Forest School / Outdoor Lead
Package Description
Outdoor Learning Lead– Sudbury CO10 5NA
£29,000 - £32,000 Full-time 40hrs a week
Make Every Day Extraordinary with Keys Group!
We are seeking a passionate and motivated Outdoor Learning Lead to join our nurturing SEMH school in Sudbury.
This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference by leading high-quality outdoor and experiential learning that supports pupils’ emotional wellbeing, engagement, and personal development.
You will play a key role in creating meaningful outdoor learning experiences that inspire curiosity, resilience, and confidence, helping our students thrive both in and beyond the classroom.
About The Ryes College
The Ryes College is a unique and supportive SEMH school, committed to helping students achieve beyond their expectations. We provide a safe, structured, and nurturing environment where every young person is encouraged to grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
Our curriculum places strong emphasis on personal development, life skills, wellbeing, and offsite and outdoor learning experiences, ensuring a holistic and engaging education tailored to individual needs.
About the Role
As Outdoor Learning Lead, you will design, deliver, and develop a purposeful outdoor learning programme that supports students with SEMH needs. Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team and teaching staff, you will help embed outdoor learning into the wider school offer, promoting positive behaviour, engagement, and emotional regulation.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, lead, and evaluate outdoor learning sessions aligned with pupils’ individual needs
- Deliver engaging, inclusive, and practical learning experiences that support SEMH and wellbeing
- Carry out and review risk assessments to ensure safe outdoor practice
- Promote positive behaviour, teamwork, resilience, and confidence through outdoor activities
- Manage outdoor learning resources, equipment, and spaces
- Work collaboratively with teaching staff and the Senior Leadership Team to support curriculum and therapeutic outcomes
- Maintain records, evaluations, and reports linked to outdoor learning provision
- Support safeguarding procedures and promote a safe learning environment at all times
Requirements
- Experience delivering outdoor learning, Forest School, or practical learning activities
- A strong understanding of supporting young people with SEND and SEMH needs
- Confident in managing groups and building positive relationships with pupils
- Knowledge of safeguarding, health and safety, and risk management
- Strong communication and organisational skills
- A proactive, flexible, and enthusiastic approach
- Level 3 Forest School qualification (essential or desirable – adjust as needed)
- Relevant First Aid qualification (or willingness to undertake training)
Benefits of Joining Keys Group
· NEST enhanced pension scheme
· Staff Referral Scheme – split a £500 referral bonus with a friend you refer
· Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
· Access to a Blue Light Discount Card
· Fully funded training and qualifications
· Enhanced pay scales based on experience and qualifications
· Employee wellbeing app and a wide range of discounts
· Life assurance
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Commitment to Equality and Armed Forces Covenant
Keys Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We actively welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including veterans and military families, through our Armed Forces Covenant. Eligible service personnel and veterans are guaranteed an
interview when relevant military experience is detailed in their application. We also offer veteran-friendly policies, peer support, and military awareness training.
Safeguarding
Keys Group is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory pre-employment checks.
Keys Group
