Outdoor Education Teacher / Instructor

Tradewind Recruitment LTD.; Burnley; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Temp-to-Perm Pathway

Term-time hours

Job summary

Tradewind Recruitment LTD. is seeking an Outdoor Education Teacher or Outdoor Learning Instructor for a full-time, temp-to-perm role in Barnoldswick and surrounding areas. The role focuses on practical, nature-based learning with vulnerable pupils who have SEMH or ASC/ADHD profiles.

You will lead outdoor sessions, build therapeutic relationships, and implement de-escalation strategies to maintain a positive learning environment in all weather conditions.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering outdoor learning in Alternative Provision or similar settings.
• Ability to plan engaging, hands-on sessions in all weather conditions.
• Strong de-escalation and safeguarding knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver outdoor-focused learning experiences from environmental science to bushcraft.
• Build trust with vulnerable pupils and support SEMH needs.
• Apply restorative approaches and clear boundaries to manage behaviours.
• Supervise activities with robust health and safety and risk assessments.
• Track progress and report to leadership on student engagement and skills.

Skills

Outdoor Learning

Nature-based education

Behaviour management

Risk assessment

Education

QTS / QTLS

Job description

Location: Barnoldswick / East Lancashire (BB11 / Pendle area) Contract Type: Full-Time, Temp-to-Perm Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM (Term Time Only)

About the Role

An innovative Alternative Provision (AP) serving pupils across Barnoldswick, Burnley, and the BB11 corridor is seeking an Outdoor Education Teacher or Outdoor Learning Instructor. This is a full-time, temp-to-perm role designed for someone who thrives outside traditional classroom walls and believes in the restorative power of nature for young people. You will work directly with vulnerable pupils who have Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, neurodivergent profiles (ASC/ADHD), or adverse childhood experiences. Your classroom is the outdoors: leading practical, hands-on learning, practical woodland/bushcraft skills, team building, environmental projects, and experiential lessons in all weather conditions. Both Qualified Teachers (QTS/QTLS) and Unqualified Teachers / Experienced Outdoor Leaders with genuine passion and strong de-escalation skills are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver creative, outdoor-focused learning experiences-ranging from practical life skills and environmental science to bushcraft, nature-based art, and physical team challenges.
• Build trust and positive, therapeutic working relationships with vulnerable children who often struggle in mainstream education environments.
• Use restorative approaches, clear boundaries, and de-escalation strategies to manage dysregulated behaviors calmly and effectively.
• Supervise and run activities in diverse weather conditions, maintaining robust health and safety and risk assessments at all times.
• Track individual student engagement, emotional growth, and practical skill milestones, reporting progress back to the leadership team.

Who We Are Looking For

Qualifications: QTS, QTLS, or Unqualified Teachers with a background in Outdoor Learning, Forest School, Youth Work, Sports Coaching, or Alternative Provision.

Resilience & Outdoors Mindset: Genuine love for outdoor activities and practical learning-you must be comfortable working outside through all seasons.

SEMH & AP Experience: Prior experience supporting vulnerable young people with SEMH, trauma, or complex behavioural needs.

Communication & De-escalation: Natural rapport-builder with a calm, trauma-informed approach (Team-Teach or equivalent positive handling training is advantageous).

Compliance: Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or readiness to complete one immediately) and verifiable employment references.

Why Apply?

• Temp-to-Perm Pathway: Secure immediate consistent work with a clear route to a permanent school contract.
• Alternative to the Traditional Desk: High-impact, active outdoor teaching without endless paperwork and rigid exam-driven timetables.
• Sociable School Hours: Monday to Friday, term-time only, giving you weekends and school holidays off.
• Meaningful Impact: Help young people rebuild confidence, self-worth, and life skills in an environment where they can succeed.