Forest School Leader & Outdoor Education Specialist

Location: Blackburn
Setting: SEMH Provision (Social, Emotional & Mental Health)
Contract: Temporary to Permanent
Hours: Term Time Only
Start Date: ASAP
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Inspire, Engage and Transform Lives Through Outdoor Learning

We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Forest School Leader & Outdoor Education Specialist to join a dedicated SEMH provision in Blackburn. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate individual who understands the power of outdoor learning in supporting young people with social, emotional and mental health needs.

The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering engaging, therapeutic and educational outdoor experiences that promote confidence, resilience, emotional regulation and personal development.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver high-quality Forest School and outdoor education sessions.
• Create a safe, nurturing and inclusive outdoor learning environment.
• Support pupils with SEMH needs through structured and therapeutic outdoor activities.
• Promote positive behaviour, wellbeing and personal development.
• Undertake risk assessments and ensure health and safety procedures are followed.
• Work collaboratively with teaching staff, pastoral teams and external professionals.
• Develop engaging activities that encourage teamwork, problem-solving and independence.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• A recognised Forest School Leader qualification (Level 3 or above preferred).
• Experience working with children and young people with SEMH needs.
• Strong behaviour management and relationship-building skills.
• Knowledge of outdoor learning, bushcraft, environmental education and wellbeing practices.
• A patient, resilient and nurturing approach.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

What We Offer

• Temporary to permanent opportunity within a supportive provision.
• Term time only working pattern.
• The chance to make a genuine difference to the lives of vulnerable young people.
• Supportive leadership team and ongoing professional development opportunities.
• A rewarding role where no two days are the same.

To apply or find out more, please contact us today. Interviews will be arranged as suitable applications are received, so early applications are encouraged.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for 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.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with 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 all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.