Forest School & Outdoor Learning Instructor

Safeguarding Statement

“Expanse Learning is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all its staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to satisfactory disclosure and clearance prior to employment.”

It is unlawful for Expanse Learning to employ anyone who is barred from working with children. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to apply for a position at Expanse Learning. All applicants will be made aware that providing false information is an offence and could result in the application being rejected, or summary dismissal if the applicant has been selected, and referral to the police and/or the DBS.

An online search will be completed as part of Expanse Learnings pre-employment checks.

Summary of the Role

We are seeking a dynamic and passionate individual to join our team as a Forest School and Outdoor Learning Instructor. This role involves designing, planning, and implementing outdoor education programmes, primarily based in woodland environments, aimed at fostering holistic development and a deep connection with nature among children and young people with Special Educational Needs and disabilities (SEND). The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in SEND education, outdoor leadership, and environmental studies, along with a genuine enthusiasm for working with diverse groups in outdoor settings. The successful candidate will enjoy a high degree of creative control and autonomy in developing this new area our curriculum.

Location

As a Forest School and Outdoor Learning Leader with Expanse Learning you will be based at our Dean Wood Outdoor Centre located in beautiful rural Lancashire location on the outskirts of Wigan and Roby Mill. The Dean Wood Centre is dominated by majestic old oak and beech trees, this semi natural ancient woodland is one of West Lancashire's most beautiful wildlife sites. The Dean Wood Centre is based on 9 acres of untouched woodland with a grade II listed farmhouse dating back to the 1570s, once owned by Lord Derby.

Main responsibilities and duties

• Develop and adapt an inclusive outdoor education curriculum in alignment with Forest School principals, incorporating environmental science, wilderness skills, creative arts, and experiential learning. Integrate elements of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) program into outdoor activities to support participants' personal development and achievement goals.
• Working with the Heads of our school and colleges across the 11 -25 phase alongside our teachers in identifying and reviewing individual students support strategies and, where appropriate, contribute to wider external services.
• Plan and coordinate engaging outdoor activities and sessions, ensuring they are needs led, age-appropriate, safe, and inclusive for participants of varying abilities and backgrounds. Supporting the needs of students with SEND including profound and complex needs, mental health difficulties, you will design woodland learning sessions that encompass bushcraft skills development, such as fire building, shelter construction, navigation, foraging, and outdoor cooking and wider activities in line with Forest School principles.
• Lead and facilitate outdoor education sessions, providing guidance, support, and encouragement to participants while fostering a sense of wonder, curiosity, and respect for the natural world ensuring participants gain practical experience and confidence in wilderness techniques. Emphasise safety protocols and environmental ethics while empowering participants to connect with nature through immersive learning experiences.
• Assess and manage risks associated with outdoor activities, including safety procedures, emergency protocols, and supervision of participants, adhering to relevant regulations and best practices. Mitigate risks during sessions by providing clear instructions, supervision, and proper equipment usage guidance.
• Promote environmental stewardship and conservation ethics, instilling a sense of responsibility and care for the environment among participants through hands-on experiences and educational initiatives. Encourage participants to apply Leave No Trace principles and sustainable practices during outdoor activities and woodland sessions.
• Collaborate with wider Expanse Learning teaching and Learning teams, parents, and community partners to promote the benefits of outdoor education and garner support for programs.
• Stay informed about current trends, research, and best practices in outdoor education, attending relevant workshops, conferences, and training opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge. Pursue additional certifications or qualifications related to bushcraft, outdoor leadership, and DofE program delivery.
• Maintain accurate records of program activities, participant progress, and evaluations recognising and recording progress and achievement evidence for assessment, annual reviews and EHCPs. Regularly assess program effectiveness and make recommendations for improvement based on feedback and outcomes. Contribute to termly reports, our quality cycle and identification of next steps with cohort teachers. Document participants' achievements and progress toward DofE awards, providing support and guidance as they work towards completion.
• To carry out, as and when required, any additional tasks and responsibilities as are reasonably compatible with this job description and its objectives.
• Contribute to the ethos of Expanse Learning - participate in training CPD as required; use own strengths and areas of expertise to advise and support colleagues; attend relevant meetings; take responsibility for managing own training and development.
• Comply with policies and procedures relating to Safeguarding, PREVENT, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to safeguarding team member.
• To take responsibility, appropriate to the post for tackling discrimination in line with the Equalities Act 2010.
• Safeguarding: To remain vigilant and do everything possible to protect students and others from abuse of a physical, emotional, sexual, neglectful, financial or institutional nature and report to safeguarding team accordingly.
• Health & Safety: To take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and that of others in maintaining a safe and secure working environment. Comply with safety rules and procedure to ensure that you do not put yourself or others at risk.
• Adhere to process and procedures under the Data Protection Act 1998 for the security of data held on MIS system.

Essential Criteria:

• Meet the requirements or hold equivalent qualification in a relevant subject (L3 or above in Outdoor Education /L3 Forest School Leader ) or willingness to work towards
• Hold minimum of Level 2 English and Maths Qualification
• Experience of supporting students with an EHCP to achieve personal and academic outcomes in Outdoor education setting
• Working with and supporting students with special educational needs and/or disabilities including those with behaviours that challenge
• Knowledge of the demands of working with external organisations, especially, for example, FSA, OFSTED and Awarding Bodies

Please refer to the full Job Description for more information.