Posted: Monday, July 11th 2022
About Be Free Forest School In 2018 Be Free Forest School was founded to bring a different kind of learning to mainstream schools in Hertfordshire and Enfield. Be Free are establishing Forest School programmes in primaries which inspire children to be eco active, to make a positive impact and nurture their relationship with nature. We work hard to design and implement programmes which increase independence, self esteem, problem solving skills, resilience and install a love for learning. Our ethos is this: every child should have access to nature, and that positive relationships and connections with the natural world, together with their community, safeguard the future of our planet and brings positive wellbeing. Trainee Forest School Leader – full time during term time 12 month training position, leading to qualified leader position for minimum of further 12 months (with an increased salary). Salary £15,500 - £19,000 depending on experience 39 weeks a year, term time only Work cycle : Monday-Thursday 9-4 assisting in schools Saturdays 9-4 Benefits include: Level 3 Forest School Leader training and outdoor first aid course, worth £1,000 Fridays off work 4.5 weeks paid holidays a year possibility of flexible, extra (paid) work offered in school holidays Pension Your Birthday off work! Opportunities for bonuses Location schools in Hertfordshire (EN8 and surrounding areas) Private and public sites in Herts (EN8 and surrounding areas) Role Description This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing, friendly team at Be Free Forest School as a Trainee Forest School Leader. Your contribution is valued and your development will be celebrated by our nurturing team of likeminded people. We are looking for an enthusiastic learner with an experience of education and play, particularly in outdoor settings, and who loves working with children. You will joining our experienced leaders delivering Forest School programmes as an assistant, whilst you develop skills, pedagogical knowledge and practical methods of engaging people with nature. The successful applicant will also receive practical training days and ongoing support to complete the Level 3 Forest School Leader certificate, within 12 months. You will be encouraged to take areas of leadership and responsibility as your confidence grows, eventually leading groups, within a supportive team. You will be expected to stay on for a further 12 months as a qualified leader within the company, delivering programmes in Hertfordshire. Your ideas will be welcomed in this small, warm and passionate team of Forest School Leaders, and you will take a key role in transformational work as young people discover nature and form a lifelong connection. You will have the opportunity to learn new skills, gain valuable experience and grow with us. We are seeking someone who really understands our vision of people loving, knowing and understanding nature, and learning outside a classroom. Main Duties and Responsibilities Promote and provide Forest School experiences which adhere to and apply the 6 principles of the Forest School ethos Reflect on your own practice, undertake continued professional development and network with other local Forest School practitioners Assist in Forest School and outdoor education sessions for a maximum of 31 children per session Assist in the logistics, daily running and working as part of a team Assist site set up, taking responsibility for equipment and resources Responsible for risk assessments prior to every Forest School session on site, after relevant training Monitoring the impact of Forest School on the children’s behaviour, emotional and mental wellbeing and contributing ideas to further planning Ensure the Health and Safety, of all children attending these sessions, together with the leader Responsible for clear up, storing equipment, frequent maintenance of equipment and tools Report to the Forest school Leader and Be Free Director Contribute your own skills and abilities under leader’s discretion Person Specification Required Very good track record of planning, organisational and motivational skills Reliable Strong verbal and non verbal communication skills The ability to work well under pressure and work to deadlines (the Level 3 Forest School Leader course will involve written assignments and a recorded portfolio). Experience working with 5- 11 year-olds and an understanding of child development Experience of working with children in an outdoor or wellbeing setting Some experience of working with children with special educational needs Building strong rapport with the children in a warm and caring manner; whilst maintaining firm boundaries and our safeguarding policies A real passion for nature play and engaging children with the outdoors A commitment to sustainable practises – reducing waste, reusing materials, recycling and choosing natural materials where possible Enthusiasm for creating new and exciting learning environments Commitment to own personal development and progression Strong relationship building skills, with experience of doing this in schools and community groups Excellent attention to detail and observation skills Creative, adaptable and self-motivated with great energy Resilient to working in an outdoor setting – physical demands of moving a lot, sometimes cold and wet weather requires us to dance in the rain, run around to keep warm! Ability to adapt quickly to changes, is flexible and uses initiative Brilliant teamwork and able to work effectively in a small team Understanding of safeguarding procedures Understanding of health and safety requirements Have access to a vehicle, or bike to move between sites To work on Saturdays, at least 2 per calendar month (holiday can be taken for some) Desirable but not essential A teaching qualification or teaching assistant qualification A childcare qualification A horticultural qualification Forest School qualification (Level 1/Level 2/Level 3) Ability to play an instrument Interest in crafts (ceramics, weaving, woodwork, collage) Understanding of the therapeutic aspects of forest school Understanding of the National Curriculum Safeguarding Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed How to apply We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our organisation. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us if you want a chat about accommodating your needs. Please complete the application form (link) below by the closing date - Sunday 24th July 11.59pm. Application pack documents: These are electronic forms to complete online, they are simple. During the application process you only need to complete the application form, the other documents are there for your information. Application form https://forms.gle/TangAvj8R16wN1TZ8 Request for reference form (for your information only, you do not need to complete this form for your application) https://forms.gle/qKzxxWdB8Yj6qpvz8 Disclosure form (for information only - we will only ask you to complete this if you are invited for interview). https://forms.gle/ScnHCLuFTvLgdyKJ6 Shortlist and Interviews Applicants will be shortlisted on the application form (CVs will not be accepted) submitted against the above person specification. Interviews will be held in August (1st – 19th) , face to face, in Cheshunt, Herts. We recruit based on your knowledge and skills, and not background, gender or ethnicity. Interviews will focus on the application form and the person specification. You will be assessed on your attitude, behaviour, knowledge, skills and experience. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview. Be brave, apply. We want to hear from you, this could be your big move towards a happy work life! :o) if there’s anything you’re unsure about, please don’t hesitate to drop us an email [email protected]
Job type: Full Time
Location: Cheshunt
Closing date: July 24, 2022
How to apply: https://forms.gle/TangAvj8R16wN1TZ8