Outdoor and Forest School Instructor

Full Job Description

At OFG Education we give you time to enjoy those special moments and hobbies outside of work 

Job Title:   Outdoor and Forest School Instructor
Location:   The Holden School, Leigh WN7 4SB 
Hours:        37.5 per week | Monday to Friday
Salary:       £25,000.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract:   Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:          November 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

Do you believe some of the best learning happens outdoors?

At The Holden School we're looking for an enthusiastic and inspiring Outdoor Learning & Forest School Instructor to help children and young people discover confidence, resilience and a love of learning through nature.

Working alongside our Outdoor Learning Lead and wider education team, you'll design and deliver engaging outdoor experiences that develop independence, teamwork, communication and life skills. From woodland adventures and bushcraft to creative problem-solving and environmental learning, every day offers something different.

If you're passionate about outdoor education and want to make a lasting difference to the lives of young people with additional needs, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Be Doing

• Plan and deliver exciting Forest School and outdoor learning sessions that inspire curiosity, confidence and independence.
• Create engaging learning experiences tailored to meet the individual needs of students with SEND.
• Promote positive behaviour, resilience and teamwork through creative outdoor activities.
• Ensure the safety and wellbeing of all participants by carrying out risk assessments and maintaining equipment to the highest standards.
• Work closely with teachers and support staff to embed outdoor learning across the curriculum.
• Supervise and support students during outdoor sessions, educational visits and enrichment activities.
• Maintain accurate records of student progress, achievements and participation.
• Champion outdoor learning throughout the school, helping to create memorable experiences that support every child's development.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience working with children with SEN
• Ability to motivate and inspire children of different ages, abilities, and confidence levels
• Clear, confident, and fair approach with strong behaviour management skills
• Enthusiasm for outdoor learning and the ability to make every session fun, purposeful, and safe

About Our School

The Holden School is an independent specialist day school for boys and girls aged from 5 to 16, catering for students with a wide range of needs in Lancashire, Manchester and surrounding areas. Our dedicated team work together to ensure successful outcomes for students who often arrive at the school with a troubled view of education and life. We are a Therapeutic Led, Trauma Informed School providing individualised curriculums for our students supported by our Class Teams, our Pastoral Team and our own Therapists.

We pride ourselves in steering students in the right direction, nurturing aspiration to progress them academically and socially, to encourage them to take pride in their achievements. Socially, we build confidence in our students, so they are able to have a greater understanding of the wider community in which they live.

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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