We are looking for a passionate and creative Outdoor Learning Practitioner to lead and develop outdoor learning in our woodland. You will help children and young people with complex SEND experience the outdoors in ways that are meaningful, motivating and right for them.
You will work with pupils from early years to Key Stage 4, planning sensory-rich sessions that build communication, emotional regulation, confidence and independence. The role suits someone with experience of working with children or young people, who combines strong outdoor skills with empathy, imagination and curiosity about how children with complex needs learn.
Cedars is a warm school community where staff shape their own development and contribute to our shared improvement. No one is ever the finished article, and that is how we like it.
If you hold a Level 3 qualification and want to develop, we can support the right person to complete the relevant certifications (HLTA program or Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship) while you work with us, with time to study and a mentor to support you.
Pay
Grade F, SCP 14-19 (£26,492 - £28,752 per annum, term time only, at rates from 1 April 2026) for candidates with a Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant qualification, HLTA status or equivalent experience.
All posts also receive the Special School Allowance of £1,590 per annum (pro rata to term time only).
We will also consider appointing the right candidate with a Level 3 TA qualification at Grade E, SCP 8-11 (£24,056 - £25,238 per annum), with our support to complete the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship or HLTA accreditation.
Permanent. Full time, term time only (37 hours per week, 195 days). Start: November 2026, or as soon as possible.
What you will do
- Lead and develop a safe, inclusive and inspiring outdoor learning programme across the school
- Plan and deliver engaging, progressive sessions in our woodland classroom, adapting them for a wide range of physical, sensory, cognitive and emotional needs
- Write, review and implement risk assessments for sites, tools, fires and activities, and maintain equipment
- Work with the extended leadership team, teachers and therapists to develop a responsive curriculum
- Record and share progress against EHCP outcomes and Personal Learning Plans
- Mentor and support teaching assistants, modelling good practice outdoors
- Support extracurricular clubs and cross-curricular outdoor learning
What we are looking for
Essential
- A recognised qualification in outdoor activities, with knowledge of flora and fauna
- Outdoor First Aid certificate (the Academy will fund this if you do not hold one)
- Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification or equivalent experience, and willingness to complete the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship if not already held
- Willingness to work towards Level 3 Forest School Leadership, if not already held
- Practical experience of leading outdoor learning with children or young people
- Confident assessing risk and keeping high standards of safeguarding and safety
- Empathetic, organised and calm when plans change
- Able to work on uneven terrain and outdoors for long periods in all weathers, and to handle equipment (reasonable adjustments considered)
Desirable
- Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant qualification or HLTA status
- Level 3 Certificate in Forest School Leadership
- Level 2 English and maths (GCSE 4/C or Functional Skills)
- Experience with children or young people with SEND or complex needs, Forest School practice, or mentoring colleagues
The full job description and person specification can be downloaded from this vacancy page.
Keeping children safe
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all staff to share that commitment. Any offer is subject to an enhanced DBS check, right-to-work checks, satisfactory references and a health questionnaire. Cedars is an equal opportunities and Disability Confident employer.
More information and visits
If you would like more information, or to see our school before you apply, please email Joanne Carr, Deputy Headteacher (joanne.carr@cedarstrust.org.uk) or Gareth Kyle, Academy Business Leader (gareth.kyle@cedarstrust.org.uk).
Closing date: Friday 6 November 2026, 12 noon.
Interviews: Wednesday 18 November 2026.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications, so please apply early.