Job Description

Are you an enthusiastic and dynamic PE Instructor who believes in the transformative power of outdoor activity? Do you have a passion for working with young people who thrive in non-traditional learning environments, fostering their physical, emotional, and social development?

This school is a dedicated Alternative Provision (AP) in Barnoldswick, committed to providing a nurturing and engaging educational experience for students who benefit from a different approach. We are looking for an inspiring Outdoor PE Instructor to join our team, starting September 2025, to deliver a diverse and exciting physical education curriculum within natural and community outdoor settings.

This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on students' lives, using adventure, sport, and outdoor challenges to build confidence, resilience, and a love for physical activity.

About the Role: As our Outdoor PE Instructor, you will be responsible for:

  • Designing & Delivering Engaging Outdoor PE: Planning and leading a varied and inclusive programme of outdoor physical education activities, tailored to the individual needs and abilities of students within our Alternative Provision (e.g., orienteering, team challenges, hiking, cycling, water sports, outdoor games, functional fitness, bushcraft-infused PE).

  • Fostering Holistic Development: Using outdoor PE as a tool to improve physical fitness, promote teamwork, communication, problem-solving skills, and enhance self-esteem and emotional regulation.

  • Building Positive Relationships: Establishing strong, trusting relationships with students who may have experienced disengagement from traditional education.

  • Risk Management & Safeguarding: Conducting thorough risk assessments for all outdoor activities, ensuring the safe use of equipment, and strictly adhering to all health, safety, and robust safeguarding policies and procedures for vulnerable young people.

  • Adaptive Coaching: Differentiating activities to meet the diverse needs of students, including those with Special Educational Needs (SEN) or Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges.

  • Progress Monitoring: Assessing and tracking student progress in both physical skills and broader personal development, providing feedback to the wider team.

  • Collaboration: Working closely with teachers, support staff, and external agencies to ensure a consistent and integrated approach to student development.

What We're Looking For:

  • Passion for Outdoor PE & Youth Development: A genuine enthusiasm for physical activity in outdoor settings and a strong commitment to supporting young people, particularly those in alternative education.

  • Experience: Proven experience in leading PE or sports activities, ideally within a school, youth group, alternative provision, or outdoor education setting.

  • Adaptability & Resilience: Ability to thrive in dynamic outdoor environments, adapt plans spontaneously, and maintain a positive, patient approach, even in challenging situations.

  • Strong Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent ability to engage, motivate, and build rapport with students from diverse backgrounds, as well as communicate effectively with colleagues and parents.

  • Practical Outdoor Skills: Competent and confident in leading various outdoor physical activities and comfortable working in different weather conditions.

  • Understanding of AP Context: An awareness of the unique needs and challenges faced by students in alternative provisions, with a trauma-informed approach desirable.

  • Safeguarding Commitment: A thorough understanding of safeguarding principles and an unwavering commitment to the welfare and safety of children. (An Enhanced DBS check and robust vetting will be required).

  • Qualifications: Relevant PE qualification (e.g., degree in Sports Science, coaching badges, or vocational PE qualification) or significant relevant experience that demonstrates ability to plan and deliver a PE curriculum. Outdoor specific qualifications (e.g., First Aid, NGB awards, Forest School Leader) are highly advantageous.

What We Offer:

  • A highly rewarding role with the opportunity to make a profound difference to young people's lives.

  • A supportive, innovative, and dedicated team within an established Alternative Provision.

  • The chance to deliver PE in exciting outdoor environments around Barnoldswick.

  • Opportunities for professional development and training.

  • Competitive remuneration based on experience and qualifications.

  • Full-time / Term-time only

Location: Barnoldswick, Lancashire (Utilising local outdoor spaces, parks, and potentially our dedicated site).

Start Date: September 2025

Salary: £26,500 to £30,500 per year.

How to Apply: Please submit your CV and a compelling covering letter (no more than two pages) outlining your experience in delivering outdoor PE, your approach to working with young people in an alternative provision setting, and why you are drawn to this unique role in Barnoldswick. Please send applications to rachael.boaler@twrecruitment.com

Inspire change and unleash potential through the power of outdoor PE!