Outdoor & Forest School Instructor
| Posting date: | 10 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £25,000 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 27 February 2026 |
| Location: | Leigh |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Acorn Care and Education |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 302954FAJ |
Summary
Work Smarter. Live Better. Join the 4-Day Working Week!
Job Title: Outdoor & Forest School Instructor
Location: The Holden School, Leigh WN7 4SB
Salary: £25,000.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday–Friday 08:30–16:00 (Tuesday until 16:30)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start Date: March 2026
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first. That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, giving you 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay*.
Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW, and others will soon join in. So, whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG!
About the Role
Do you love the outdoors and inspiring children to explore, create, and grow? As an Outdoor & Forest School Instructor, you’ll deliver exciting outdoor learning experiences that spark curiosity, confidence, and independence. You’ll work closely with the Outdoor Learning Lead to create a safe, structured, and engaging environment where children learn through play, exploration, and practical activities.
What You’ll Do
Plan and deliver creative Forest School and outdoor learning sessions
Encourage curiosity, problem-solving, and independence through exploration and play
Promote positive behaviour, routines, and boundaries to keep children safe and engaged
Support observation, assessment, and planning in partnership with the Outdoor Learning Lead
Supervise children at all times, including on visits, trips, and during lunchtimes if needed
Support staff and volunteers to uphold the outdoor learning ethos
Maintain high standards of health and safety, including risk assessments and equipment checks
What We’re Looking For
Experience working with children with SEN
Ability to motivate and inspire children of different ages, abilities, and confidence levels
Clear, confident, and fair approach with strong behaviour management skills
Enthusiasm for outdoor learning and the ability to make every session fun, purposeful, and safe
About Us
The Holden School is an independent specialist day school for pupils aged 5–16, supporting children with SEMH, autism, and complex needs.
We provide a therapeutic, trauma-informed environment with personalised learning plans and expert on-site therapy support. Small classes and a dedicated staff team help pupils develop academic, social, and life skills while building confidence and resilience. With two sites in Leigh and access to outdoor and community-based learning, we prepare every child for a successful and fulfilling future.
Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people’s lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.
We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.
Why Join Us?
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
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
*Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
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Job Title: Outdoor & Forest School Instructor
Location: The Holden School, Leigh WN7 4SB
Salary: £25,000.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday–Friday 08:30–16:00 (Tuesday until 16:30)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start Date: March 2026
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first. That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, giving you 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay*.
Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW, and others will soon join in. So, whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG!
About the Role
Do you love the outdoors and inspiring children to explore, create, and grow? As an Outdoor & Forest School Instructor, you’ll deliver exciting outdoor learning experiences that spark curiosity, confidence, and independence. You’ll work closely with the Outdoor Learning Lead to create a safe, structured, and engaging environment where children learn through play, exploration, and practical activities.
What You’ll Do
Plan and deliver creative Forest School and outdoor learning sessions
Encourage curiosity, problem-solving, and independence through exploration and play
Promote positive behaviour, routines, and boundaries to keep children safe and engaged
Support observation, assessment, and planning in partnership with the Outdoor Learning Lead
Supervise children at all times, including on visits, trips, and during lunchtimes if needed
Support staff and volunteers to uphold the outdoor learning ethos
Maintain high standards of health and safety, including risk assessments and equipment checks
What We’re Looking For
Experience working with children with SEN
Ability to motivate and inspire children of different ages, abilities, and confidence levels
Clear, confident, and fair approach with strong behaviour management skills
Enthusiasm for outdoor learning and the ability to make every session fun, purposeful, and safe
About Us
The Holden School is an independent specialist day school for pupils aged 5–16, supporting children with SEMH, autism, and complex needs.
We provide a therapeutic, trauma-informed environment with personalised learning plans and expert on-site therapy support. Small classes and a dedicated staff team help pupils develop academic, social, and life skills while building confidence and resilience. With two sites in Leigh and access to outdoor and community-based learning, we prepare every child for a successful and fulfilling future.
Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people’s lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.
We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.
Why Join Us?
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
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
*Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
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