Forest Schools Co-ordinator

Job Description

The closing date for completed applications for this post is 9am on Friday 8 May 2026, and it is anticipated interviews will take place on Thursday 21 May 2026.

Hours: 35 hours per week.

Salary: £37,315 – £43,368 (SCP 29 – 35)

Job Description

The Forest School Coordinator will lead, develop and manage the Forest School provision within Rossie in both the Secure and Residential forest school settings, with specific responsibility for the design, delivery, assessment and quality assurance of a Forest and Outdoor Learning Award (FOLA) programme.

The post holder will take a strategic and operational lead in embedding high-quality outdoor learning experiences that contribute to the education, attainment and wellbeing of young people. They will work with a high degree of autonomy while collaborating with the Service Head of Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, Principal Teachers and wider educational team to ensure the Forest School programme meets Curriculum for Excellence expectations and awarding body requirements.

The role includes leadership of curriculum design, accreditation processes, staff support, and programme evaluation to ensure a sustainable, high-impact Forest School provision.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and deliver high-quality outdoor learning experiences using accredited programmes.
• Lead the development and implementation of the Forest and Outdoor Learning Award (FOLA) programme.
• Promote and drive improvements in attainment, achievement and accreditation.
• Build and sustain positive relationships with young people, staff, partners and awarding bodies.
• Lead on the management of resources, administration, compliance and quality assurance.
• Take responsibility for health, safety, wellbeing and safeguarding within all Forest School provision.

Lead, manage and deliver learning and teaching.

• Design, implement and evaluate a progressive Forest School curriculum aligned to Curriculum for Excellence and FOLA requirements.
• Lead the planning, delivery and continuous improvement of Forest School sessions and programmes.
• Oversee and ensure effective assessment, verification and internal quality assurance of accredited learning.
• Support young people to achieve awards, accreditation and positive destinations.
• Differentiate and adapt programmes to meet a wide range of additional support needs.
• Embed digital tools and innovative approaches to enhance learning where appropriate.
• Monitor, track and report on learner progress, attainment and achievement.
• Liaise with awarding bodies, ensuring compliance with standards and processes.
• Lead communication with the care colleagues and external partners in relation to Forest School provision.
• Contribute to wider school initiatives, events, and interdisciplinary learning opportunities.

Active participation in raising attainment for our learners.

• Use data and evidence to inform targeted interventions and programme development.
• Lead quality improvement processes within Forest School provision.
• Contribute to whole-school improvement planning and self-evaluation activities.
• Promote literacy, numeracy and health & wellbeing across all Forest School activities.
• Model and promote high-quality learning and teaching practices.
• Lead and support professional learning for colleagues in outdoor learning approaches.

Promote positive relationships and inclusive practice.

• Establish and model positive, respectful and trauma-informed relationships with young people.
• Support staff in applying consistent, nurturing and restorative approaches.
• Ensure inclusive practice that recognises the diverse and complex needs of learners.
• Promote learner voice, engagement and participation within programme design.
• Maintain strong partnership working with internal and external stakeholders.

Lead resource management and programme administration.

• Oversee the planning, organisation and sustainability of Forest School resources and environments.
• Manage budgets, materials and equipment effectively.
• Ensure all documentation is completed to a high standard, including risk assessments, learner records, and accreditation evidence.
• Develop and maintain systems for tracking learner progress and programme impact.
• Ensure compliance with awarding body requirements, including evidence gathering and verification.

Supporting and assessing the health and wellbeing of our young people.

• Take overall responsibility for risk assessment and safe delivery of all Forest School activities.
• Ensure all activities meet organisational, legal and awarding body health and safety standards.
• Lead on safeguarding and child protection within the Forest School context.
• Promote resilience, confidence and independence in young people.
• Ensure appropriate first aid provision and emergency procedures are in place.
• Oversee off-site visits, outdoor learning experiences and community-based activities.
• Maintain high expectations of behaviour and engagement.

Professional leadership and standards supported by relevant training, ensure.

• Maintain and model high professional standards at all times.
• Establish and maintain positive and respectful relationships across the organisation.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of child protection, safeguarding and outdoor learning best practice.
• Demonstrate good communication, organisational and leadership skills.
• Continuously develop professional expertise in Forest School leadership and accredited programme delivery.
• Lead collaborative working across teams to enhance learner outcomes.
• Engage in strategic professional learning aligned with organisational priorities.
• Develop and maintain good working knowledge of Curriculum for Excellence and accredited frameworks.

PERSON SPECIFICATION Qualifications (Essential)

• SCQF level 5 or equivalent awards in literacy and numeracy
• Commitment to continuing professional development
• Recognised Forest School qualification (minimum FOLA Level 4)

Qualifications (Desirable)

• Relevant degree or professional qualification in Outdoor Learning, Education or related field
• Qualification or experience to deliver accredited programmes (e.g. FOLA)

Skills (Essential)

• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of team
• Excellent organisational skills, ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal skills, and oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively
• Ability to deal with confidential/sensitive matters

Skills (Desirable)

• Experience of leading and managing staff or supporting colleagues
• Ability to lead professional learning for staff
• Experience of budget/resource management

Experience (Essential)

• Working with young people in a relevant field.
• Experience of designing and delivering outdoor learning programmes
• Working in partnership with other agencies
• Facilitating learning

Experience (Desirable)

• Planning programmes of work
• Experience of assessing, tracking and reporting on learner progress and achievement
• Experience of supporting learners with additional support needs in an inclusive environment

Knowledge Base (Essential)

• Confident in the use of digital tools for learning, assessment and communication
• Understanding of relevant national policy, including GIRFEC
• Knowledge of accredited frameworks such as FOLA
• Knowledge of health and safety, risk assessment and outdoor learning regulations

Knowledge Base (Desirable)

• An awareness of the challenges and opportunities arising from working in a residential and secure care setting
• An understanding of trauma, and the impact of this in a learning context
• An understanding of Curriculum for Excellence
• An understanding of trauma-informed practice and its impact on learning

Qualities (Essential)

• Flexible and adaptive approach
• Empathetic approach to working with vulnerable young people
• Ability to establish, maintain and model professional boundaries
• Resilient, reflective and committed to continuous improvement
• Commitment to inclusion, equity and learner-centred practice

Full Clean Driving Licence (Essential).