Advanced Learning Mentor & Instructor Outdoor Education

The YES Trust; Wolverhampton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational trust in Wolverhampton seeks an Outdoor Education Advanced Learning Mentor/Instructor. This role involves planning and delivering engaging outdoor activities and lessons to help pupils develop practical skills and explore the natural world. Candidates should be passionate about outdoor education and possess relevant qualifications, with a creative approach to engaging children. This is an exciting opportunity to inspire and support young individuals in their educational journey while promoting inclusion and wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Experience in delivering animal care qualifications.
• Adaptability and enthusiasm for outdoor activities.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver outdoor learning sessions.
• Maintain tools and outdoor spaces.
• Ensure health and safety standards are met.

Skills

Experience in outdoor education

Knowledge of health and safety standards

Creative approach to outdoor learning

Passion for the outdoors

Education

Relevant Outdoor Education or Forest School qualification

Job description

Advanced Learning Mentor/Instructor - Outdoor Education (The Vireo Academy)

Contract Type: Permanent

Education Phases: Secondary;

Working Patterns: Full-Time;

Key Stages: Ks3, Ks4;

Application Deadline: Sunday, 7th December 2025

Is a Shared Job: No

About us

Black Country Alternative Provision launched in December 2024 and is Youth Engagement Schools’ (The YES Trust’s) newest establishment. The site is located in Wolverhampton and is comprised of two academies, The Kairos Academy (KS3-KS4 Alternative Provision) and The Vireo Academy (KS2-KS4 SEMH Alternative Provision and Home & Hospital School). The Black Country Alternative Provision (BCAP) aims to facilitate positive change in young people’s lives. We strive to overcome barriers to learning and to improve the outcomes for our students.

This is an exceptional time to join a young but growing and ambitious trust, whose aim is to transform the lives of some of the most vulnerable pupils in the region. As a trust we are not only growing in terms of the number of schools, students, staff and parents but also in the depth and breadth of experience, knowledge and expertise we have across our schools. Our ethos encompasses Recognition, Responsibility and Reflection. We offer a stimulating personalised curriculum alongside a bespoke package of interventions for the holistic development of the young person. We aim to develop learners’ educational and personal potentials whilst supporting their reintegration and inclusion into full time education.

Job Description

As part of our continued growth, Vireo Academy, part of the YES Trust, is seeking a passionate Outdoor Education Advanced Learning Mentor/Instructor to join our close-knit team.

About the Role

In this exciting and active role, you’ll plan and deliver engaging outdoor learning sessions from Forest School activities to environmental projects, helping pupils develop practical skills, resilience, and a love for the natural world. Every day will be different as you encourage curiosity, creativity, and problem‑solving in a safe, nurturing outdoor environment. You will also plan and deliver lessons to our students who are currently studying an animal care qualification at key stage 4.

Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team and teaching staff, you’ll support pupils’ learning and personal development while promoting inclusion and wellbeing through outdoor education. You’ll also take responsibility for maintaining equipment, ensuring safety through thorough risk assessments, and fostering a culture of respect and responsibility in nature.

Your role will include:

• Planning and delivering high‑quality outdoor learning sessions and animal care lessons tailored to pupils’ needs and interests.
• Creating safe, stimulating environments that promote exploration, teamwork, and independence.
• Managing and maintaining tools, equipment, and outdoor spaces.
• Supporting and guiding staff and volunteers to embrace the ethos of outdoor learning.
• Building pupils’ confidence, communication, and wellbeing through experiential, nature‑based education.
• Ensuring all sessions meet health, safety, and safeguarding standards.

What we’re looking for:

• Experience in outdoor education or Forest School provision and delivering animal care qualifications.
• A creative, practical approach to engaging children with outdoor learning.
• Knowledge of health, safety, and welfare standards when working with young people.
• Enthusiasm, adaptability, and a genuine passion for the outdoors.
• A relevant Outdoor Education or Forest School qualification (or willingness to train).

This is more than a teaching role — it’s a chance to make the outdoors your classroom and inspire pupils to learn, grow, and thrive in a unique and meaningful way.

We’re keen to hear from individuals that will drive our provision forward and look at further qualifications, such as Duke of Edinburgh award and horticulture for all our young people.

Please see attachment for job description & person specification.

Working hours are 8:30‑4:30 pm each day, all year round.