Forest School Leader (Alternative Provision) | Burnley

Job Description

Making sure you fit the guidelines as an applicant for this role is essential, please read the below carefully.

Location: Burnley, Lancashire (BB10/BB11 Area) Start Date: May 2026 Salary: Up to £32,000 per annum (Experience dependent)Contract: Full-Time, Temp-to-Perm Hours: 08:30 - 16:30, Monday to Friday (Term Time)

The Role

Are you a qualified Forest School Practitioner looking for a role where you can truly change lives? We are seeking a passionate outdoor educator to lead the Forest School curriculum within our Alternative Provision in Burnley.

This is a Temp-to-Perm opportunity, allowing you to build rapport with our students and settle into the team before transitioning to a permanent contract. You will be working with young people (KS1-KS4) who have found mainstream education challenging and require a nurturing, hands-on environment to re-engage with learning.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan & Lead: Design and deliver innovative, child-led Forest School sessions that foster resilience, confidence, and emotional regulation.
• SEMH Support: Use the outdoor environment as a therapeutic tool for students with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
• Safety & Compliance: Conduct ongoing dynamic risk assessments and maintain all outdoor equipment and woodland areas.
• Mentorship: Build strong, trusting relationships with vulnerable learners, acting as a positive role model.
• Collaboration: Work alongside our pastoral and SEN teams to track student progress and contribute to EHCP reviews.

Requirements

• Qualification: Level 3 Forest School Leader Award (Essential).
• Experience: Previous experience working in an AP, SEN, or youth-work setting is highly desirable.
• Resilience: The ability to manage challenging behaviour with a calm, trauma-informed approach.
• Commitment: A desire to work locally in Burnley and contribute to the long-term success of our students.

Why Apply?

• Stable Hours: Enjoy a consistent 08:30 - 16:30 schedule with no weekend work.
• Competitive Pay: A salary of up to £32,000 (pro-rota), reflecting the specialist nature of AP work.
• Career Growth: Access to specialist training in de-escalation (e.g., Team Teach) and therapeutic outdoor practices.

How to Apply

We are interviewing throughout late April for a May 2026 start. xwzovoh Please submit your CV detailing your Forest School experience and any relevant work with SEMH students.