Outdoor Learning Lead - Term Time - Special Needs Position

Danecourt School, Gillingham

• Ref:MED887-7031-206S
• Posted:28/04/2026
• Pay:C2 £24,707.27 - £31,982.81 Actual Salary + SEN
• Start Date:TBC
• App Close Date:20/05/2026 at 10:00
• Interviews:1st June 2026

Advert

Join Danecourt School as an Outdoor Learning Lead
Where nature, nurture and learning come together to help every child thrive.

Hours: 37
Contract: Permanent
Term Time Only: 39 weeks per year
Start Date: TBC
Salary: Medway C2 (Points 12–25) £24,707 – £31,982 (actual) + SEN Allowance £1,539

About the Role

Are you passionate about outdoor learning and ready to inspire children with SEND through meaningful, hands-on experiences beyond the classroom?

Danecourt School is seeking a creative and committed Outdoor Learning Lead (Forest School Leader) to develop and deliver our outdoor learning programme. You will help pupils build confidence, resilience, communication and independence through nature-based learning.

Danecourt is a specialist SEND school within the Maritime Academy Trust, supporting pupils with a wide range of needs. We believe learning happens everywhere, and our outdoor provision plays a vital role in supporting wellbeing and engagement.

This is a hands-on role where you will:

• Lead and organise the outdoor learning and forest school programme
• Plan and deliver inclusive, child-led sessions that develop key life skills
• Create engaging outdoor environments that support holistic development
• Work with teachers and therapists to link outdoor learning to the curriculum
• Manage risk assessments, tools, equipment and fire safety
• Maintain and develop outdoor spaces and resources
• Promote inclusion, wellbeing and pupil voice through experiential learning

Who You Are

We are looking for someone who:

• Is passionate about outdoor and experiential learning
• Has experience leading outdoor activities (Forest School qualification desirable)
• Is confident supporting children with SEND or keen to develop in this area
• Is organised, safety-conscious and reflective
• Has a calm, creative and nurturing approach
• Builds positive relationships with pupils and colleagues
• Is committed to safeguarding and professional development

What We Offer

Danecourt offers a welcoming and inclusive environment where staff are valued and supported to make a real difference.

• A supportive, team-based culture across all sites
• Term-time working, supporting work–life balance
• Access to specialist facilities, outdoor spaces and therapy support
• Regular CPD and training opportunities
• A strong sense of purpose, impacting pupil progress and wellbeing
• Local Government Pension Scheme and national terms
• Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support
• A school recognised for excellence, including SEND award winners

Ready to Apply?

We welcome visits — contact 01634 232589 to arrange.

For full details, see the Candidate Information Pack. Apply via My New Term. Early applications are encouraged and we may appoint before the closing date.

Danecourt School and the Maritime Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to an Enhanced DBS check and online checks.

Information about the school

Danecourt School is part of the Maritime Academy Trust, an innovative partnership of schools in Greenwich, Bexley, Kent, and Medway. Across the Trust, we believe in transforming education through collaboration, creativity, and an entrepreneurial curriculum that equips children with essential life skills.

At Danecourt, we are proud to be a specialist primary school for pupils with a wide range of needs — including complex learning difficulties and autism. Every child here is valued, supported, and challenged to achieve their personal best.

Our mission is to help all pupils become “STARS” -

S - Self reliant T - Team Players A - Aspirational R - Resilient S - Successful

We achieve this through a personalised curriculum tailored to each child’s individual needs. Our highly trained and dedicated staff have the highest expectations for every pupil — celebrating difference, encouraging curiosity, and unlocking potential in every lesson.

Collaboration sits at the heart of all we do. We work closely with families, carers, and specialist agencies to ensure every child thrives academically, emotionally, and socially. Pupil progress and achievement are celebrated in meaningful ways that reflect the uniqueness of each learner.

If you’re interested in joining our community, we warmly welcome you to visit us — meet our pupils and staff, see our approach in action, and experience the truly special atmosphere that defines Danecourt School.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Maritime Academy Trust
• Address:50 John Harrison Way, Greenwich, London, SE10 0BG
• Telephone: 020 8858 0394
• Email: recruitment@maritimeacademytrust.org

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Application Pack