Qualified Outdoor Instructor (SEND & SEMH Specialist)

Endless Adventure North East Limited; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Endless Adventure North East Limited is seeking a Qualified Outdoor Instructor specializing in SEND and SEMH to deliver high-quality outdoor learning for vulnerable young people in the North East.

You will plan and run safe, adventurous activities, adapt to EHCPs, and build supportive relationships. A passion for inclusion, extensive SEND/SEMH experience, and safeguarding compliance are essential. DBS and driving licence required.

Qualifications

• Qualified to deliver adventurous activities; minimum requirement.
• Ideally at least two nationally recognised outdoor qualifications held.
• Experience delivering outdoor education to SEND/SEMH learners is essential.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver safe, engaging and inclusive outdoor activities to individuals and groups.
• Adapt activities to meet the individual needs identified within EHCPs, risk assessments and support plans.
• Develop positive relationships with young people to support engagement, confidence, resilience and personal growth.
• Promote participation, achievement and wellbeing through outdoor learning experiences.
• Ensure all activities are delivered in accordance with national governing body standards and company operating procedures.

Skills

SEND/SEMH experience

Outdoor instruction

Strong communication

Safeguarding knowledge

Adaptability

Teamwork

IT & admin skills

Independent work

Education

Rock Climbing Instructor (RCI)

British Canoeing or Paddle UK qualifications

QTS, Teaching Assistant, Youth Work or SEND-related qualification

Team Teach training

Designated Safeguarding or Advanced Safeguarding training

Job description

Join Endless Adventure North East as a Qualified Outdoor Instructor specialising in SEND and SEMH provision, helping some of the region’s most vulnerable young people thrive through outdoor learning.

Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Salary: £27,000 – £32,000 per annum (salary negotiable based upon qualifications and experience)
Holiday Entitlement: 28 days
Hours: 40 hours per week

About Endless Adventure North East

Established in March 2012, Endless Adventure North East is a leading outdoor activity provider based in the heart of the North East. We have built a 5-star reputation for delivering high-quality, bespoke outdoor experiences and alternative provision programmes to a diverse range of clients.

Due to continued growth and increased demand for our specialist services, we are seeking a highly motivated, experienced and qualified Outdoor Instructor to join our team.

Utilising the region’s outstanding natural environments, Endless Adventure delivers bespoke alternative provision for young people aged 5+, including 2:1 and small-group programmes for learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

Endless Adventure is an approved alternative provision provider for a number of local authorities across the region.

About the Role

As a Qualified Outdoor Instructor (SEND & SEMH Specialist), you will lead and deliver engaging outdoor learning experiences that support the personal, social and emotional development of young people with additional needs.

You will be responsible for planning and delivering safe, adventurous and meaningful outdoor activities while creating a nurturing, inclusive environment where young people feel valued, supported and able to thrive.

This role requires extensive experience working with children and young people with SEND and SEMH needs. You will be confident adapting activities, managing challenging situations positively, and building strong relationships that enable learners to engage successfully in outdoor education.

You must be comfortable working in a variety of outdoor environments, including at height and around water, and demonstrate a genuine passion for adventure, inclusion and youth development.

This role requires flexibility, with occasional early starts, late finishes and travel across the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver safe, engaging and inclusive outdoor activities to individuals and groups.
• Adapt activities to meet the individual needs identified within EHCPs, risk assessments and support plans.
• Develop positive relationships with young people to support engagement, confidence, resilience and personal growth.
• Promote participation, achievement and wellbeing through outdoor learning experiences.
• Ensure all activities are delivered in accordance with national governing body standards and company operating procedures.

SEND & Alternative Provision

• Deliver high-quality alternative provision programmes for young people with SEND and SEMH needs.
• Contribute to individual learning and development targets.
• Work collaboratively with families, schools, local authorities and external professionals.
• Contribute to reviews, reports and progress monitoring where required.
• Support the development and growth of the organisation’s SEND and alternative provision offer.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Undertake dynamic and formal risk assessments.
• Maintain high standards of health and safety across all activities and venues.
• Monitor and maintain activity equipment, vehicles and facilities.
• Ensure safeguarding responsibilities are fully understood and implemented at all times.
• Complete all relevant operational records and documentation accurately.

Business Development & Administration

• Support programme administration, bookings and scheduling as required.
• Build and maintain excellent relationships with clients, commissioners and partner organisations.
• Represent Endless Adventure professionally at meetings, events and networking opportunities.
• Attend relevant training and continuing professional development opportunities.
• Support the Managing Director in identifying and securing future opportunities for growth.

The above list is not exhaustive, and duties may vary in accordance with the needs of the business.

About You

The successful candidate will be passionate about transforming the lives of young people through outdoor learning and adventure.

You will bring a combination of technical outdoor qualifications, extensive SEND and SEMH experience, and the ability to inspire, motivate and support young people who may have experienced barriers to education and engagement.

You will be resilient, adaptable, solution-focused and capable of working confidently in dynamic and sometimes challenging situations.

An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful applicants. Safer recruitment and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. This will include online searches as part of our recruitment due diligence for all shortlisted candidates, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.

• Minimum age 25 years (vehicle insurance requirements).
• Full UK driving licence with a clean driving record.
• Recognised outdoor activity qualification(s) relevant to programme delivery.
• Significant experience delivering outdoor education or adventure activities.
• Extensive experience supporting children and young people with SEND and SEMH needs.
• Experience working within education, youth work, alternative provision or similar settings.
• Strong understanding of the SEND Code of Practice and EHCP processes.
• Ability to adapt learning and activity delivery to meet a wide range of needs.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and professional boundaries.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Good IT and administrative skills.
• Commitment to inclusion, personal development and continuous professional learning.

Qualifications & Experience

We are looking for a candidate that is already qualified to deliver adventurous activities. Ideally you will hold at least 2 nationally recognised outdoor qualifications, supported by other industry relevant qualifications:

• Rock Climbing Instructor (RCI)
• British Canoeing or Paddle UK qualifications
• QTS, Teaching Assistant, Youth Work or SEND-related qualification
• Team Teach training
• Designated Safeguarding or Advanced Safeguarding training

Safeguarding statement

Endless Adventure is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and safer recruitment processes.
Online searches may be conducted for shortlisted candidates as part of our recruitment process in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.