Outdoor Learning Lead - Fixed Term - Special Needs Position

Danecourt School, Gillingham

• Ref:MED887-7031-209S
• Posted:07/05/2026
• Pay:Medway C2 (12 - 25) + SEN
• Start Date:September 2026
• 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.

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

Danecourt School is seeking an enthusiastic and creative Outdoor Learning Lead (Forest School Leader) to develop and deliver our outdoor learning provision, helping pupils build confidence, resilience, communication and curiosity 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 spaces play a vital role in supporting wellbeing, engagement and personal development.

About the Role

As Outdoor Learning Lead, you will work closely with teachers, therapists and leaders to create safe, inclusive and inspiring outdoor learning experiences.

In this role, you will:

• Lead and organise Danecourt’s outdoor learning and forest school provision
• Deliver engaging, child-led outdoor sessions
• Develop environments that support emotional, social and academic development
• Work with class teams to link outdoor learning to classroom practice
• Manage tools, equipment, risk assessments and site safety
• Maintain and develop outdoor spaces and resources
• Champion inclusion, wellbeing and pupil voice through experiential learning

This is a rewarding, hands-on role where your creativity and passion for outdoor education will directly impact pupils’ confidence and engagement.

Who You Are

We are looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about outdoor and experiential learning
• Experienced in leading outdoor activities (Forest School qualification desirable)
• Confident supporting children with SEND or keen to develop in this area
• Organised, calm and safety-focused
• Creative, nurturing and reflective in practice
• A strong communicator and positive team player

What We Offer

Danecourt offers a welcoming and inclusive environment where support staff are valued as key members of the team. As part of the Maritime Academy Trust, we offer meaningful career opportunities and the chance to make a real difference to pupils’ lives.

Here’s what you can expect:

• A supportive, collaborative school culture
• Access to specialist facilities, outdoor learning spaces and therapy support
• Regular CPD and development opportunities
• A strong sense of purpose and meaningful impact every day
• Local Government Pension Scheme and national terms and conditions
• Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support
• The opportunity to work in an award-winning SEND school environment

Ready to Make a Difference?

We’d love to welcome you for a visit and show you what makes Danecourt so special. Please contact the school office on 01634 232589 to arrange.

You’ll find more information in the Candidate Information Pack attached. Apply now via My New Term — early applications are encouraged, and we reserve the right to appoint before the closing date.

Danecourt School and the Maritime Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to an Enhanced DBS check and online checks in line with safeguarding guidance.

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