Forest School Instructor

At OFG Education we allow for greater work life balance and extra time to do the things you love outside work

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:        November 2026 
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

We're looking for a passionate and inspiring Forest School Instructor to create meaningful outdoor learning experiences that help students build confidence, resilience, independence, and a lifelong connection with nature.

This is much more than a Forest School role. It's an opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of children and young people with additional needs, using the outdoors as a powerful tool to support their emotional wellbeing, personal growth, and engagement in learning.

You'll design and deliver creative, hands-on Forest School sessions that encourage students to explore, take positive risks, develop new skills, and celebrate their achievements. From woodland adventures and bushcraft activities to nature-based learning and team-building challenges, every day will bring something different.

Working across three sites, you'll play a key role in developing and expanding our Forest School provision, helping to create exceptional outdoor learning opportunities that inspire students to achieve more than they ever thought possible.

What You'll Be Doing

• Planning and delivering engaging Forest School and outdoor learning sessions.

• Supporting students' confidence, wellbeing, resilience, and personal development through nature-based experiences.

• Adapting activities to meet the needs of students with SEND, ensuring every learner can participate and succeed.

• Leading support staff and promoting safe, inclusive outdoor learning environments.

• Conducting risk assessments and maintaining high standards of health and safety.

• Managing and maintaining outdoor learning resources, equipment, and tools.

• Monitoring student progress and sharing outcomes with colleagues.

• Supporting the continued growth and development of Forest School provision across all sites.

About You

• Experience in Forest School and outdoor learning.

• Experienced working with children and young people, ideally within SEND or specialist education settings.

• Confident in delivering engaging, inclusive, and creative outdoor activities.

• Skilled at building positive relationships and supporting students with a range of needs.

• Organised, safety-conscious, and able to work independently across multiple sites.

• Enthusiastic about developing and leading high-quality Forest School provision.

• UK Driving Licence required.

About Us

At OFG Education, we believe every student deserves an education designed around who they are. Through high expectations, deep expertise and truly personalised education, we help students realise their potential and prepare for successful futures.

Building on more than 20 years of experience, we are bringing our approach to more students and communities around the world. Across the UK, Iberia and the Gulf, our schools combine the strength, expertise and high standards of an international education group with the individuality of each school and the communities they serve.

Whatever your role, joining OFG education means contributing to our shared ambition: empowering every student to success through truly personalised education.

About Our School

Learning at Wessex Lodge goes far beyond the classroom. Our outdoor spaces across all three sites offer meaningful opportunities for students to regulate, connect and engage. These environments, whether it be out in the the community or time with animals, are key to helping our children feel calm, confident and curious.

We are proud to be a part of OFG Education who in 2025 were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place students 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 students 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

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

OFG Education 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, OFG Education 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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