Job Description
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Contract: Full‑time, 37 hours per week (Mon -Thur 08:30 - 4:30, Fri 08:30 - 4:00) Term‑time only.
Salary: Scale 8 Point 25 - 28 starting FTE £36,363 + Outer fringe allowance Actual Salary £31,313p/a
Start Date: 1st September 2026
We are looking for a resilient, energetic and inspiring Outdoor & Therapeutic Education Mentor to join our dedicated team at Children's Support Service, Alternative Provision, in our newly developed Wild Paths curriculum. Our pupils have experienced significant barriers to learning and require adults who can build trust, model emotional regulation and create opportunities for success beyond the classroom.
This role is perfect for someone who believes in the power of the outdoors to transform behaviour, confidence and wellbeing. You will lead and support outdoor learning sessions, deliver behaviour interventions in natural environments, and help pupils develop social, emotional and self‑management skills through meaningful, hands‑on experiences.
If you are passionate about outdoor education and committed to helping young people re‑engage with learning, we would love to hear from you.
We welcome applicants from: outdoor instructors, youth workers, behaviour mentors, forest school leaders, sports coaches, military/expedition backgrounds, and anyone with strong relational practice and a desire to make a difference.
Why join us?
- Be part of a kind, supportive and skilled team in an innovative, well-resourced setting
- Fantastic opportunities for professional development and career progression
- Make a tangible difference to the lives of vulnerable children and young people
How to apply:
Visits are warmly welcomed and encouraged. For more information or to arrange a visit, please contact HR @ HR.team@css-essex.co.uk or telephone 01268 552482.
Apply online atwww.essexschoolsjobs.co.uk (CVs are not accepted). For further details, visit www.css-essex.co.uk.
CSS reserves the right to close this advert early.
Children's Support Service is committed to creating a diverse workforce. We'll consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage or civil partnership.
Children's Support Service (Wickford, SS11) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments will be subject to a satisfactory completion of safeguarding checks.
Information about the School
The Children’s Support Service is a short stay alternative provision in Essex. We educate and support children from KS1 - KS4 as well as providing an outreach service which works to support students, staff and schools in the local area. Our schools are based in Basildon (secondary) and Wickford (primary and secondary).
Our Medical Education Team work across South and West Essex and focus on not only educating children and young people but crucially reintegrating our students back into their mainstream school.
We now offer, in partnership with Essex Local Authority Education Access Team, an education and reintegration programme for students who have been permanently excluded from any part of Essex back to their local mainstream school.
Most of our students are referred to us due to challenges they may have faced in school; many come with additional needs and require academic, emotional and social support. We pride ourselves on overcoming these challenges and ensuring every student is successful.
We offer a wide range of subjects and match a mainstream setting through our core curriculum offer. At the same time, as a 'needs -led' provision we offer extensive enrichment opportunities to our students.
We collaborate with schools and professionals who need our support, and aim to reintegrate students back into mainstream education or prepare them for other lifelong learning opportunities.
Our staff create positive, safe, caring and supportive learning environments, helping to inspire every child to 'be the best they can be.'
CSS staff benefit from flexible working arrangements, our subscription to an Employee Assistance Programme, which provides mental health and well-being support services for all staff, including 24/7 access to advice, support and counselling for our whole team.
Please note that car insurance including "business use" is required.