Horticulture and Forest School Lead

Aspris Children's Services Limited; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 24,000 - GBP 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization in the UK is seeking a Horticulture and Forest School Leader to teach outdoor living skills and engage students with special educational needs. The ideal candidate will have a Level 3 Forest School qualification, a passion for animal care, and the ability to inspire and build positive relationships with students. Candidates should possess excellent communication skills and a good understanding of health and safety in outdoor learning environments. A supportive and collaborative work culture is provided, along with comprehensive training opportunities.

Benefits

Exclusive access to reward and discount scheme

Comprehensive induction

Commitment to ongoing training and progression

Pension scheme

Paid DBS

Wellbeing support

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Experience working with students with complex needs preferable.
• Ability to inspire students and encourage participation in activities.
• Knowledge of health and safety requirements for outdoor activities.

Responsibilities

• Teach and coach students on outdoor living skills.
• Plan and deliver Forest School sessions.
• Share the school’s vision and promote a culture of inclusion.
• Contribute positively to the school community.

Skills

Level 3 Forest School qualification

Ability to build positive relationships

Knowledge of animal care

Excellent communication skills

Creative and fun approach

Understanding of statutory guidelines related to outdoor learning

Job description

Kingsbrook School is recruiting for a Horticulture and Forest School Leader to join our Education team. We are looking for a versatile, resilient and committed person, who can adapt their practice wherever necessary to support across all key stages and all levels of need.

Benefits

• Exclusive access to reward and discount scheme
• Blue Light card
• Comprehensive induction
• Commitment to your ongoing training and career progression
• Pension scheme
• Paid for enhanced DBS
• Wellbeing support
• Cycle to work scheme and more!

Kingsbrook School is a small specialist independent school for 11‑18 year old students with social, emotional, mental health difficulties and complex learning needs. Kingsbrook School is a unique setting within a small holding, so a love of animals is a must. Experience of working with students with complex needs is preferrable as is a good understanding of the emotional and attachment needs of children.

The role of Forest School Leader is to teach and coach our SEN/ ASD students on all outdoor living skills and activities such as gardening, camping, growing vegetables and looking after the outdoor environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Understand, share and promote the school’s vision, aims and ethos.
• Shared care of school animals (including, 2 guinea pig, 1 leopard Gecko, 3 chickens and 3 large pigs).
• Be responsible for and oversee the day‑to‑day planning and delivery of Forest school sessions with support from the Deputy Headteacher (Curriculum, Teaching & Learning).
• Contribute positively to the school by engaging with the wider community.
• Work collaboratively with other staff in the school department and supporting whole school events.
• Promote a culture of inclusion within the school community, place explicit value on diversity in all forms and appreciate all views expressed.
• Promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young people, complying with the school’s safeguarding policy at all times and adhering to all other policies set out by the school.

We Are Looking For Someone Who

• Has a level 3 Forest School qualification.
• Has a love of animals and a knowledge of animal care.
• Is creative and fun.
• Has the ability to build positive relationships and inspire students.
• Has excellent communication, both written and verbally.
• Has a good understanding of the current statutory and regulatory guidelines related to outdoor learning.
• Can be encouraging and adaptable, so all our students participate with forest school activities.
• Lead on enrichment qualifications for our students such as gardening awards and possible new opportunities.
• Plans a range of age‑appropriate outdoor activities including games and crafts.
• Maintains accurate records for the external qualifications, assessments and planning cycle.
• Can ensure Health & Safety requirements are met.
• Has a positive approach to behaviour support, viewing all behaviours as communication.

As part of Aspris Children’s Services we are immensely proud of the career pathway and training we can offer you. As long as you can demonstrate the values needed for a role, transferable skills and life experience, we will give you all the training and support you need to progress!

Above all, we provide a supportive and collaborative working environment where you can flourish in your career and feel incredibly rewarded by helping those who need it most.

Aspris is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants must be willing to undergo safeguarding screening appropriate to the post, including checks with Disclosure & Barring Service and at least 2 references which cover the last 3 years; for all our services we will request references from where you have worked with either Children or Vulnerable Adults. Please be advised that references may be requested prior to interview for roles within our Schools.