Outdoor Education Instructor

Acorn Care and Education; Leicester; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational organization in Leicester seeks an Outdoor Education Instructor to deliver outdoor learning sessions aimed at developing pupils' skills and wellbeing. The role requires a combination of creativity, practical skills, and knowledge of safety standards. Successful candidates will enjoy a 4-Day Working Week, excellent benefits, and the opportunity to work in a supportive environment focused on the needs of young people with complex educational requirements.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme options

'Your Wellbeing Matters' access to mental health support

Flexible Benefits Platform

Cycle to Work Schemes

Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills to engage with pupils during activities.
• Ability to maintain safety standards during outdoor sessions.
• Experience in planning and delivering outdoor activities.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver engaging outdoor learning sessions.
• Create safe and stimulating environments for pupils.
• Manage and maintain tools and outdoor spaces.
• Support staff and volunteers in outdoor learning.
• Promote pupils' confidence and wellbeing through nature-based education.

Skills

Experience in outdoor education or Forest School provision

Creative, practical approach to engaging children

Knowledge of health, safety, and welfare standards

Enthusiasm and adaptability

Relevant Outdoor Education qualification or willingness to train

Education

Relevant qualification in Outdoor Education

Job description

How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four?

At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first.

That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay.

Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW — and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So, whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG.

Role

Outdoor Education Instructor

Location: Miller House School, Leicester LE4 5LQ

Salary: Up to £31,500 per annum (not pro rata)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only

Start: January 2026

Eligibility: UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

About the Role

In this exciting and active role, you’ll plan and deliver engaging outdoor learning sessions — from Forest School activities to environmental projects — helping pupils develop practical skills, resilience, and a love for the natural world. Every day will be different as you encourage curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving in a safe, nurturing outdoor environment.

Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team and teaching staff, you’ll support pupils’ learning and personal development while promoting inclusion and wellbeing through outdoor education. You’ll also take responsibility for maintaining equipment, ensuring safety through thorough risk assessments, and fostering a culture of respect and responsibility in nature.

Your role will include:

• Planning and delivering high‑quality outdoor learning sessions tailored to pupils’ needs and interests
• Creating safe, stimulating environments that promote exploration, teamwork, and independence
• Managing and maintaining tools, equipment, and outdoor spaces
• Supporting and guiding staff and volunteers to embrace the ethos of outdoor learning
• Building pupils’ confidence, communication, and wellbeing through experiential, nature‑based education
• Ensuring all sessions meet health, safety, and safeguarding standards

What we’re looking for

• Experience in outdoor education or Forest School provision
• A creative, practical approach to engaging children with outdoor learning
• Knowledge of health, safety, and welfare standards when working with young people
• Enthusiasm, adaptability, and a genuine passion for the outdoors
• A relevant Outdoor Education or Forest School qualification (or willingness to train)

About Us

Miller House School is a brand‑new co‑educational school in Stoneygate, Leicester, which opened in September 2025. With a capacity of 80 pupils, we specialise in supporting young people aged 11–16 with complex needs, including SEMH, autism, and ADHD.

At Miller House, every student is valued and supported in a safe, nurturing environment where they can grow, learn, and thrive. Our dedicated team is committed to helping each child reach their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally.

Acorn Education is the UK’s leading independent provider of specialist education. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.

Why join Acorn Education?

We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• 'Your Wellbeing Matters' – access to a wide range of first‑class mental health support services and physical health checks
• A market‑leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:
• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support – inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.

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

You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW 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. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group 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.