Maternity Leave Cover: Forest School Leader

About the role

We are seeking to appoint an aspirational, nurturing and dedicated Forest School teacher / Leader to join our outstanding team. 

This post is part time (0.4), on a fixed term contract until December 2027. This includes dedicated PPA time. 

You will be working at our school site with Nursery to KS1 children and at the Woodhall Estate or our school site with KS2 children.   

At Abel Smith, we believe that our school values of courage, care and commitment are at the centre of what we think, do and say. Our passion for learning is encompassed by these values and we encourage everyone to aim high.  Our unique Forest School delivery provides opportunities for children to develop their well-being as well as essential outdoor skills, promoted by the 6 Forest School core principles.  

We have a wonderful team of staff and pupils who are motivated to learn and grow. Our school is full of fun, laughter, kindness and hard work. 

We are looking to appoint an excellent forest school leader who: 

• has a Level 3 Forest School qualification  

• is passionate about the Forest School ethos and is able to apply this throughout all working practice, both with children and staff. 

• has high standards and high expectations of all pupils. 

• is able to focus on maintaining high standards across the 6 core principles of Forest School 

• has the ability to work as part of a team, with a flexible attitude and a calm, organised work ethic. 

• has experience and understanding of organising, promoting and evaluating the children’s learning. 

• is able to deliver well planned, well considered and motivational sessions with experience of motivating and managing children effectively. 

• possesses strong communication skills, appropriate to communicating effectively with staff, parents and children. 

We can offer you: 

• the opportunity to work in a successful, continuously improving, and supportive school. 

• the chance to join a talented, highly committed, and supportive staff team. 

• motivated children who are willing to learn. 

• the opportunity to work across two sites, including a private site at the stunning Woodhall Estate 

• well stocked and up to date equipment 

• continued professional development. 

• A commitment to supporting a positive work-life balance. 

Abel Smith School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointment to this post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check as well as other pre-appointment checks, including an online check, as outlined in Keeping Children Safe in Education (September 2026). 

To help us meet our high standards and aspirations of a fully diverse and inclusive workplace, we strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply and to join us.