Forest School Teacher

Outcomes First Group; Thatcham; On-site; GBP 39,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational organization in the UK is seeking a Forest School Teacher to lead engaging outdoor learning sessions that promote independence and resilience among children. This role involves planning activities tailored to individual needs and fostering environmental awareness while maintaining a safe outdoor space. Ideal candidates will possess strong experience working outdoors with children and a qualification as a Forest School Leader. The position offers unique benefits like a four-day working week and a full salary for 80% of contractual hours.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support services

Health and wellbeing benefits

Cycling-to-work schemes

Electric car purchase scheme

Family Growth Support

Qualifications

• Required full UK Driving Licence for the role.
• Willingness to achieve Level 3 Forest School Leader qualification.
• Understanding of inclusive practice needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead engaging forest school sessions promoting resilience.
• Support children in building social-emotional skills.
• Plan and tailor activities to individual needs.
• Collaborate with parents and staff for better learning outcomes.
• Maintain a safe outdoor space managing risks.

Skills

Experience working with children in outdoor settings

Deep understanding of child development

Confidence in managing risk outdoors

Creative and adventurous spirit

Education

Level 3 Forest School Leader qualification

Job description

Outcomes First Group is committed to better work/life balance. We are proud to be part of a 4‑Day Working Week trial, offering the chance to work one day less each week while still receiving full pay.

Job Title: Forest School Teacher

Location: New Barn School, Newbury, Berkshire RG20 8HZ

Salary: £39,000 per annum (not pro rata)

Hours: 40 hours per week Monday to Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm (Wednesday until 5:00pm)

Contract: Permanent Term Time Only

Start Date: January 2026

UK applicants only – this role does not offer sponsorship.

Essential: Full UK Driving Licence – required for this role.

About the Role

As a Forest School Teacher at New Barn School, you will lead engaging, safe, and inspiring outdoor learning sessions that promote independence, resilience, and curiosity. You will plan and deliver activities tailored to pupils' needs, helping them explore the natural world, develop confidence, and build essential social and emotional skills. This role offers the chance to make a real difference while fostering a love of nature and hands‑on learning.

What You'll Do

• Lead engaging forest school sessions that promote curiosity, life skills, and resilience
• Support children to build confidence, independence, and social‑emotional skills
• Plan and tailor activities to individual needs, monitoring progress and adapting as required
• Foster environmental awareness and sustainable thinking through hands‑on experiences
• Maintain a safe, inspiring outdoor space and manage dynamic risks confidently
• Collaborate with staff, assistants, and parents to ensure a joined‑up approach to learning

Who We're Looking For

• Level 3 Forest School Leader qualification (or willingness to achieve it)
• Experience working with children in outdoor settings
• Deep understanding of child development and inclusive practice
• Confidence in managing risk and keeping children safe outdoors
• A creative, adventurous spirit with a passion for helping children discover and flourish

Benefits

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to first‑class mental health support services and physical health checks
• A range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista
• 100s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycling‑to‑work schemes
• Electric car purchase scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support – inclusive benefits covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, and paid fertility treatment support

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early or bring forward the closing date should we receive a sufficient level of interest.

You will work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to pursue personal interests. 4‑Day Working Week is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough, and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.