Forest School Leader/Instructor - Norwich

Overview

Job Title: Forest Schools Leader

Reports to: Headteacher

Location: Green Lizard Wood, Norwich. You may be required to work from other locations at the discretion of the company and with appropriate notice

Working Time: This post requires the employee to be present during school hours and to work 8 hours a day

Salary: £26,750.00-£31,500.00 (depending on experience)

Role Specific Duties

  • To set high expectations which inspire, motivate and challenge pupils including the careful presentation of work and the care of books and equipment. 

  • To promote good progress and outcomes by pupils

  • Demonstrate good subject and curriculum knowledge

  • Plan and teach well structured woodland sessions, following the school’s plans, curriculum and schemes of work, embedding outcomes agreed in EHC plans

  • Set up Forest School activities in woodland areas and tidy away afterwards

  • Prepare and present displays

  • Adapt teaching to respond to the strengths and needs of all pupils - providing support to pupils, who have a range of difficulties, taking into account advice and programmes provided by other professionals

  • Take responsibility for pupils on visits, trips and out of school activities as required

  • Ensure all activities are risk assessed

  • Assess, monitor, record and report on the learning needs, progress and achievements of pupils, making accurate and productive use of assessment

  • Carry out observations on pupils

  • Participate in the arrangements for preparing pupils for external examinations

  • Support pupils to develop their skills of independence, resilience and confidence

  • Support the use of ICT in the curriculum

  • To administer first aid as the need arises (when trained)

Whole School Organisation

  • Contribute to the development, implementation and evaluation of the school’s policies and procedures - supporting the school’s vision and values

  • To participate in curriculum and management planning meetings, meetings with colleagues, parents and other agencies.

  • Make a positive contribution to the wider life and ethos of the school

  • Work with others on curriculum and pupil development to secure improved outcomes

Health, Safety and Discipline

  • Promote the safety and wellbeing of pupils

  • Manage behaviour effectively to ensure a good and safe learning environment

  • Ensure that safe working practices are adopted in order to maintain a safe working environment for employees and pupils

  • Ensure all equipment is safe to use and the learning environment is safe to be outside in

Professional Development

  • Take part in the school’s appraisal and supervision procedures

  • Take part in further training and development in order to improve teaching and learning

  • Where appropriate, take part in the appraisal and professional development of others

  • Complete all allocated CPD

Communication

  • Communicate effectively with pupils, parents, carers

  • Collaborate and work with colleagues other relevant professional within and beyond the school

  • Develop professional relationships with colleagues

Personal and Professional Conduct

  • Uphold public trust in the profession and maintain high standards of ethics and behaviour within and outside the school

  • Have proper and professional regard for the ethos, policies and practices of the school and maintain high standards of attendance and punctuality

  • Understand and act within the statutory frameworks

  • Safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people, following the school’s policies and staff code of conduct

Person Specification

Qualifications and experience

ESSENTIAL

  • NVQ Level 4 or above (or equivalent)

  • Experience in leading outdoor activities

  • First aid qualification

DESIRABLE

  • Teaching qualification

  • Experience of working with children or young people with SEND

  • Forest School Leader qualification

  • Outdoor learning qualifications

  • Paediatric first aid trained

Skills and knowledge

ESSENTIAL

  • Knowledge of effective teaching and learning strategies

  • Ability to adapt teaching to meet the needs of the pupils

  • Ability to build effective working relationships with pupils

  • Knowledge of guidance and requirements around safeguarding children

  • Knowledge of effective behaviour management strategies

  • Good ICT skills

DESIRABLE

  • A good understanding of how children and those with SEND learn

  • Knowledge of fire lighting

  • Knowledge/ experience in assembling hammocks and other forest school equipment

Personal qualities

  • A commitment to getting the best outcomes for all pupils

  • High expectations of pupils attainment

  • Ability to work under pressure and prioritise effectively

  • Commitment to maintaining confidentiality at all times

  • Commitment to safeguarding and equality

  • You must be someone who is truly passionate about outdoor learning and play.  Enjoys working outdoors (as well as indoors).

Applying For the Job:

We require all applicants to complete an application form to be considered for a position at Cascade. The form takes approximately 40-50 minutes to complete, so please ensure you have enough time. If you encounter any issues while filling out the form, please contact the Cascade Recruitment Team: recruitment@cascade-care.com

We are an equal opportunities employer with a firm commitment to the professional development of all our staff. Cascade Banks House School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undertake relevant safeguarding checks.

Cascade is an equal opportunities employer committed to the professional development of our staff. We prioritise the welfare of our residents and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will undergo relevant safeguarding checks. This post is exempt from the rehabilitation of offenders act 1974.

Cascade Children’s Home and School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people; we ensure that the highest priority is given to following ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024.

This post is covered by Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) and therefore the ability to speak fluent English is an essential requirement for this role.