Forest School Lead Practitioner / Outdoor Learning Specialist
Location: Woodlands School, Wem, Shrewsbury
Salary: Grade 8 £23,853 - £27,735
Hours: 32.5 hours per week (term time + PD days) (with potential for additional holiday working by agreement)
Start: As soon as possible
Are you ready to inspire and change lives through outdoor learning?
Woodlands School is seeking an enthusiastic and highly skilled Forest School Lead Practitioner to join our growing team. This is a unique opportunity to shape meaningful outdoor learning experiences for young people with social, emotional, and mental health needs.
We are looking for someone who can bring energy, creativity, and a passion for the outdoors—delivering engaging, child-centred sessions that build confidence, resilience, and a love of learning.
About the Role
You will lead and deliver high-quality Forest School and outdoor learning sessions, supporting learners to develop life skills through hands-on, nature-based experiences. From bushcraft and woodland skills to team-building activities, you will play a key role in enriching our curriculum
What We’re Looking For
- A qualified Forest School Level 3 Practitioner
- Strong experience delivering outdoor learning or bushcraft activities
- Confidence working with children and young people, including those with SEND/SEMH needs
- A commitment to safeguarding, wellbeing, and inclusive practice
- Excellent communication, organisation, and group leadership skills
If this sounds interesting, contact us for an informal chat or better still can come and visit school, meet the staff and pupils, and learn more about the fantastic career opportunities we can offer.
Woodlands is a special school for pupils who have social, emotional and mental health needs. We are proud of the high expectations and aspirations we set for every child and young person, providing an inspiring environment where everyone can learn and achieve.
We provide ambitious and exciting opportunities through well-designed and individualised curriculum packages.
You will be part of a highly effective, supportive team who readily share best practice amongst the team.
You will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with individual children, young people and their parents. You will find each day rewarding, making the difference, and providing support and nurture for children and parents alike.
You will join us in celebrating success and encouraging all our young people to develop broader life skills, investing in them as a whole child.
We are incredibly proud of the achievements of all our pupils and trust that you will feel the same as we work together to ensure the successful future for them.
We offer:
· Excellent professional learning and support at every stage in your career, with opportunity for continued personal development through our Talent Pathway
· Career development opportunities
· Excellent resources and facilities
· A core belief in staff wellbeing and work life balance for all, evidenced in policy and practice
· Benefits including funded counselling, physiotherapy and GP and other medical support
· As a school in the Marches Academy Trust teachers have opportunities to engage with staff across the Trust to support and collaborate with peers and colleagues in sharing the expertise across our family of 18 schools.
If you are interested in this post and would like the opportunity to visit the school, or if you have any queries, please contact Lisa Dugmore (Business Manager) on 01939 232372 / [email protected] .
Lisa will be more than happy to help
For more information about the post, please visit our online recruitment site via
https://themarchesacademytrust.face-ed.co.uk/vacancies
(Please note we do not accept CVs).
Closing date for applications: Monday 22nd June 2026
Interview Date: Week commencing: Monday 22nd June 2026
The Marches Academy Trust values each person equally. We are building a diverse team and embedding a welcoming, inclusive culture that encourages diversity and authenticity. We believe this will encourage creative ways of thinking – ensuring we collaborate more effectively and achieve better outcomes.
We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children in our care and expect all staff to embrace this. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to declare any criminal convictions and will be subject to online checks. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.
We positively welcome applicants from all qualified candidates who share our ethos.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £23,853.00-£27,735.00 per year
Benefits:
- Canteen
- Health & wellbeing programme
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Shrewsbury SY4 5PJ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:
- GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Work Location: In person
