Student jobs in United Kingdom

Home Job Search Outdoor Learning Instructor / Unqualified Teacher (1:2 Support)

Are you passionate about the power of outdoor learning to engage, inspire, and support young people? Do you believe in a holistic, hands-on approach to education and thrive in a highly supportive, small-group setting?

This school is seeking a dedicated and resilient Outdoor Learning Instructor / Unqualified Teacher to deliver bespoke educational experiences to students in a 1:2 ratio, primarily within outdoor environments near Barnoldswick. This is a unique opportunity to make a profound difference to young people who may have struggled in traditional educational settings, fostering their personal growth, well-being, and academic engagement, starting September 2025.

We are an Alternative Provision / Specialist Learning Centre committed to providing tailored educational pathways that empower every student to achieve their potential. Our approach prioritises individual needs, building strong relationships, and using the natural world as a powerful teaching tool.

About the Role: Working with a maximum of two students at a time, you will be responsible for:

Designing and Delivering Bespoke Outdoor Learning: Planning and leading engaging, curriculum-linked outdoor activities and lessons tailored to the specific needs, interests, and learning styles of your assigned students (e.g., bushcraft, navigation, environmental studies, nature-based arts, team challenges, local excursions, practical projects).

Individualised Support (1:2 Ratio): Providing intensive, personalised educational and pastoral support, focusing on re-engaging students with learning, building confidence, and developing essential life skills.

Holistic Development: Fostering resilience, self-esteem, communication skills, and positive behaviour through experiential learning and mentoring.

Risk Management & Safeguarding: Conducting thorough risk assessments for all outdoor activities, ensuring the safe use of equipment, and strictly adhering to all health, safety, and robust safeguarding policies and procedures. Your understanding of safeguarding for vulnerable young people in outdoor settings is paramount.

Progress Monitoring: Observing and documenting student progress (both academic and personal development), providing regular feedback to the lead teacher/SENCo/team.

Collaboration: Working closely with the wider team (teachers, therapists, pastoral staff, parents, and external agencies) to ensure a holistic and cohesive support package for each student.

What We're Looking For (Unqualified Welcome!):

Passion for the Outdoors & Youth Development: A genuine enthusiasm for outdoor environments and a strong belief in their therapeutic and educational benefits, coupled with a deep commitment to supporting vulnerable young people.

Experience with Young People (Essential): Proven experience working with children or young people, particularly those with Special Educational Needs (SEN), Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, or those who have faced barriers to learning. This could be from youth work, coaching, mentoring, support roles, or similar.

Practical Outdoor Skills: Confident and competent in a range of outdoor activities and comfortable working in all weather conditions.

Adaptability & Creativity: Ability to think on your feet, adapt plans to student needs and environmental factors, and design imaginative activities.

Exceptional Interpersonal Skills: Patient, empathetic, resilient, and skilled at building rapport and trusting relationships with young people.

Safeguarding Commitment: A thorough understanding of safeguarding principles and an unwavering commitment to the welfare and safety of children. (An Enhanced DBS check and robust vetting will be required).

Proactive & Independent: Ability to work effectively with minimal direct supervision while remaining a strong team player.

Desirable (but not essential): Relevant outdoor qualifications (e.g., Forest School Leader, NGB awards in specific activities like climbing, paddlesports, Mountain Training awards), Outdoor First Aid qualification, experience with trauma-informed approaches.

What We Offer:

The profound satisfaction of making a direct, tangible impact on the lives of individual young people.

A highly supportive, collaborative, and dedicated team committed to alternative provision.

Opportunity to develop your skills in an innovative educational setting.

Engaging work primarily in natural outdoor environments around Barnoldswick.

Competitive remuneration based on experience.

Full-time / Part-time / Term-time only (Specify as appropriate).

Location: Barnoldswick, Lancashire (Outdoor-focused, utilising local natural spaces and potentially our dedicated site).

Start Date: September 2025

How to Apply: Please submit your CV and a compelling covering letter (no more than two pages) outlining your passion for outdoor education, your experience working with young people (especially in a 1:2 or small group setting), and why you are drawn to this unique role in Barnoldswick. Please send applications to rachael.boaler@twrecruitment.com

Join us in inspiring growth, resilience, and a love for learning in the great outdoors!

The next step is to send us your details. If you’re suitable, a consultant will be assigned to help you and will be in touch as soon as possible.