Outdoor Practitioner: Alternative Provision & Outreach - Devon

The Outdoors Group; Forest School and Training

Location: Devon
Salary: £21,735 - £24,864
Closes: 6/4/26 

 

Outdoor Practitioner: Alternative Provision & Outreach at The Outdoors Group; Forest School and Training

​ABOUT FOREST SCHOOL & TRAINING 

At  Forest School & Training, we believe that every child deserves the chance to thrive. Our Alternative Provision is a specialist service designed for young people who find mainstream education a challenge. We provide a nurturing sanctuary where therapeutic outdoor learning, bushcraft, and nature-based activities form the foundation of a transformative educational experience. 

We provide a nurturing sanctuary ​utilising Forest School pedagogy, where therapeutic outdoor learning, bushcraft, and nature-based activities form the foundation of a transformative educational experience, building confidence, resilience, and emotional literacy children need to achieve positive outcomes for their future. 

These roles require the ability to work as part of a team, but also the initiative and confidence to work independently with a learner. 

For all our roles, a DBS and reference checks are required. The Outdoors Group Ltd is committed to the safeguarding of all staff, children, young people and vulnerable adults involved in its activities and in promoting their welfare. 

 

​​SALARY, CONTRACT & BENEFITS 

Contract options: 

• Permanent, Full Year (52 weeks) 

Full time - 37.5 hours per week / Salary: £24,864 per annum 

• Permanent, Term time (40 weeks) 

Full time - 37.5 hours per week / Salary: £21,735 per annum  

 

Benefits; 

• A values-driven, friendly, collaborative organisation 

• Beautiful outdoor work environments 

• Funded Qualifications (eg Forest School Level 3) and continued professional development (CPD) 

• Company pension scheme 

• Company-funded Employee Assistant Program via Mintago - supporting you financial well-being with tools for budgeting, saving, pension tracking, childcare vouchers and access to exclusive retail discounts. 

• Workplace health and wellbeing support through Health Assured - including 24/7 counselling, mental health resources and holistic wellness guidance. 

• 10% staff discount across all The Outdoors Group services 

• Annual staff celebration events 

 

JOB DESCRIPTION  

Role Purpose 

We are looking for a dedicated professional to provide high-quality pastoral and academic support to learners with diverse needs, including those with EHCPs. This isn't a standard role; you will be an "emotionally available adult," building trusting relationships in a dynamic, outdoor setting. 

This role takes place primarily in woodland and outdoor environments and requires a strong commitment to inclusive practice, safeguarding, and supporting positive educational, social, and developmental outcomes. 
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You will help young people engage in meaningful outdoor learning experiences, build confidence and resilience, and work towards their individual learning and wellbeing goals within a safe, nurturing, and structured environment. 
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You are a reflective practitioner who sees the person before the "behaviour." You understand that barriers to learning aren't stop signs—they are puzzles to be solved with empathy and initiative. 

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Location & Travel 
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This role is delivered across our various woodland sites and community outreach settings throughout Devon. 

Due to the nature of the role, you will be required to travel between locations, including woodland sites, partner schools and community-based settings. 

A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential. 

Mileage expenses are reimbursed where applicable, in line with company policy. 

 

A typical day will be spent working one to one, or in groups with young people…. 
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• Supporting children and young people within our alternative provision who are finding it challenging to access mainstream educational provision. 

• Deliver high quality outdoor child-centred provision to help support children and young people’s educational outcomes whilst building resilience, self-esteem and emotional literacy. 

• Providing opportunities to build trusting relationships with emotionally available adults. 

• Being active in making sure safeguarding procedures are followed, working with colleagues and external agencies to keep children and young people safe. 

​Outreach Provision 
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• Deliver Forest School and Alternative Provision programmes within external school and educational settings. 

• Support the facilitation of community-based outdoor learning sessions. 

• Develop and maintain positive, professional relationships with partner schools, families, and external professionals. 

• Represent The Outdoors Group Alternative Provision professionally at all times, upholding organisational values, policies, and standards. 

 
​Person specification 
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• Be adaptable, display initiative and be able to work independently or as part of a team 

• Demonstrate the ability to be able to work and plan cooperatively 

• Be committed to professional development 

• Be able to approach the role with empathy and without prejudice, whilst maintaining professional distance and neutrality 

• Be comfortable with working with children and young people with emotional, developmental, or mental health needs 

• Have excellent listening skills to support young people 

• Knowledge of intervention and support practices for behaviours that challenge 

• Reflective and responsive to the needs of young people. 

• Recognising barriers to the learning and develop ways to overcome these. 

Essential requirements 
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• Excellent core skills (Math and English) 

• An understanding of information technology e.g word processing 

• Experience of working with young people with SEND in education, Youth work, Forest school leader or community development projects. 

• Full UK driving licence 

 
​Desirable but not essential (training & CPD opportunities will be available) 
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• Forest school level 3 

• Paediatric and outdoor first aid 

• Experience in working with children with a range of SEND/EBD 

• Safeguarding level 2/3 

• Formal teaching qualification 

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