Outdoor Learning Lead

Forest Prep School is seeking an exceptional Outdoor Learning Lead  to lead and develop our outdoor learning provision across the 4-11 age range.

The successful candidate will take a lead in developing outdoor learning provision across the 4-11 age range, delivering sessions that are well-planned, well-resourced and engaging. The role will require the individual to create exciting, educational and inspirational content for 4-7 year olds in the Forest Schools programme. The sessions delivered to Year 1 and 2 are shared with topic lessons and should link where appropriate.

You will need to be a confident and imaginative practitioner outside of the classroom, committed to the role, be able to demonstrate a clear ambition and enthusiasm for outdoor learning and Forest Schools, and be willing to be fully involved in the life of the Prep School. You need to be well-read in stories appropriate for use in the outdoor area along with ability to create role-play, drama and bushcraft activities.  

Essential skills include the direction, coaching and development of the Forest Schools programme, a Forest School qualification at least Level 3 and, if possible, an in-date Outdoor First Aid qualification. The successful applicant needs to be able to work in almost all weathers and have experience with the full primary age range from Reception to Year 6. Well-developed organisational skills are expected, and an understanding that the work of the Outdoor Learning Lead in the Preparatory School is not limited to the hours of the school day.

Why work at Forest?

There are many benefits of working at Forest school as staff are our single most important asset. Key benefits include:    

• Generous CPD budget               
• Comprehensive Professional Development Review system               
• Opportunities to contribute to the wider community via our extensive Outreach Programme       
• Free hot lunch (takeaway sandwich lunch also available) and refreshments throughout the day               
• 20% fee remission (pro-rata for part time staff) for children attending Forest which is applicable Y3-Y13               
• Subsidised membership to the Sylvestrian Leisure Centre             
• Membership of the School's Group Life Assurance scheme and Personal Accident Scheme        
• Contribution towards private medical insurance fees               
• Membership of a pension scheme

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, so early applications are encouraged. Forest School reserves the right to make appointments at any stage.

Please note that if you have previously applied for this position and were not successful, your application will only be reconsidered if there have been significant changes to your qualifications, or skills that align more closely with the person specification.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. We are an equal opportunities employer.

Safeguarding checks will be undertaken on all successful candidates in accordance with School policy. The safeguarding responsibilities of the post can be found in this job description and person specification.

 NB The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.