David Ross Education Trust is recruiting for a Head of Outdoor Learning/Forest School Leader. This exciting new role is based in Leicestershire with extensive travel to our academies across Lincolnshire, the Humber and Yorkshire to set up and run new forest schools.

 We are driven to provide our young people with access to a world-class education and enrichment experiences.  Our students benefit from a wealth of opportunities to develop, learn and lead. 

From the classroom to cultural visits; sports, music and the arts; and engaging with our local communities, the rich and varied experiences we create help fuel ambition and unlock potential.  The education and experiences we offer equips our young people with the leadership skills, team spirit, resilience and confidence to become outstanding citizens.

About the role

This is a unique opportunity within our Trust. 

We’re creating something unique for our pupils: a robust, child-led outdoor learning programme that runs year-round in woodland, coastal and meadow environments. We cater for both early years and primary-age children.  Now, we’re looking for a passionate, qualified Forest School Leader / Head of Outdoor Learning to take us to the next level.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, highly motivated and inspiring person to set up, develop and lead our forest school at our dedicated farm site in Leicestershire for part of the week, and set up, lead and develop forest school provision across our network of schools further north.  Our ambition is for our c6000 primary aged pupils from Scarborough to London have access to quality forest school provision as part of their curriculum entitlement.

The right person will be reliable, enthusiastic about working with children and have a passion for outdoor learning in all weathers.

We are looking for someone who will create engaging learning opportunities that enable pupils to develop creativity, resilience, leadership, empathy and a love of the world around them.  We want someone who places wellbeing as the foundation of their practice and recognises children’s different social, emotional and physical needs.

The aim of our forest school / outdoor learning programme is to encourage and inspire primary aged pupils through an innovative, long-term educational approach to outdoor play and learning in a farm / woodland environment.

You will not only be an experienced and qualified Forest School Leader (Level 3), you will have evolving ideas and enthusiasm for outdoor learning more widely.  You’ll be comfortable climbing trees, building fires, managing risk, storytelling under the stars and inspiring children to connect with the natural world.

 37 hours per week – term time only – permanent role

There may be a requirement to run holiday clubs in the future – where the pro rata salary will be adjusted.

Salary & Benefits

          NJC 20 - 24, £32597 - £35412 FTE, £28,632.50 - £31,105.14 pro rata per annum for 37 hours per week – term time only,  plus adjustment for possible holiday clubs

·         Access to generous defined-benefit Local Government Pension Scheme

·         Regional networks of Trust colleagues and access to key leaders in Education

·         Commitment to employee Health and Wellbeing including dedicated Employee Assistance Programme

·         Awards and Recognition Scheme

·         Benefits Platform : holiday discounts : cinema tickets : restaurant booking discounts

·         Cycle to Work Scheme

 Who we are looking for

·         Forest School Leader (Level 3)

·         Experience in an education setting – preferably in an outdoor/forest school environment

·         Level 2 Award in Food Hygiene (or willing to achieve)

·         Experience of running a forest school with primary aged children

·         Experienced with neurodiverse students – knowledge of ADHD, dyslexia and alternative learning strategies.

·         Skilled in outdoor and physical education – experience in water sports, physical education or outdoor learning is highly desirable.

·         First aid certified (paediatric first aid desirable)

·         A good knowledge of the natural world and conservation and expertise in sharing with participants how we can care for the environment

·         Excellent inter-personal skills and the ability to work with different groups of staff, teachers, and children

·         Ability to travel extensively, including to rural areas, e.g. driving licence, access to vehicle

·         Knowledge of relevant Health & Safety and Safeguarding policies and processes

·         Strong on safeguarding, planning and behaviour management

·         Engaging and enthusiastic about bringing learning to life

·         Creative and adaptable – able to develop dynamic lessons and work independently.

·         Confident in leading mixed-age groups outdoors in all weathers

·         Resilient, adaptable, and community-minded with nurturing empathy

 About The David Ross Education Trust

The David Ross Education Trust’s mission is to give every child attending one of our schools a world-class education.

We broaden the horizons of young people by inspiring students to become their confident, academic best via an education that creates academically gifted, confident, well-rounded young people in the classroom, in the workplace and in their communities. 

Whatever your role you will contribute towards creating a rich and exciting learning environment that also offers our students an unrivalled package of sporting and cultural enrichment.

Our aim is to be the country’s top-performing Multi-Academy Trust (MAT).  Recognised as a nationwide system leader, the Trust runs 36 schools between London and Yorkshire, ranging from small rural primaries to much larger secondary schools in urban areas. We have an all through school in London based on the Olympic Park as well as a special school in Lincolnshire which caters for pupils aged 2-19 who have a diverse range of special educational needs.

We are incredibly lucky to be able to work alongside outstanding organisations and individuals who are happy to share their expertise and skills in supporting the David Ross Foundation's vision to give children better life chances through access to the best education and support we can give them.

For an informal conversation to learn more about the role, contact recruitment@dret.co.uk who will arrange a telephone call with a senior director of the trust.

Apply now

To complete our on-line application form, please use the ‘apply now’ tab.

Early applications are advised. We receive high numbers of applications for our roles and therefore have to close the vacancy prior to the closing date in order to review candidates' details against our job criteria before shortlisting or re-opening the vacancy

The David Ross Education Trust is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.

It is our objective to ensure that job applicants and staff are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential. We do not discriminate against any applicants on the basis of any protected characteristics.

The David Ross Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo vetting appropriate to the post, including a social media presence check and Enhanced DBS check. The successful applicant will be expected to adhere to all safeguarding, welfare and health and safety policies and procedures of the Trust.

All pre-employment checks are in line with "Keeping Children Safe in Education" statutory guidance.