Forest School Leader

Beech Hall School Ltd; Wimbledon; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A progressive co-educational day school in Wimbledon is seeking a talented Forest School Sessional Teacher. In this role, you will plan and deliver engaging Forest School sessions for children aged 7-11, ensuring their wellbeing and happiness through innovative education. The ideal candidate will have a Forest School Level 3 qualification and prior experience in outdoor education, demonstrating excellent communication skills and a commitment to child development.

Qualifications

• Up to date Outdoor First Aid Qualification is essential.
• Experience leading Forest School sessions with a range of ages.
• Proven ability to deliver environmental education activities.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver Forest School sessions for children aged 7-11.
• Ensure Health & Safety requirements are consistently met.
• Maintain a fun and supportive environment for children.

Skills

Excellent verbal communication

Ability to work effectively on own initiative

Ability to build relationships

Computer literate

Flexible and proactive work ethic

Skilled in age-appropriate outdoor activities

Good understanding of child development

Understanding of Child Protection & Safeguarding

Education

Forest School Level 3 qualification

Job description

Job Description – Forest School Sessional Teacher

Hall School Wimbledon, a vibrant and proudly non-selective co-educational day school is seeking to appoint a talented, ambitious and committed Sessional Forest School Teacher to join our team where children’s wellbeing and happiness is at the centre of our vision and our contemporary and innovative education approach.

Areas of Responsibility and Key Tasks

• To plan, prepare and deliver a range of Forest School sessions with children from 7-11 years old.
• To liaise with staff prior to sessions to ensure plans are appropriate and all needs and expectations are met.
• Ensure Health & Safety requirements are met, including Risk Assessments which are continually checked and updated.
• To supervise and support children with varying needs while delivering sessions.
• 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 ensure that all sessions are well prepared and risk assessed.
• To be aware of and comply with all school Policies and Procedures.
• To participate in training and other learning activities/meetings as required.
• To administer basic first aid as the need arises.
• To observe confidentiality at all times.
• To undertake all duties reasonably requested by the Senior Leadership Team.

Qualifications:

• Forest School Level 3 qualification including up to date Outdoor First Aid Qualification

Experience:

• Experience of working with groups of children at different stages of development.
• Recent and significant experience in leading Forest School/outdoor education sessions with children of a range of ages.
• Proven ability to plan and deliver environmental education-based activities to a wide age range of children.

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills in order to communicate effectively with carers, children, families and colleagues.
• Ability to work effectively on own initiative as well as within a team.
• Ability to build relationships and promote change.
• Computer literate for report writing and recording.
• A flexible and proactive work ethic and a positive attitude.
• Skilled and knowledgeable in a range of age-appropriate outdoor activities including games and crafts, and able to share skills in line with good practice, policies and procedures.
• Excellent subject knowledge
• Good understanding of child development
• Good understanding of alternative pedagogies, such as Steiner Waldorf education
• Full working knowledge of current statutory and regulatory guidelines related to outdoor learning and education.
• Understanding of Child Protection & Safeguarding.

Personal Qualities:

• Enjoy working with primary-aged children from a range of backgrounds and commitment to supporting their physical, social and emotional development through forest school activities.
• Commitment to continued professional and personal development.
• Professional credibility & commitment to equal opportunities and valuing diversity.
• Demonstrate a commitment to supervision and reflective practice.
• Punctual and organised (can organise own work load and that of support staff/volunteers).