Outdoor Education Teacher

Who we are

Come and be part of our team in our new school, Compass Community School Redwood Park in Milton Keynes. Be part of the development and opening of a new independent day School. A brand new 90 place school for pupils 7-19, opening September 2025. 

Our children come from a wide range of backgrounds, but all have Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH). Many will also have other Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) such as Autism, ADHD, and communication difficulties.

The work we do is both varied and challenging and, as a trauma and attachment-informed organisation, all staff are provided with extensive therapeutic training and support.

Our closely triangulated approach places the child at the centre of decision-making, ensuring that education and therapy professionals, parents/carers, local authority teams and, most importantly, our students can work together to secure outstanding outcomes for all.

The Role                                                 

We are all principally teachers of children before teachers of subjects. Central to this role is knowing the child, building professional, nurturing and positive relationships and motivating students.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, deliver, and assess outdoor learning experiences tailored to students with SEMH needs.
  
• Use outdoor environments to enhance learning in subjects such as science, geography, and physical education, while developing students' confidence, teamwork, and emotional well-being.
  
• Implement individualised learning plans, adapting teaching methods to meet diverse learning needs.
  
• Provide pastoral support, mentoring, and guidance to students, promoting positive behaviour and emotional resilience.
  
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment, ensuring all activities comply with health and safety regulations.
  
• Work collaboratively with SENCOs, teaching assistants, therapists, and external agencies to provide holistic support for students.
  
• Track and assess students’ progress, maintaining accurate records and reporting to relevant stakeholders.
• Engage with families and caregivers to support students’ educational and emotional development.
• Support students in gaining qualifications and skills relevant to outdoor education and employability.
•  Promote environmental awareness and sustainability through outdoor activities.

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or relevant teaching qualification.
• Experience working with students with SEMH needs, SEN, or behavioural difficulties.
• Strong knowledge of outdoor education principles and experience leading outdoor learning activities.
• Excellent communication, behaviour management, and pastoral care skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, staff, and families.
• Passion for using the outdoors as a tool for learning and personal development.

• Additional qualifications in Forest School, Outdoor Education, or Bushcraft.
• Experience delivering alternative curricula, such as ASDAN or Duke of Edinburgh.
• First Aid qualification and/or experience in risk assessment for outdoor activities. No matter the accreditation, which is best for the child to pursue, we maintain high aspirations for our children regardless of their learning journey and don’t underestimate the importance of qualifications to provide our children with life chances and opportunities.

Compass Community School teachers inspire children, creating a sense of awe and wonder and making subjects and lessons real and relevant to them. They plan exciting and engaging learning opportunities which challenge and push students, whether they are working on the very basics or they have a special talent or passion for the subject.

Our children require very special teachers who can manage some complex and challenging behaviours. They will know that our children require lots of attention, the right sort of communication, consistency and flexibility in equal measure, and a non-judgmental approach.

We want our teachers to be part of the decision-making that drives our school, provides outcomes for children and advocates for every child. We welcome their input in developing both the academic curriculum and the opportunities in our extra-curricular offer – bringing their own interests and passions to the table.

Benefits and Rewards

• Staff laptop and mobile phone
• Competitive salary
• Extensive training and professional qualification opportunities
• Small class sizes with specialist TA support
• The chance to be part of an expanding, national organisation that recognises skill, effort and potential and grows its leadership teams.
• Enhanced occupational sickness scheme.
• Flexible pension
• Regular therapeutic and supportive supervision
• Employee benefit service with access to wellbeing services, salary sacrifice schemes, high street vouchers, money off eating-out and takeaways.

We regularly review applications and reserve the right to close an advert early if we identify suitable candidates.

Safeguarding

Compass Community Schools are highly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff will be expected to hold or be willing to obtain Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services(previously the Criminal Records Bureau) and undergo due diligence checks on social media use.

All school-based staff have the responsibility for promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children.  All school staff should be aware of the school’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and work in accordance with this document at all times.

Compass is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. As we continue to grow, we know that we must have the most talented employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences to support our children and young people.