Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm
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Job Title: Outdoor Learning & Forest School Instructor
Location: Stretton Shires School, Stretton, Rutland, LE15 7GT
Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday–Friday | 8:30am – 4:30pm
Salary: £24,132.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: September 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available
About the Role
Do you believe some of the best learning happens outdoors?
At The Shires 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 pupils 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 pupils during outdoor sessions, educational visits and enrichment activities.
- Maintain accurate records of pupil progress, achievements and participation.
- Champion outdoor learning throughout the school, helping to create memorable experiences that support every child's development.
About You
We're looking for an enthusiastic, energetic and compassionate Outdoor Learning & Forest School Instructor who is passionate about helping children learn, grow and thrive through nature. You'll be creative, resilient and confident leading engaging outdoor activities that inspire curiosity, build confidence and encourage independence. If you have experience working with children, a love of the outdoors, and the ability to create safe, inclusive and memorable learning experiences in all weather, you'll be a fantastic addition to our team.
We're also looking for someone who has:
- Level 3 Forest School Leader qualification (or Level 2 with a commitment to achieving Level 3).
- Experience working with children or young people, ideally within education, Forest School, playwork or SEND settings.
- A genuine passion for outdoor education, nature and inclusive learning.
- A strong understanding of health & safety, risk assessment and safe outdoor practice.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to motivate, inspire and build positive relationships.
- A current First Aid qualification (or willingness to obtain one) and Food Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to complete training).
- A flexible, proactive approach and willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
- A commitment to safeguarding and helping every child achieve their full potential.
- Hold a full UK Driving Licence
About Us
Set in the heart of the Rutland countryside, Stretton Shires School is an independent day and residential school catering for autistic young people, and those with associated needs, offering specialist secondary education for pupils aged 11 – 18.
Established in 2005 as a residential home and school, we are currently growing our day pupil numbers, meaning we constantly need to recruit passionate and dedicated staff to support our growth aspirations.
Our aim for the young people coming to Stretton Shires is quite simple; we want every young person to progress developmentally, educationally and socially. We want them to develop an understanding of themselves and to experience what success feels like. Through these actions, we can equip every young person with the skills and knowledge they need to go on to succeed.
For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.
We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.
Why Join Us?
We place pupils 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 pupils 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.
Outcomes First Group 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, Outcomes First Group 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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