Outdoor Education Teacher / Instructor

Tradewind Recruitment LTD.; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Tradewind Recruitment LTD. seeks an Outdoor Education Teacher or Outdoor Learning Instructor to lead practical, nature-based lessons for pupils with SEMH needs in Barnoldswick and surrounding areas.

The position is full-time with a temp-to-perm pathway, leveraging the outdoors as the classroom in all weather conditions. Qualified teachers (QTS/QTLS) and those with outdoor leadership backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• QTS, QTLS, or Unqualified Teachers with outdoor learning background.
• Resilience and outdoors mindset; comfortable in all seasons.
• Experience with SEMH, trauma or complex behavioural needs is desirable.
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service or willingness to complete.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver creative, outdoor-focused learning experiences across a range of subjects.
• Build trust and therapeutic relationships with vulnerable pupils in SEMH contexts.
• Use restorative approaches and de-escalation techniques to manage behaviours.
• Supervise activities in all weather, maintaining health and safety routines.
• Track student engagement and progress, reporting to leadership.

Skills

QTS/QTLS

Outdoor Learning

Forest School

Youth Work

Sports Coaching

Alternative Provision

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.