Woodland Outdoor Practitioner/Forest School Leader

Salary: £23,904.00

Job Term: Permanent, Full time (52 weeks per year)

Hours: 37.5

Location: All Forest School & Training and Alternative Outdoor Provision Sites

About Us:

At The Outdoors Group, we believe that meaningful learning happens best when rooted in the natural world. As a leading provider of Forest School and outdoor education, we offer inclusive, learner-led sessions that empower individuals through nature-based exploration, whether in group settings or tailored 1:1 provision. Our woodland sites are home to a wide variety of programmes, including Forest School, Home Ed groups, AOP sessions, accredited training, and community initiatives.

We are now looking for passionate and resilient practitioners to join our growing team and help deliver impactful outdoor learning across Devon.

Weekend work may be required on a rota basis (e.g., every other weekend, reducing to once per month) to support birthday parties and occasional first aid courses. We're building a friendly, flexible team to share this fairly—and yes, the sessions are great fun

Unique Perks:

Access to fully funded CPD and career development opportunities

10% staff discount across all TOG products and services

Staff development days and fully funded celebration events

Branded workwear and clothing allowance for direct contact roles

Staff Welfare Officers for ongoing support

Opportunities to gain Forest School and Behaviour Support qualifications

About the Role:

As a Forest School & AOP Practitioner, you'll play a key role in delivering meaningful outdoor experiences to children and young people, particularly those with complex needs, SEMH challenges, and EHCPs. You'll work across a variety of woodland sites to create inclusive, engaging, and emotionally supportive environments for both individual learners and small groups.

Whether running a holiday club activity, supporting a 1:1 EHCP learner, or facilitating a group outreach session, your contribution will be essential in helping young people thrive beyond the classroom.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and deliver outdoor activities tailored to learners' social, emotional, and educational needs
• Provide 1:1 and small group support with a focus on SEMH, ASD, and PDA
• Work collaboratively with site leads and colleagues to ensure safe, consistent provision
• Log reports, incidents, attendance, and feedback in line with organisational policies
• Contribute to learner goal setting, EHCP reviews, and communication with schools/agencies
• Actively engage in safeguarding, risk assessments, and reflective practice
• Support the wider development of the AOP and Forest School provision
• Travel across TOG sites as required, with effort made to localise work

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Excellent behaviour management and support skills
• Knowledge of SEMH, ASD, and behaviour intervention practices
• Experience working with children in outdoor or educational settings
• Committed to safeguarding, inclusion, and learner-centred approaches
• Strong organisational, communication, and teamwork abilities
• Outdoor resilience and a passion for the Forest School ethos

Desirable (but not essential):

• Forest School Leader/Assistant qualification
• First Aid (Paediatric or Forest School), Safeguarding Level 2
• Experience with inter-agency working and EHCP implementation
• Knowledge of practical tool use and outdoor curriculum delivery
• Previous work with learners with complex needs (SEN, EBD, ASD/PDA)
• Creative drive and confidence in planning learner-led activities

What You'll Need:

• 5 GCSEs grade A–C (or equivalent)
• Willingness to complete relevant qualifications and training (provided post-employment)
• Flexibility, initiative, and a learner-first mindset
• A full commitment to our safeguarding ethos

Please Note:

As we operate within the education sector, and in line with our safeguarding responsibilities, all applicants will be required to complete an application form and undergo an enhanced DBS check as part of the recruitment process.

If you're passionate about outdoor education, committed to inclusion, and ready to make a real difference, click apply to find out more and join a team that values nature, nurture, and growth.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £23,904.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person