Forest Provision Leader

Stable Futures is entering an exciting new phase of growth.

A brand-new alternative provision site, that includes a forest provision department, is being developed to support Amegreen Education’s new secondary SEN school, Juniper House. This Alternative Provision, delivered under Stable Futures, will play a vital role in supporting the transition and development of new pupils joining the school, alongside our established settings at Haywards Farm and Northcroft School.

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Forest Lead to help shape and establish this new forest site from the ground up. This is a unique opportunity to not only implement high-quality outdoor learning provision, but to influence its direction, culture, and long-term impact. You will lead a small team of learning mentors within the Forest provision, providing supervision, guidance, and ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the department.

Stable Futures is an Alternative Provision working with children who have faced significant challenges accessing mainstream education. We support their individual learning journeys through outdoor, experiential education rooted in Forest School principles.

Owned by Amegreen Children’s Services and working in close partnership with Amegreen Education schools, this role is responsible for delivering a balanced programme of bushcraft and outdoor learning for external referrals, alongside curriculum-linked Forest School sessions. Our focus is on building confidence, resilience, and re-engagement with learning.

Our mission is to create meaningful opportunities for children to thrive through nature-based experiences.

Purpose of the Role
As Forest Lead, you will take overall responsibility for the leadership, development, and day-to-day running of our Forest Provision site, supporting an exciting phase of growth as we expand provision linked to the new Juniper House secondary SEN school.

You will play a key role in shaping a high-quality outdoor learning environment that serves pupils aged 5–17 across Amegreen Education settings and external referrals. This includes overseeing site operations, maintaining robust risk assessments, and ensuring all health and safety procedures are consistently implemented.

Alongside operational leadership, you will design, deliver, and coordinate engaging Forest School and outdoor learning experiences that are safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate for learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). You will lead and support a team of learning mentors within the provision, ensuring consistency, strong behaviour support, and a positive learning culture.

The role also involves building and maintaining effective partnerships with external schools, Local Authorities, and Amegreen Education settings, ensuring the provision supports pupil transition, engagement, and reintegration into education.

At its core, this role is about embedding a Forest Provision that reflects the values of holistic, nature-based learning—supporting young people to build confidence, resilience, and a renewed connection to education.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Provision Development

• Lead the day-to-day running and ongoing development of the Forest Provision, supporting its growth as part of the expanding Stable Futures offer linked to Juniper House.
• Supervise, support, and develop a team of learning mentors within the Forest provision, ensuring high-quality delivery, consistency of practice, and a positive team culture.
• Work closely with the Centre Manager to ensure alignment with whole-site priorities, contributing to strategic planning and continuous improvement.
• Contribute to the development of the provision as a recognised Forest School site, supporting accreditation goals by 2026.

Planning & Delivery of Outdoor Learning

• Design and deliver creative, engaging outdoor learning sessions rooted in Forest School principles, including bushcraft, survival skills, PSHE, and creative activities.
• Provide a balanced Alternative Curriculum offer alongside curriculum-linked Forest School sessions in partnership with Amegreen Education schools.
• Adapt provision to meet the needs of learners aged 5–17, ensuring sessions are inclusive, flexible, and developmentally appropriate.
• Monitor, evaluate, and continuously improve the quality and impact of the provision.
• Develop, deliver, and adapt structured learning sessions aligned with accredited programmes (including ASDAN and AQA Unit Awards), while also working collaboratively with Amegreen Education teaching staff to support the delivery and embedding of curriculum subjects across the provision, strengthening the connection between classroom learning and practical, experiential education.

SEND & Behaviour Support

• Lead on effective behaviour management and SEND support strategies, aligned with therapeutic approaches such as PACE and THRIVE. (ongoing and training offered).
• Support staff to respond consistently and empathetically to learners with a range of additional needs.
• Promote a safe, nurturing environment that supports engagement, confidence, and emotional development.

Health, Safety & Site Management

• Take overall responsibility for site safety, including risk-benefit assessments, safe use of tools, and compliance with health and safety procedures.
• Ensure all activities are delivered in line with safeguarding, child protection, and organisational policies.
• Oversee the safe management, maintenance, and development of resources and equipment.

Partnership Working & Communication

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with referral schools, Local Authorities, parents/carers, and Amegreen Education settings.
• Ensure provision aligns with individual learning plans and supports pupil engagement and transition.
• Promote the Forest Provision within the wider community and contribute to its ongoing development and reputation.

Recording, Reporting & Administration

• Maintain accurate records, including incident reports, observations, and progress tracking.
• Contribute to reporting for schools and Local Authorities, including evidence of progress and engagement.
• Use agreed systems (e.g. Tapestry) to support monitoring and communication.

Professional Practice & Development

• Engage in reflective practice, supervision, and ongoing professional development.
• Work towards (or maintain) a Level 3 Forest School Leader qualification, with support to achieve full accreditation by 2026.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement across Stable Futures.