Forest School Leader

Job title: Forest School Leader

Job location: Woodcot Primary School

Working hours: 15 hours per week, 12.30pm - 3.30pm Monday to Friday

Term time only 39 weeks per year

• Grade: D
• FTE salary: £28,696 - £31,572 FTE
• Actual annual salary: £9,977.97 - £10,978 per annum

Woodcot Primary School is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Forest School Leader to establish and lead our brand-new outdoor learning provision. This is an exciting opportunity to set up our new outdoor learning provision from the ground up - shaping the site, the curriculum offer and the ethos of Forest School at Woodcot from day one. You will lead the planning and delivery of engaging, curriculum-linked outdoor learning experiences for our primary school pupils, supported by a Forest School Practitioner.

About the role

• Lead the development and launch of our new Forest School provision, from site set-up through to full curriculum integration.
• Plan, prepare and deliver engaging, curriculum-based outdoor learning experiences for primary school pupils, supported by the Forest School Practitioner.
• Lead the teaching of practical skills, including shelter building, tool use, knot tying and fire management, ensuring safe and age-appropriate delivery.
• Foster pupils' appreciation of nature, guiding them in the identification and understanding of local flora and fauna.
• Promote health and wellbeing by embedding outdoor activity, mindfulness and connection with nature into school life.
• Develop pupils' teamwork and communication skills through collaborative, outdoor problem-solving activities.
• Teach environmental stewardship, instructing pupils on the impact of human activity on the environment and responsible conservation practices.
• Take lead responsibility for risk-benefit assessment, health and safety, and maintaining a safe outdoor learning environment for all participants.
• Supervise and support the Forest School Practitioner, and work with class teachers to embed outdoor learning across the wider curriculum.
• Keep up to date with best practice in outdoor learning, local ecology and Forest School pedagogy, helping to build the school's CPD offer in this area.

The ideal candidate will possess

• A genuine passion for the outdoors and for inspiring young minds, whatever the weather.
• A Level 3 Forest School Leader qualification (or working towards, with a willingness to complete).
• Experience working with children in an educational or recreational setting, ideally within a primary school.
• A sound understanding of the Forest School ethos, with confidence in nature and/or bushcraft skills.
• First aid certification, or willingness to obtain this, with a thorough understanding of risk-benefit assessment.
• A positive, approachable and caring attitude towards all children.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the confidence to lead and develop a new provision.
• A proactive, flexible and enthusiastic approach to work.

At Woodcot Primary School you will find

• Happy, motivated children eager to learn in a one-form entry primary setting.
• A dedicated, supportive and welcoming staff team.
• A strong focus on continuing professional development (CPD) and a commitment to your future.
• An ethos that embraces new ideas and innovation.
• A well-resourced environment with extensive grounds, ready to be shaped into our new outdoor learning space.
• The opportunity to build a brand-new provision and make it your own, backed by a supportive leadership team.

The Gateway Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, satisfactory references and pre-employment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.