Outdoor and Forest School Instructor

OFG Education; Leigh; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Assurance

Pension scheme with options to grow

Wellbeing support (mental health &

Vista Benefits Platform (health &|

Job summary

The Holden School in Leigh is seeking an enthusiastic Outdoor Learning & Forest School Instructor to lead engaging outdoor programs for children, including those with SEND. You’ll design woodland and nature-based activities that build confidence, collaboration and life skills, working with our education team to integrate outdoor learning across the curriculum.

With a passion for outdoor education, you’ll help young people develop independence and resilience through hands-on experiences,

Qualifications

• Experience working with children with SEN.
• Ability to motivate and inspire children of different ages, abilities, and confidence levels.
• Clear, confident, and fair approach with strong behaviour management skills.
• Enthusiasm for outdoor learning and the ability to make every session fun, purposeful, and safe.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver exciting Forest School and outdoor learning sessions that inspire curiosity, confidence and independence.
• Create engaging learning experiences tailored to meet the individual needs of students with SEND.
• Promote positive behaviour, resilience and teamwork through creative outdoor activities.
• Ensure the safety and wellbeing of all participants by carrying out risk assessments and maintaining equipment to the highest standards.
• Work closely with teachers and support staff to embed outdoor learning across the curriculum.
• Supervise and support students during outdoor sessions, educational visits and enrichment activities.
• Maintain accurate records of student progress, achievements and participation.
• Champion outdoor learning throughout the school, helping to create memorable experiences that support every child's development.

Skills

SEN experience

Motivation & inspiration

Behaviour management

Outdoor learning

Tools

Safety & risk assessments

Job description

Enter your postcode, then select the range below

• Range

Outdoor and Forest School Instructor

The Holden School (Firs Lane Site)

• Leigh
• Permanent

Salary: £25,000 per annum

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday

At OFG Education we give you time to enjoy those special moments and hobbies outside of work

Job Title: Outdoor and Forest School Instructor
Location: The Holden School, Leigh WN7 4SB
Hours: 37.5 per week | Monday to Friday
Salary: £25,000.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: November 2026

UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

Do you believe some of the best learning happens outdoors?

At The Holden School we're looking for an enthusiastic and inspiring Outdoor Learning & Forest School Instructor to help children and young people discover confidence, resilience and a love of learning through nature.

Working alongside our Outdoor Learning Lead and wider education team, you'll design and deliver engaging outdoor experiences that develop independence, teamwork, communication and life skills. From woodland adventures and bushcraft to creative problem-solving and environmental learning, every day offers something different.

If you're passionate about outdoor education and want to make a lasting difference to the lives of young people with additional needs, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Be Doing

• Plan and deliver exciting Forest School and outdoor learning sessions that inspire curiosity, confidence and independence.
• Create engaging learning experiences tailored to meet the individual needs of students with SEND.
• Promote positive behaviour, resilience and teamwork through creative outdoor activities.
• Ensure the safety and wellbeing of all participants by carrying out risk assessments and maintaining equipment to the highest standards.
• Work closely with teachers and support staff to embed outdoor learning across the curriculum.
• Supervise and support students during outdoor sessions, educational visits and enrichment activities.
• Maintain accurate records of student progress, achievements and participation.
• Champion outdoor learning throughout the school, helping to create memorable experiences that support every child's development.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience working with children with SEN
• Ability to motivate and inspire children of different ages, abilities, and confidence levels
• Clear, confident, and fair approach with strong behaviour management skills
• Enthusiasm for outdoor learning and the ability to make every session fun, purposeful, and safe

About Us

At OFG Education, we believe every student deserves an education designed around who they are. Through high expectations, deep expertise and truly personalised education, we help students realise their potential and prepare for successful futures.

Building on more than 20 years of experience, we are bringing our approach to more students and communities around the world. Across the UK, Iberia and the Gulf, our schools combine the strength, expertise and high standards of an international education group with the individuality of each school and the communities they serve.

Whatever your role, joining OFG education means contributing to our shared ambition: empowering every student to success through truly personalised education.

About Our School

The Holden School is an independent specialist day school for boys and girls aged from 5to 16, catering for students with a wide range of needs in Lancashire, Manchester and surrounding areas. Our dedicated team work together to ensure successful outcomes for students who often arrive at the school with a troubled view of education and life. We are a Therapeutic Led, Trauma Informed School providing individualised curriculums for our students supported by our Class Teams, our Pastoral Team and our own Therapists.

We pride ourselves in steering students in the right direction, nurturing aspiration to progress them academically and socially, to encourage them to take pride in their achievements. Socially, we build confidence in our students, so they are able to have a greater understanding of the wider community in which they live.

We are proud to be a part of OFG Education who in 2025 were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place students and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference.We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
• Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
• Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

OFG Education is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, OFG Education does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.

Wherever you work – whether in a city location or one of our more rural settings – you’ll be part of one dynamic family, aiming high and dreaming big, and helping the people we work with achieve their own personal goals

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With amazing teams working across our family of brands – Acorn Education, Options Autism, Momenta Connect and Blenheim Schools– we offer a huge range of exciting career opportunities.

Meeting the social and emotional needs of pupils who have faced trauma or adversity, equipping them for life’s important steps.

Supporting autistic pupils to value their uniqueness and access the world in their own way.

At Momenta Connect we support young people to overcome barriers and engage with education.

We are committed to enabling outstanding futures for all children through a portfolio of inclusive, high-quality independent and international schools.