Outdoor Practitioner: Alternative Provision & Outreach - The Outdoors Group
- Devon
- Full Time
- see advert text
Make a Real Difference Outdoors
Love working with young people? Passionate about the outdoors?
We are looking for an Outdoor Practitioner to support children and young people who struggle in mainstream education. This is not a classroom role. You will be working in woodlands, nature and community settings, helping young people build confidence, resilience, and life skills.
You will be more than an instructor. You will be a trusted, emotionally available adult who helps change lives.
About Us
At Forest School and Training, we believe that every child deserves the chance to thrive. Our Alternative Provision is a specialist service designed for young people who find mainstream education a challenge. We provide a nurturing sanctuary utilising Forest School pedagogy, where therapeutic outdoor learning, bushcraft, and nature-based activities form the foundation of a transformative educational experience, building confidence, resilience, and emotional literacy children need to achieve positive outcomes for their future.
Salary, Contract & Benefits
Contract options;
• Permanent, Full Year (52 weeks)
Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £24,864 per annum
• Permanent, Term time (40 weeks)
Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £21,735 per annum
Benefits;
• A values-driven, friendly, collaborative organisation
• Beautiful outdoor work environments
• Funded Qualifications (eg Forest School Level 3) and continued professional development (CPD)
• Company pension scheme
• Company-funded Employee Assistant Program via Mintago- supporting you financial well-being with tools for budgeting, saving, pension tracking, childcare vouchers and access to exclusive retail discounts.
• Workplace health and wellbeing support through Health Assured - including 24/7 counselling, mental health resources and holistic wellness guidance.
• 10% staff discount across all The Outdoors Group services
• Annual staff celebration events
What You Will Be Doing
• Supporting young people one-to-one and in small groups
• Delivering engaging outdoor learning sessions
• Building trusting relationships with learners
• Supporting emotional wellbeing, confidence and resilience
• Working across schools, woodland sites and community settings
• Following safeguarding procedures at all times
Location and Travel
• Based across Devon (multiple sites)
• Travel required between locations
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential
• Mileage expenses are reimbursed where applicable, in line with company policy
What We Are Looking For
• Experience working with young people (SEND, SEMH, youth work or education)
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Calm, empathetic and resilient approach
• Strong communication and listening skills
• Ability to see the person behind the behaviour
Essential Requirements
• Excellent core skills in Maths and English
• An understanding of information technology such as word processing
• Experience working with young people with SEND in education, youth work, forest school or community development projects
• Full UK driving licence
Desirable but Not Essential
• Forest School Level 3
• Paediatric and outdoor first aid
• Experience working with children with a range of SEND or EBD
• Safeguarding Level 2 or 3
• Formal teaching qualification
Safeguarding
The Outdoors Group Ltd is committed to the safeguarding of all staff, children, young people and vulnerable adults involved in its activities and in promoting their welfare. All roles require DBS and reference checks.
How to Apply (Important)
You must complete our official application form. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and our safeguarding procedures, we are unable to accept CVs in place of a completed application form. Applications submitted without a fully completed application form will not be considered for the role.
Contact: Reach out to our Recruitment team at Recruitment@outdoorsgroup.co.uk for any support, questions or queries.
To apply please visit ; https://www.outdoorsgroup.co.uk/forest-school-jobs/