St Mary’s Catholic Primary Academy
Reflecting the love and faith of Mary in all that we do.

Required as soon as possible

FOREST SCHOOL LEAD
Forest School Lead, Currently 3 days a week (20 hours, Monday to Wednesday 8am until 3.40pm) 

GRADE:                Scale 5  SCP 12-17 (term time only)

RESPONSIBLE TO:      The Headteacher

St Mary's is a wonderful              

St Mary’s is a wonderful Catho    St Mary's is a wonderful Catholic school enjoying an excellent reputation locally, where we have created a happy, successful and well-resourced learning community.  Our children are very well behaved and highly motivated and we love spending our days with them! 

We are proud to be serving a richly diverse and inclusive community, inspired by our strong Catholic ethos and tradition which stretches back over 175 years.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Forest School – Managing, Leading and Developing

This role will involve managing, leading, and developing Forest School sessions throughout the school 3 days a week, the successful applicant will:

·         Hold a Forest School level 3 accredited qualification and outdoor First Aid Certificate which must be renewed as required.

·         Promote and develop the outdoor learning /Forest School philosophy and ethos across the school and the wider community.

·         Liaise with Teachers to plan half termly units which connect with the taught curriculum.

·         Liaise with the science lead to plan practical science learning supporting the Science curriculum.

·         Plan and deliver Forest School.

·         Observe and assess children’s development in sessions to inform future planning.

·         Manage the impact of Forest School on classroom learning.

·         Manage pupil behaviour and maintain a positive learning environment at Forest School.

·         Managing all staff and volunteers who support Forest School sessions. This will involve/include the sharing of objectives, setting clear boundaries, providing clear guidance and supervision to a level where they feel   they can support the Forest School Sessions confidently and safely.

·         Support staff who undertake Forest School level 2 or 3 study.

·         Identify and secure appropriate training opportunities for both self and others.

·         Deliver sessions, which consolidate and develop the curriculum to extend previous and new learning.

·         Be able to use IT and report writing to assess and evaluate outdoor learning sessions across school and record and assess student’s achievements and progress where applicable.

·         Attend and report to Parents at Parent consultation events.

·         Be prepared to administer First Aid (having received appropriate training) when necessary.

·         Carry out and maintain all risk assessments

·         Prepare and organise resources prior to and after sessions. This may involve lifting, carrying, and walking over challenging terrain.

·         Take a leading role in the organisation and promotion of outdoor learning events. Which may include leading weekend and holiday sessions for both school and wider community.

·         To take responsibility for the Forest School budget ensuring that best value is achieved for current and future site development and resources.

·         Take a lead role in developing three-year site plan.

·         Be prepared to develop and maintain the outdoor learning environment, working closely with Site manager, support staff, trades people and the SLT.

·         Be aware of current Health and Safety requirements and current legislation surrounding outdoor education.

·         Be prepared to undertake any other reasonable tasks that fall under the general definition of the Forest School /Outdoor Education lead that may be negotiated with you by the Headteacher. Including attending and presenting at relevant staff, Academy Council, Trust and Diocesan meetings

Managing Own Performance and Development

·         Prioritise and manage own time effectively, particularly in relation to balancing the demands made by teaching, planning, subject management, and Forest School development.

·         Achieve challenging professional goals.

·         Take responsibility for your own professional development through CPD.

Other Specific Duties

·         To participate in the school’s programme of performance management

·         To participate in whole school training days when requested to do so

·         To ensure essential training is kept up to date

General /Safeguarding

·         To support the Catholic ethos of the school

·         Support the development and implementation of initiatives and policies e.g., data protection, safeguarding, health and safety

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants to posts that are exempted from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act will require a DBS (formerly CRB) from the Disclosure and Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed.

 An application form, job description and personal specification are available on mynewterm or by contacting the school via email admin@st-marys-halifax.calderdale.sch.uk to request the link. Should you require any further information please contact Tracey Maseela on 01422 362365.  

Closing Date: 25th April 2025

Interviews: W/C 5th May 2025