Lead Senior Instructor - Hertfordshire

Lead Senior Instructor – Fixed Term at Cuffley Active Learning Centre

From woods to coast to mountains, Active Learning Centres are dedicated to helping young people develop essential skills and character, and to promote wellbeing through outdoor learning.

Cuffley Active Learning Centre (ALC) is set in 96 acres of outstanding natural beauty in south-east Hertfordshire, just 15 minutes from the M25. The predominantly woodland site offers a blend of multi‑activity and environmentally‑focused residential and day courses, which are designed to promote the development of Essential Skills, Character and Wellbeing.

Cuffley ALC provides outdoor learning experiences for children aged 4 – 18, with a wide range of bespoke educational and hands‑on school trips. We work closely with schools prior to their travel to ensure that each itinerary meets the needs of the visiting students and teachers.

Fixed Term Contract, with a 1‑month probation with potential opportunities at the end of contract
Predominantly Monday to Friday with occasional weekend work
Earn up to £27,000
Must be available to attend a training and assessment course starting in February 2026

No qualifications are required for this role, however, previous experience of working within a similar role and with children is essential. All applicants will complete a comprehensive training programme in conjunction with our mentoring scheme upon arrival to Cuffley. However, you do need the following:

• Experience in land‑based activities to include Low Ropes, Orienteering, Problem‑Solving, Team Building and Initiative Exercises
• Understanding of the Health & Safety issues required in a busy Outdoor Education and Adventure Residential Centre
• Ability to work as part of a team and on your own initiative
• Willing to develop their own capabilities and qualifications
• A high level of interpersonal skills and team values
• Hold a clean driving license of at least 1 year

You will be responsible for leading a team of Senior & Outdoor Instructors in delivering multi‑activity sessions at our specialist outdoor learning centre  will ensure that our high level of pastoral care is maintained, and Safeguarding with Health & Safety is at the forefront of every single session.

• Supporting the Chief Instructor & Programmes Manager in implementing staff training and monitoring performance.
• Management of Kit Stores, including the upkeep of Activities Kit, ensuring regular checks are complete and logging any relevant information/changes, signing kit in and out, repairing and completing any required maintenance of kit and activity bases
• Overseeing Arrivals & Departures alongside the Senior Leadership Team, delegating roles to staff ensuring that procedures are followed, and guests/visitors/staff are kept safe
• To oversee both residential and day visit groups to ensure Senior & Outdoor Instructors are delivering quality and consistent activities to the policies and procedures.
• To report directly to the Chief Instructor & Programmes Manager, keeping them informed of daily events with groups, activity equipment and Instructors
• Facilitating sessions to a high quality as needed and to be shadowed by new and existing staff as part of the development process
• Be a point of contact for first aid incidents within their ability and the Senior Leadership Team with other incidents.
• Rotational Senior Night Duties
• To ensure that the Instructing Team are performing regular dynamic risk assessments and following Active Learning Centre’s risk assessments and SOP’s
• Monitoring the upkeep of site and guest accommodation is kept to a high standard prior, throughout, and after the duration of their stay

But that’s just the start of your ALC career journey – with our stunning portfolio of woodland – coastal – mountain Active Learning Centres, we aim to give successful staff a pathway to gain National Governing Body Awards and the opportunity to build a career that offers immense satisfaction and achievement. Training courses in water‑based activities, mountain activities, facilitation and other facets of outdoor education will enable you to progress your career in the outdoors either with Cuffley…