Outdoor Learning and Forest School Instructor

Salutem LD Bidco Ltd/ Salutem LD Bidco II Ltd/ Sal; Billingshurst; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

24/7 Employee Assistance

Health and wellbeing support

Salutem staff discounts

Job summary

Ingfield Manor School is seeking a skilled Outdoor Learning and Forest School Instructor to lead a high-quality, therapeutic outdoor provision for pupils with complex needs.

You will design inclusive outdoor learning across all phases, including KS3, using forest school, horticulture, and environmental learning to promote independence and wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Experience or strong interest in outdoor learning, forest school, or land-based education.
• Commitment to inclusive, therapeutic practice.
• Ability to support pupils with additional or complex needs.

Responsibilities

• Outdoor Learning Delivery: Plan and deliver engaging, safe, and inclusive outdoor learning experiences tailored to pupils with complex needs
• Curriculum & Therapeutic Practice: Embed outdoor learning within the wider curriculum, supporting personal development and independence
• Qualification Pathway: Develop a progressive accredited pathway (Foundation Learning, with BTEC/City & Guilds planned from 2027)
• Duke of Edinburgh Award: Lead and coordinate an inclusive DofE programme, ensuring accessibility
• Preparation for Adulthood: Provide vocational and land-based learning opportunities, developing transferable skills
• Environment Development: Maintain and enhance outdoor learning spaces, ensuring safety and accessibility
• Collaboration & Assessment: Work within a transdisciplinary team, monitor pupil progress and report
• Safeguarding & Safety: Ensure safeguarding, health and safety, and risk management requirements.

Skills

Outdoor learning

Forest school

Land-based education

Wellbeing focus

Job description

About The Company

Ingfield Manor School is a non-maintained special school and part of Salutem Care and Education who have services across England and Wales supporting adults and children in residential and educational Environments.

Based in our own idyllic grounds, Ingfield Manor School offers extensive specialist facilities with the aim to provide an exceptional learning environment, helping children and young people fulfil their potential. Facilities include woodland and outdoor classroom space, high specification sensory room and swimming pool.

At Ingfield Manor School, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to live a healthy, active, and fulfilling life, regardless of their background or disability. The aim of our services is to provide a safe and stimulating environment that enables children and young people to flourish and grow.

Our IMS provision caters for students aged 3—19 years with neurological motor impairment such as Cerebral Palsy and associated medical and sensory needs. Following the Conductive Education approach, Ingfield Manor School focuses on the holistic development of everyone, including their physical and communication skills.

Our Woodview provision is for secondary aged students with special educational needs including speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN) and autistic spectrum conditions (ASC)

We are immensely proud of our school and our community. We are committed to providing the very best for young people while they are with us, helping them to develop the knowledge, skills, confidence and aspiration to succeed throughout their lives. We know that our staff team make the school what it is today and are the key to a successful future. Staff are well supported by the leadership team and are offered opportunities to progress. We know that each and every one of our staff have a pivotal role to play and we believe in supporting everyone to fulfil their potential. Ingfield Manor School is a rewarding place to work, and staff report high levels of job satisfaction.

Ingfield Manor School has convenient road links and is a 10 minute drive from Horsham. There is a bus stop 10 minute walk from the school, a large car park for those travelling by car.

New employees joining Ingfield Manor School are guaranteed a warm welcome from the community. Our motto is that ‘Fulfilling Potential’ and we strongly believe that this should include our entire school community. We look forward to getting to know you better and helping you to play your part in providing the very best to our young people.

About The Role

We are seeking a skilled and passionate Outdoor Learning and Forest School Instructor to lead and develop a high-quality, therapeutic outdoor learning provision for pupils with complex needs.

Role Summary

You will design and deliver inclusive outdoor learning across all phases, including KS3 provision, using approaches such as forest school, horticulture, and environmental learning. The role focuses on promoting independence, wellbeing, and functional life skills through a therapeutic, person-centred approach aligned with EHCP outcomes and Conductive Education principles.

Key Responsibilities

• Outdoor Learning Delivery: Plan and deliver engaging, safe, and inclusive outdoor learning experiences tailored to pupils with complex needs
• Curriculum & Therapeutic Practice: Embed outdoor learning within the wider curriculum, supporting personal development, resilience, communication, and independence
• Qualification Pathway: Develop a progressive accredited pathway (e.g. Foundation Learning, with BTEC/City & Guilds planned from 2027), ensuring accessibility and meaningful outcomes
• Duke of Edinburgh Award: Lead and coordinate an inclusive DofE programme, ensuring compliance, accessibility, and successful participation
• Preparation for Adulthood: Provide vocational and land-based learning opportunities, developing transferable skills and real-world experiences through partnerships and community engagement
• Environment Development: Maintain and enhance outdoor learning spaces, ensuring they are safe, accessible, and promote high-quality learning
• Collaboration & Assessment: Work as part of a transdisciplinary team, monitor pupil progress, and contribute to assessment and reporting
• Safeguarding & Safety: Ensure all provision meets safeguarding, health and safety, and risk management requirements, while promoting positive risk-taking

About You

• Experience or strong interest in outdoor learning, forest school, or land-based education
• Commitment to inclusive, therapeutic practice
• Ability to support pupils with additional or complex needs (experience desirable)
• Strong organisational and teamwork skills
• Commitment to safeguarding and pupil wellbeing

This is a unique opportunity to shape and grow outdoor learning provision, supporting pupils to build confidence, independence, and readiness for adulthood.

Our Core Values

• Supportive: Helping everyone reach their full potential.
• Ambitious: Striving for the best outcomes.
• Loyal: Prioritising our staff and the people we support.
• Unique: Innovating without compromising quality.
• Transparent: Fostering openness and mutual respect.
• Engaging: Partnering with everyone involved.
• Meaningful: Offering fulfilling opportunities.

Why Choose Us?

• Emotional Support: 24/7 Employee Assistance, mental health resources, meditation apps, and bereavement support.
• Medical Support: Free Online GP access, Health Cash Plan, Cancer Cover, and Menopause support.
• Financial Support: Flexible pay with Wagestream, utility bill savings, Money Helper, and Life Assurance.
• Physical Support: Online workouts, Cycle to Work scheme, gym discounts, and National Trust activities.

Still not convinced?

Recognised as a Top Employer United Kingdom 2026 by the Top Employers Institute.

Named among the Top 100 Global Inspiring Workplaces by Inspiring Workplaces.

Proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer.

Salutem Care and Education is dedicated to protecting and promoting the well-being of children, young adults, and vulnerable individuals. As part of our safer recruitment process, the successful candidate will be required to complete thorough pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS and, where applicable, overseas criminal record checks.

We are committed to ensuring that safeguarding is a top priority; therefore, in line with KCSIE, we will be carrying out online searches on shortlisted candidates as part of their due diligence