoor education and behaviour support training

• A supportive consultant who understands SEMH and alternative education

• Opportunities for long-term and permanent roles within specialist settings

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details.

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.

Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.

Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, please see visit the Protocol Education website.