Outdoor Leader

Forest School & Outdoor Learning Specialist

We’re working with a fantastic SEN school who put a large emphasis on outdoor learning, life skills and Forest School. With that in mind we are looking for Forest School and Outdoor Learning Specialists to join their team. This is a role for someone who believes learning doesn’t only happen at a desk and that some of the biggest breakthroughs happen outdoors, beside a firepit, in the fresh air, or while building trust one small step at a time.

We would welcome both people happy to lead on the subjects and support staff with a passion for outdoors.

The school supports children and young people with a range of complex additional needs including autism, ADHD, speech and language needs, and social, emotional, and mental health challenges. They’re looking for someone calm, creative, and hands-on who can turn outdoor spaces into places where pupils feel safe, engaged, and proud of themselves.

You’ll be helping students connect with nature, develop independence, regulate emotions, build confidence, and experience learning in ways that genuinely work for them.

What the role looks like

• Leading outdoor learning sessions tailored to individual pupil needs
• Delivering engaging Forest School activities including bushcraft, nature exploration, sensory play, gardening, and team-building tasks
• Supporting pupils with emotional regulation, communication, and social interaction through outdoor experiences
• Creating safe, structured, and inspiring outdoor learning environments
• Encouraging resilience, curiosity, and confidence in pupils who may struggle in traditional classroom settings
• Working closely with teachers, therapists, and support staff to create joined-up learning experiences
• Helping pupils develop practical life skills through hands-on learning and exploration

What we’re looking for

• Forest School qualification or strong outdoor learning experience
• Experience working with children or young people with SEND
• A calm, patient, and nurturing approach
• Someone who can think creatively and adapt activities to suit different needs and abilities
• Confidence managing behaviour positively and building strong relationships
• A genuine passion for outdoor education and child-centred learning

Whether you’re an experienced Forest School Leader, an outdoor educator, or someone from a SEND background with a love for nature-based learning, we’d love to hear from you.

What’s on offer

• A supportive and welcoming SEN team
• The chance to shape a meaningful outdoor learning provision
• Small groups and relationship-based teaching
• Ongoing CPD and training opportunities
• A role where you’ll see real progress, not just academically, but emotionally and socially too
• Plenty of fresh air and no two days ever feeling the same

Some pupils find their voice outdoors. Some find confidence. Others simply find a place where they can finally breathe and feel successful.

We work with schools across Swindon, Wiltshire, Bristol, Bath, North East Somerset, Somerset, South Gloucestershire, and surrounding areas. If this exact location doesn’t suit, still get in touch. Chances are, we’ve got something nearby with your name on it.

Please note, applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

If you’re ready to make September your fresh start, we’d love to chat.

Apply through this advert or head over to the Protocol Education website to find out more.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details.

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.

Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.

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