Job Title
Forest School Instructor
Location
Wessex Lodge School, Frome, Somerset BA11 4LA
Hours
37.5 hours per week | Monday–Friday
Salary
From £26,000 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)
Contract
Permanent | Term Time Only
Start
July 2026
UK Applicants Only
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available.
About the Role
Do you believe the best lessons happen around a campfire, beneath the trees, and through hands‑on experiences in the great outdoors? At Wessex Lodge School, we’re looking for an enthusiastic and inspiring Forest School Instructor to help our pupils discover confidence, resilience and a lifelong connection with nature. This is far more than an outdoor education role. It’s an opportunity to ignite curiosity, nurture wellbeing and help children and young people realise what they’re truly capable of. As our Forest School Instructor, you’ll plan and deliver engaging, therapeutic and child‑centred Forest School experiences that support pupils’ emotional, social and educational development. You’ll work closely with pupils with a range of additional needs, adapting activities to ensure every child can access and enjoy the outdoors safely and successfully. This is an exciting opportunity to shape and develop Forest School provision across three school sites, with the potential to take on lead responsibility for the continued growth and development of outdoor learning within Wessex Lodge School. Whether it’s den building, woodland crafts, tool work, nature exploration or problem‑solving challenges, you’ll help pupils discover strengths they never knew they had.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Planning and delivering engaging Forest School sessions that inspire curiosity and confidence.
- Encouraging resilience, independence, creativity and problem‑solving through outdoor experiences.
- Supporting pupils with additional needs to access meaningful learning opportunities in nature.
- Leading and coordinating support staff and volunteers during Forest School activities.
- Completing and reviewing risk assessments to ensure safe and effective practice.
- Maintaining tools, equipment and outdoor resources to the highest standards.
- Monitoring pupil engagement, wellbeing and progress, providing feedback to colleagues.
- Championing the growth and development of Forest School provision across the school community.
About You
- Passionate about the transformative power of Forest School and outdoor learning.
- Experienced in working with children and young people, ideally within educational or SEND settings.
- Skilled at engaging pupils of different ages, abilities and confidence levels.
- Creative, adaptable and committed to ensuring every child can succeed.
- Calm, fair and confident in managing behaviour positively.
- An excellent communicator who thrives both independently and as part of a team.
- Organised and confident in managing risk and maintaining high standards of safety.
- Enthusiastic about developing and leading Forest School provision across multiple sites.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
Benefits
- 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.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people.
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