Forest School Leader
- Southampton
- Permanent
Full Job Description
At OFG Education we believe in giving you more time to do the things you love outside of work
Job title: Forest School Leader
Location: Bower Lodge School, Dibden, Southampton, SO45 5TD
Salary: £10,000 per annum (pro rata)
Hours: 14 hours per week | 2 days per week
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: November 2026
UK applicants only; no sponsorship available
About the Role
Bower Lodge School is looking for an enthusiastic and creative Forest School Lead to develop and lead our outdoor learning provision, creating meaningful experiences that help students build confidence, resilience, independence and life skills.
This is more than a Forest School role. It's an opportunity to shape an engaging outdoor curriculum, lead exciting enrichment activities, support students to achieve recognised accreditations, and make a genuine difference to the lives of young people with additional needs.
Working closely with our leadership team, you'll take ownership of our Forest School and wider outdoor education programme, ensuring every student has the opportunity to learn, explore and succeed beyond the classroom. You'll also lead our after-school Scout Group (Squirrels), helping students develop teamwork, leadership and social skills in a fun and supportive environment.
Whether your background is in Forest School, outdoor education, scouting, environmental education, youth work or activity leadership, we'd love to hear from you.
What you will be doing
- Leading and developing our Forest School and outdoor learning provision across the school.
- Delivering engaging outdoor sessions that build confidence, wellbeing, independence and resilience.
- Creating exciting opportunities for students to learn through nature, exploration and practical activities.
- Supporting students to achieve recognised awards and accreditations, including AQA Unit Awards.
- Leading our after-school Scout Group (Squirrels) provision.
- Promoting safe outdoor learning through effective risk management and site safety.
- Working collaboratively with staff and leaders to embed outdoor learning across the curriculum.
- Supporting the delivery of other subjects, including Independent Living, where required.
Who We’re Looking For
- Experience in Forest School, outdoor education, youth work, scouting or a similar environment.
- Is passionate about helping students overcome barriers and achieve their potential.
- Can create engaging, practical and inclusive learning experiences..
- Holds a Forest School Level 3 qualification and First Aid certification, or is willing to undertake training.
- Has experience working with children or young people, particularly those with additional needs.
- Brings enthusiasm, creativity and a genuine love of the outdoors.
- Driving licence is required
About Our School
Bower Lodge School is a specialist day school in Dibden, Southampton, for boys and girls aged 4–11 with a diagnosis of autism and complex learning, communication, and sensory needs.
With capacity for 40 students, we provide a small, nurturing, and inclusive environment. Our approach is tailored to each child’s individual strengths and needs. Through personalised learning and high levels of support, we help students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
At Bower Lodge School, every child is valued, understood, and empowered to reach their full potential.
We are proud to be a part of OFG Education who in 2025 were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.
Why Join Us?
We place students and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
- Life Assurance
- Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
- “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
- Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
- Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
- Hundreds of UK and international discounts
- Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
- Critical illness cover
- Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
OFG Education is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, OFG Education does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
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