About Chichester Forest Schools CIC
Chichester Forest Schools CIC is a growing Community Interest Company and Alternative Provision provider, using the power of nature to inspire learning, improve wellbeing and create opportunities for children, young people and adults to thrive.
Based across three woodland sites in and around Chichester, we deliver high-quality Forest School and outdoor learning programmes for schools, Alternative Provision and community groups. We specialise in supporting children and young people with SEND and those who benefit from a nurturing, trauma-informed approach to learning in nature.
Alongside our established programmes, we are developing an exciting training offer, including Forest School Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications and a programme of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for teachers, practitioners and outdoor educators.
As a growing organisation, we are looking for someone who shares our values, enjoys working collaboratively and is excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of outdoor learning, Alternative Provision and wellbeing in our community.
We are proud to be a Recognised Provider for the FSA
Forest School Practitioner and Training Lead 22.5hrs/week £16,800-£18,000 a year (£28,000-£30,000 WTE salary)
Purpose of the Role
This is an exciting opportunity to join our growing team in a varied role that combines practical programme delivery with training development.
The successful candidate will spend approximately:
- Two days per week delivering Forest School and outdoor learning programmes from our woodland sites and within local schools. A significant proportion of this work will involve supporting children and young people accessing our Alternative Provision, requiring confidence and experience in working with learners with SEND and additional social, emotional and behavioural needs.
- One day per week establishing Chichester Forest Schools CIC's accredited training provision, including the development of Forest School Level 2 and Level 3 programmes and an engaging programme of CPD for teachers, practitioners and outdoor educators.
We are looking for an experienced, enthusiastic and creative practitioner who enjoys working directly with children and young people, supporting the professional development of teachers and practitioners, and helping shape the future of outdoor learning within our community.
Key ResponsibilitiesForest School & Outdoor Learning Delivery
- Plan, deliver and evaluate high-quality Forest School and outdoor learning programmes.
- Deliver engaging and inclusive sessions from our woodland sites and within local schools.
- Deliver outdoor learning programmes for children and young people referred through our Alternative Provision and school partnerships.
- Adapt programmes to meet the needs of learners with SEND and those requiring additional social, emotional and behavioural support using child-centred and trauma-informed approaches.
- Create safe, inclusive and inspiring woodland learning environments.
- Carry out risk-benefit assessments and maintain high standards of health and safety.
- Build positive relationships with schools, families, Alternative Provision partners and other agencies.
- Maintain accurate records, evaluations and programme documentation.
- Care for equipment and contribute to the development of our woodland sites.
Training Development & CPD
- Lead the establishment of Chichester Forest Schools CIC's accredited training provision.
- Design and develop Forest School Level 2 and Level 3 training programmes.
- Produce high-quality training resources and assessment materials.
- Identify local professional development needs through consultation with schools, education settings and partner organisations.
- Develop and deliver an engaging programme of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for teachers, practitioners and outdoor educators.
- Design workshops, INSET training, twilight sessions and bespoke training packages.
- Build partnerships with schools and organisations to expand our training offer.
- Evaluate and continually improve the quality and impact of training programmes.
- Keep up to date with developments in Forest School, outdoor learning and educational practice.
Opportunities to Shape Our Programmes
At Chichester Forest Schools CIC, we value the unique skills, experience and interests that every practitioner brings.
Alongside the core responsibilities of the role, there will be opportunities to develop and lead areas of work that reflect your strengths and professional passions.
Depending on your interests and experience, you may have opportunities to:
- Support or lead The Women's Wood, our woodland-based wellbeing programme for women.
- Support our Wildplay sessions and programmes for children and families.
- Design innovative outdoor learning and wellbeing projects for schools, Alternative Provision and community groups.
- Develop specialist programmes that build on your expertise and interests.
- Help shape the future direction and growth of Chichester Forest Schools CIC through new partnerships, community initiatives and funding opportunities.
We encourage creativity, innovation and initiative and welcome practitioners who want to make a lasting difference through outdoor learning.
Person Specification
Essential
- Forest School Level 3 qualification.
- Recognised Outdoor First Aid qualification.
- PTLLS, Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET), or an equivalent teaching or training qualification.
- Experience planning and delivering high-quality Forest School and outdoor learning programmes.
- Experience working with children and young people with SEND.
- Experience supporting children and young people within Alternative Provision or with significant social, emotional and behavioural needs.
- Strong understanding of child-centred, inclusive and trauma-informed practice.
- Excellent communication, facilitation and organisational skills.
- Knowledge of safeguarding, health and safety, and risk-benefit assessment.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Flexibility to work different days according to programme and training requirements.
- Willingness to travel to different locations across West Sussex.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
- A commitment to outdoor learning, wellbeing and helping people thrive through nature.
Desirable
- Experience designing or delivering CPD or adult learning.
- Level 4 forest school
- Experience developing accredited training or educational resources.
- Assessor and/or Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) qualification.
- Experience working with schools, community organisations and multi-agency partners.
- Experience contributing to project development, partnership working or funding applications.
Personal Qualities
We are looking for someone who:
- Is passionate about Forest School and outdoor learning.
- Believes in the power of nature to improve learning and wellbeing.
- Is creative, reflective and committed to continuous improvement.
- Builds positive relationships with children, families and colleagues.
- Is adaptable, organised and self-motivated.
- Enjoys innovation and developing new ideas.
- Shares our values of inclusion, collaboration, respect and environmental responsibility.
What We Offer
- A varied and rewarding role within a growing Community Interest Company.
- The opportunity to help establish our Forest School Level 2 and Level 3 training provision.
- The chance to develop an exciting CPD programme for teachers and outdoor educators.
- Opportunities to grow specialist programmes aligned with your interests, including The Women's Wood and Wildplay.
- A supportive, creative and collaborative working environment.
- Ongoing professional development.
- The opportunity to make a lasting difference to children, families, schools and communities through outdoor learning and wellbeing.
Applicants will need to complete an application form and send a CV
At interview applicants will be asked to teach a 15 minute forest school skill
Successful applicants will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
Application Closing Date 23rd July 2026.
Shortlisting for Interviews 24th July 2026.
Interviews:
27th July 2026 from 1pm
28th July 2026 @ 4pm
29th July 2026 @ 4pm
Pay: £28,000.00-£30,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site gym
- On-site parking
Experience:
- working with young people and children with SEND: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Level 3 Forest School Qualification (required)
- Outdoor First Aid Certificate (required)
Work Location: In person
