Outdoor Learning Instructor

Full Job Description

We work smarter so that you can enjoy the things that matter outside of work!

Job Title: Outdoor Learning Instructor
Location: Manor House School, Slinfold, Horsham, RH13 0QX
Hours:      40 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Salary:     Up to £28,000 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:       February 2027
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

Do you believe the best classroom doesn't always have four walls?

Are you passionate about inspiring young people through nature, adventure and hands-on learning? If so, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

At Manor House School, we're looking for an enthusiastic and creative Outdoor Learning Instructor to join our growing team. This is an exciting opportunity to use the outdoors as a powerful learning environment, helping young people with additional needs develop confidence, resilience, independence and a lifelong love of learning.

Whether you're an experienced Outdoor Learning or Forest School practitioner, an instructor with a passion for education, or a qualified teacher looking for a more rewarding role, you'll have the opportunity to make a genuine difference every single day.

Working alongside a dedicated multidisciplinary team, you'll deliver engaging outdoor experiences that inspire curiosity, encourage personal growth and help every pupil achieve more than they ever thought possible.

What You'll Be Doing

• Plan and deliver exciting outdoor learning experiences that inspire curiosity, confidence and resilience.
• Create engaging lessons and activities that support pupils' academic, social and emotional development through practical, hands-on learning.
• Develop and enhance the school's outdoor learning environment, making the most of natural spaces to enrich the curriculum.
• Lead educational visits and outdoor activities, ensuring all sessions are thoroughly planned, risk assessed and delivered safely.
• Monitor, assess and celebrate pupil progress, adapting activities to meet individual needs and maximise outcomes.
• Build positive, trusting relationships that help pupils develop independence, self-esteem and emotional wellbeing.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists and families to provide a consistent, personalised approach to learning.
• Promote outstanding safeguarding, positive behaviour and a safe, inclusive environment where every pupil can thrive.

About You

We're looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about outdoor learning and believes every child can achieve their full potential.
• Creative, energetic and able to inspire young people through practical, engaging experiences.
• An excellent communicator who builds positive relationships with pupils, families and colleagues.
• Calm, resilient and confident supporting young people with additional needs and behaviours that may challenge.
• Adaptable and able to think creatively, using the outdoor environment to bring learning to life.
• Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
• Holds a full UK Driving Licence.

Desirable

• Experience delivering Outdoor Learning or Forest School programmes.
• Degree, QTS or another relevant teaching or instructor qualification.
• Experience working with children and young people with SEND, SEMH or complex needs.
• Experience planning and leading educational visits and adventurous activities.

About Us

Manor House School is an independent co-educational school for pupils with social, emotional, and mental health needs. We provide a small, supportive environment where personalised learning helps pupils rebuild confidence and engage with education. Our dedicated staff foster positive relationships, emotional wellbeing, and a calm, nurturing atmosphere. Through tailored support and a broad curriculum, we empower pupils to achieve success and prepare for life beyond school.

Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people’s lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.

We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place pupils 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 pupils 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.

Outcomes First Group 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, Outcomes First Group 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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