Part-time Forest School Practitioner

Responsible to: Head of Early Years

Location: Stephen Perse Cambridge Early Years and Junior School, Dame Bradbury’s School

Role Description

The successful candidate will be working part-time, 4 days per week only, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays term time only. They will be responsible for leading the weekly forest school sessions for our Year 1 and 2 classes in Cambridge and assisting in the weekly Early Years Forest school sessions in Cambridge two days a week and assisting/leading one day a week in Saffron Walden. The post holder will be responsible for updating Forest School/ Outdoor learning risk assessments, supporting the planning of sessions and helping to run parent workshops to develop our community’s understanding of Forest School.

Main Responsibilities - Forest School Practitioner:

●       To be part of an amazing team of passionate outdoor learning enthusiasts who are child centred, understand and commit to our ethos of Stephen Perse

●       Plan for and deliver high quality, practical and stimulating Forest School/outdoor learning sessions that meet the needs of all the children.

●       To be responsible for updating Forest School/outdoor learning risk assessments for the site you work at, and assist in the updating of policies and procedures relating to Forest school.

●       To be responsible for completing and recording site hazards checks before forest school sessions, and reporting back to the line manager/estates department any relevant information.

●       Be willing to undertake minibus training and drive the school minibus to and from Forest School sites.

●       Set up the camp and session and pack away afterward.

●       Through sensitive and careful interactions (talking, listening, teaching, observing) support the children in setting and achieving their own aims, and extend and challenge their understanding and knowledge in all areas of learning.

●       Demonstrate high expectations of the children in all aspects of their development, from self-care to communication and language.

●       Undertake all the practical aspects of looking after 1-5 yr olds and ensure their wellbeing – e.g., helping them change, ensuring hands are washed, helping them at lunchtime, making sure they are warm enough and that they undertake aspects of personal hygiene.

●       Ensure safeguarding and health and safety policies and procedures are adhered to and applied at all times.

 Support for pupils

●       Encourage and promote inclusion in the Forest School classroom, ensuring all pupils are involved with tasks and activities

●       Ensure the safety of pupils through supervising pupils throughout the Forest School sessions and transition to and from the site if required.

●       Be a positive role model when promoting the strategies of the teaching and learning policy.

Effective communication and engagement with children and their families and carers

●       Contribute to class teacher reports of the stages of development and targets for next steps through the agreed schedule of reporting and parents evenings.

●       Establish positive and effective relationships with parents/carers, exchange information, facilitate their support for their child’s attendance, access and learning and support home/school and community links.

Support for the curriculum

●       Support the development of a high-quality Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum.

●       Provide targeted support to enhance individual learning and development.

●       Embrace digital learning, seeking support to enhance your skill level as required.

●       Engage with the Teaching and Learning Policy, ensuring professional practice adheres to the principles within it.

Child and young person development

●       Fulfil all of the responsibilities and duties required by the Foundation’s policies on teaching and learning.

●       Develop and maintain an up-to-date knowledge and understanding of the areas of learning and pupil support for key group.

●       Use appropriate and creative teaching and classroom management strategies to motivate pupils and enable each to progress.

●       Work within the Foundation’s agreed discipline policy to anticipate and manage behaviour constructively, promoting self-control and independence, at an age appropriate level.

●       Challenge and motivate pupils, promote and reinforce self-esteem.

●       Help children develop their characters to give them the tools they need for lifelong learning - confidence, resilience, self-motivation, enthusiasm, independence and curiosity about the world.

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the child

●       Be responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people in your class and come into contact with.

●       Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and security.

●       Be able to recognise when a child or young person is in danger or at risk of harm, and take action to protect them.

●       Have an awareness and basic knowledge where appropriate of the most recent legislation.

Supporting Transitions

●       Contribute to, when necessary, all required documentation and evidence to ensure effective transitions between groups and schools.

●       Maintain appropriate records, both academic and medical, and inform management and administrative staff of any changes to circumstances.

●       Listen to concerns, recognise and take account of signs of change in attitudes and behaviour.