Outdoor Learning & OPAL Play Coordinator - Term Time

Slade Primary School, Tonbridge

• Ref:KCC886-2155-281S
• Posted:16/06/2026
• Pay:KSE
• Start Date:1 September 2026
• App Close Date:30/06/2026 at 12:00
• Interviews:8 July 2026

Advert

Grade: KSE 
Hours: 8.30 – 3.30pm - Monday to Friday 

We are seeking an enthusiastic, creative and motivated Outdoor Learning & OPAL Play Coordinator to join our team and lead an exciting new chapter in our school's development. 

This is a unique opportunity to shape and deliver a high-quality outdoor learning curriculum across the school while also leading our journey with the OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) programme. 

As our Outdoor Learning & OPAL Play Coordinator, you will: 

• Lead engaging Forest School-inspired and outdoor learning experiences for pupils across all year groups. 

• Develop opportunities for children to learn through exploration, challenge, creativity and connection with nature. 

• Support children's wellbeing, confidence, resilience and independence through outdoor experiences. 

• Coordinate and champion the implementation of OPAL across the school. 

• Work with pupils, staff and families to transform playtimes into rich, inclusive and exciting opportunities for learning and development. 

• Help create inspiring outdoor environments that encourage imagination, collaboration and active play. 

An Exciting Time to Join Us 

We are at the very beginning of our OPAL journey and are committed to transforming lunchtimes and playtimes for all our children. 

OPAL is a nationally recognised programme that helps schools develop outstanding play opportunities. We believe every child deserves high-quality play experiences that support their physical, social, emotional and cognitive development. 

The successful candidate will play a key role in leading this transformation, helping us develop our outdoor spaces, engage our school community and create a culture where play is valued as an essential part of childhood. 

 We Are Looking For Someone Who: 

• Has experience working with primary-aged children. 

• Is passionate about outdoor learning and learning beyond the classroom. 

• Understands the importance of play in children's development. 

• Is energetic, creative and able to inspire both children and adults. 

• Has excellent organisational and communication skills. 

• Can work collaboratively while also taking initiative and leading change. 

• Holds, or is willing to work towards, relevant Outdoor Learning, Forest School or OPAL qualifications. 

We Can Offer: 

• The opportunity to lead a whole-school initiative with genuine impact. 

• Supportive and enthusiastic colleagues. 

• Children who are eager to learn, explore and play. 

• Professional development opportunities, including OPAL and outdoor learning training. 

• The chance to help shape the future of outdoor learning and play within our school. 

If you are excited by the prospect of helping children learn, grow and flourish outdoors while leading a transformational programme that will redefine playtimes, we would love to hear from you. 

Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and encouraged. 

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references, enhanced DBS checks. 

Information about the school

Slade Primary School is nestled behind Tonbridge Castle, close to the Parish Church, the River Medway and the local park, which are all ideal resources for the school to use to inspire and motivate children.

We are a busy, friendly and popular two form entry school with 420 children on role. We also have a Specialist Resource Provision which caters for the needs of children with a severe to profound hearing loss with an Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP).

We have a warm and welcoming ethos with high expectations of all our children; aiming to be the best they can be in all aspects of school life. We teach through a broad, balanced and inclusive curriculum that aims to inspire a life-long love of learning, which includes being able to offer all our children a wide range of extra-curriculum activities before and after school.

We are very proud to have our own Forest School at Slade. We recognise the importance of mental and physical well-being and, as well as connecting with nature, the Forest School experience offers multiple benefits. The holistic approach helps children develop many personal and social skills that can be difficult to teach in the classroom. We also have a designated space, called the Wobble Room, where our children can go when they are either feeling low or upset to help them get back into the green zone and in a good place to learn again.

We encourage all our staff to continuously improve their practice through training and development; to work together to be the best they can be to provide for our children.

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and safety of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Enhanced DBS disclosure is required for this post. Please note, to ensure equality for all applicants, we are unable to accept applications and CVs forwarded directly to the school.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Viki Garrett
• Address:The Slade, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1HR
• Telephone: (01732) 350354
• Email: HR@slade.kent.sch.uk

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Job Description