Alternative Provision Leader - Forest School

JOB DESCRIPTION

Location:  

GroWild, Unit 3 Sapphire House, Roundtree Way, Sprowston, NR7 8SQ 

Who are we?  

Here at GroWild HQ we offer an exciting opportunity for kids to play, explore, make, climb, build, learn new skills in a woodland environment. The activities we offer are both adventurous and  educational enabling children to become immersed in their experiences, take risks, learn new skills, make  life-long friendships and connect with the natural environment. 

Role:  

To carry out the duties of a Leader for children who access Alternative Provision, in  accordance with GroWild policies. Working with and under the direction of the management team, you  will have the energy and enthusiasm required to deliver inspiring and educational sessions for learners on site who require a therapeutic provision.

Hours/Dates:  

This is initially a part-time post of a minimum of 16 hrs pr week, with potential to extend hours to 24-32 hours per week.  Hours approx 8.30am - 3.30/4pm daily.

Start date: April 2021. 

Salary:  

£12-£14 per hour, dependent on experience.

DBS clearance: Please note that as this post will involve working with children/vulnerable adults, your  appointment is subject to you receiving satisfactory DBS clearance. 

Deadline: for application: 26th March 2021

Please note: This role will require an interview and practical assessment (working with learners for  approx 1.5 hours).  

Areas of Responsibility and Key Tasks:  

Working with and under the direction of management, you will have the energy and enthusiasm required to lead the team, with support from management, and to undertake all duties reasonably requested by management on site:  

• To ensure you are fully committed to the GroWild play and learning ethos and to promote the forest  school ethos and principals.  Delivering a therapeutic practice for children who do not access ‘mainstream’ schooling full time.

• You will need to be able to work with all age groups, but ideally KS1/KS2. You will  be responsible at all times for high standards of care and education of children in accordance with  requirements and GroWild policies.  

• Your role may also involve children who have been identified SEN and you will need to support and  scaffold the needs of the child ensuring equal opportunities and a nurturing environment for them to succeed.  Experience in this area will be of value.

• To create a welcoming and user friendly environment. To ensure all morning greeting and end of day  reflections with parents/carers/schools are; useful, friendly, approachable and understanding.  

• Lead and empower children to succeed, drawing on playfulness, energy, charisma and child-led  exploration.  

• To create and maintain an engaging, fun and supportive environment, demonstrating flexibility in  planning and running sessions in response to varying/changing needs of children. 

• To support learners in the setting to; learn outdoor skills, become resilient, develop social and  environmental awareness, grow in confidence and navigate their way to learning boundaries and risk  taking.  

• To ensure days are spent following children's interests in the moment; climbing trees, cooking on the  campfire, exploring the woodland, making a mud pie - scaffolding an environment for child-led, play  based learning.  

• Ensure you and your team supervise children/adults at all times, protecting their safety, and  making sure that they are engaged and enjoying themselves. 

• To be aware of and actively promote social/emotional wellbeing and support for children who may require additional support for this.

• Lead by example in terms of tidiness and respectful behaviour. 

• Take responsibility for the equipment, props and technology you will be provided with. Take responsibility for keeping the site sufficiently tidy and help clean up at the end of the day. 

• Observe and track children's development (including use of our ‘Toolkit’ and ‘Wild Passport’ system) with the use of active daily and weekly reflection. To be prepared to report and discuss this reflection regularly with management and team members. To ensure all relevant reflection is regularly (daily) recorded  according to GroWild policy.  

• You will be committed to predominantly working outdoors and you will be happy to get muddy and  ensure you are prepared and comfortable to work in this environment.  

• To undertake all duties reasonably requested by Management on site.  

• To ensure you have a full understanding of your job role and to liaise with management and actively  look for training and CPD opportunities to further promote your knowledge and understanding within  the role.  

• To be aware of and comply with all GroWild Policies and Procedures. To ensure your team are aware  of policies and any changes - to apply regular training and information where applicable.  

• To participate in training and other learning activities/meetings as required on and off site.

• To administer basic first aid as the need arises and undertake first aid training where required. 

• To observe confidentiality at all times and confidentiality policies at all times. 

Essential Specification Skills and Understanding:  

• A minimum Level 3 qualification in relevant field of work (childcare/forest school) or QTS. 

• Strong communication, presentation and interpersonal skills with a proven ability to disseminate  information to a variety of audiences and ages.  

• A strong team working ethos and ability to work collaboratively with all team members. 

• Prior and recent relevant experience.  

• Experience or past involvement in working with children who display challenging behaviours.  To approach this is a non-judgmental way.

• Experience working with or within other organisations that support SEN pupils.

• Minimum 2 years experience of working with children or young people.

• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal, with people of all ages and backgrounds. 

Desired Person Specification Skills and Understanding: 

• Experience of leading forest school/outdoor/teaching sessions.  

• Forest School/Outdoor First Aid qualification

• Paediatric First Aid Certificate  

• Food Hygiene Certificate  

•Prevent Training

• Step-on Training  

• Safeguarding Training  

Behavioural characteristics:  

• Excellent inter-personal skills and the ability to work with different groups of staff, teachers, students,  children and the general public.  

• A flexible and proactive work ethic and a positive attitude.  

• Strong customer focus and be able to demonstrate the importance of service quality. 

• Ability to communicate to the needs of different audiences.  

• Punctual, organised (can organise own work load and that of team members & volunteers). 

• Ability to work independently and adopt a flexible approach.  

• Ability to work as part of a small team.  

• Creative approach to environmental education activities.  

• Grit and a positive attitude.  

Circumstances:  

• Able to work week days as requested (negotiable/flexible).  

• Full UK driving licence and own transport - public transport to the venue is extremely limited. 

• A willingness to under go training where applicable including safeguarding, first aid, radicalisation,  company policies and risk.  

• To ensure any relevant childcare qualifications that are necessary for your job role are up to date and  certificates provided to management.  

Whilst every effort has been made to explain the main duties and responsibilities of the post, each  individual task undertaken may not be identified.