Outdoor Learning & SEMH Engagement Specialist / AP

Tradewind Recruitment; Salterforth; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 acres of countryside

Agency pay support during transition

Dedicated training in pastoral care

Job summary

Tradewind Recruitment LTD. is seeking an energetic AP Engagement Specialist / Outdoor Learning Instructor for our Barnoldswick site in Lancashire.

The role is full-time, temporary-to-permanent, with term-time options negotiable and hours 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. You will lead woodland-based learning, deliver practical life skills, and build supportive relationships with SEMH learners in a private woodland setting.

Qualifications

• QTS is not required.
• Level 3 Outdoor/Forest School certificates, first aid, or trauma-informed practice qualifications are advantageous but character and relationship-building skills come first.

Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate woodland-based learning, practical conservation, bushcraft, and lakeside activities across our 26-acre estate.
• Deliver functional life skills and pastoral sessions within small-group log cabin learning hubs.
• Build trusted, de-escalating connections through active walking, outdoor mentoring, and restorative dialogue.
• Foster safe boundaries, build resilience, and support young people experiencing emotional deregulation or school-related trauma.
• Monitor and record pastoral engagement, attendance, and accredited practical milestones.

Skills

Forest School leader

Outdoor educator

Youth mentor

De-escalation awareness

Education

Outdoor/Forest School Level 3

First aid certification

Trauma-informed practice

Job description

Job Title: Alternative Provision (AP) Engagement Specialist / Outdoor Learning Instructor

Location: Barnoldswick, Lancashire (BB18)

Position Type: Full-Time, Temporary-to-Permanent

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM (Term-time only options negotiable)

Salary: Up to £35,000 per annum (equivalent competitive daily rate during the initial temp-to-perm transition)

About the Setting

Set across 26 acres of private woodlands, tranquil fishing lakes, and purpose-built log cabin classrooms, our provision re-imagines what learning looks like for young people outside mainstream education.

We provide holistic, trauma-informed alternative provision for secondary and upper primary pupils with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs. Instead of fluorescent-lit corridors and traditional desks, our campus uses natural environments to rebuild trust, self-esteem, and practical engagement. From log-cabin group work and lakeside fishing to woodland bushcraft and restorative walk-and-talk therapy sessions, we meet learners where they thrive.

The Role

We are seeking an energetic, outdoors-oriented AP Practitioner / Instructor to join our Barnoldswick setting on a temporary-to-permanent basis. You do not need to be a Qualified Teacher (QTS is not essential). We are looking for authentic mentors, hands-on leaders, and nature enthusiasts - such as experienced Forest School leaders, Scout leaders, outdoor pursuits instructors, youth workers, or dedicated SEMH support staff - who understand how to turn practical tasks into therapeutic and educational breakthroughs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate woodland-based learning, practical conservation, bushcraft, and lakeside activities across our 26-acre estate.
• Deliver functional life skills and pastoral sessions within small-group log cabin learning hubs.
• Build trusted, de-escalating connections through active walking, outdoor mentoring, and restorative dialogue.
• Foster safe boundaries, build resilience, and support young people experiencing emotional deregulation or school-related trauma.
• Monitor and record pastoral engagement, attendance, and accredited practical milestones.

Who We Are Looking For

• Background as a Forest School leader, Scout / Guide leader, outdoor education instructor, youth mentor, or military/services youth coach.
• Strong empathy, patience, de-escalation awareness, and an understanding of alternative provision or neurodivergent learners.
• Comfort working outside in all Lancashire weather conditions, boots on the ground, whatever the season.

Qualifications

QTS is not required. Level 3 Outdoor/Forest School certificates, first aid, or trauma-informed practice qualifications are advantageous but character and relationship-building skills come first.

Driver

A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is recommended given the rural woodland location near Barnoldswick.

What We Offer

• Salary: Up to £35,000 per annum (D.O.E.) upon permanent appointment.
• Smooth Pathway: Structured temp-to-perm route with full weekly agency pay support during the initial transition period.
• Unique Work Environment: 26 acres of countryside, woodland tracks, fishing waters, and bespoke cabin hubs.
• Professional Growth: Dedicated training in alternative provision pastoral care, safeguarding, and team-teach / de-escalation strategies.