Forest School Practitioner

This is an exciting opportunity to work at a top preparatory school in the country. We are seeking to appoint an experienced, motivated, inspiring and innovative Forest School Practitioner with a Level 3 Forest School qualification to lead the Forest School provision across the Pre-Prep and Prep School.

This is a full time, term time role (5 days a week) however we would consider part time and job share applications. There is also the opportunity to deliver holiday courses in the Easter and Summer holidays.

More details of our school can be found on our website: www.holmewoodhouse.co.uk

 This role reports to the Head of Pre-Prep.

 Responsibilities include: 

·        To lead the Forest School provision across the Pre-Prep and Prep school. 

·        To promote learning in the outdoor environment by following the ethos and principles of forest school and the school’s ethos of growing amazing people. 

·        To support the high standards of care and education of all children. 

·        To carry out child development reports, observations and support progress 

·        To oversee and plan the day-to-day delivery, organisation and smooth running of our outdoor programme. 

·        To support the evaluation of programmes and to continually strive for improvement. 

·        To ensure effective communication with teachers, support staff, head teachers, governors, parents, volunteers, partner organisations and, of course, the children. 

·        To embrace the ethos of Holmewood House and our key values: Self Belief, Aspiration and Kindness. 

·        To ensure the health and safety of all children, including writing and checking risk assessments for the sites, tools and activities used. 

·        To maintain an engaging, fun and supportive environment, demonstrating flexibility in planning and running sessions in response to varying/changing needs of children. 

·        To encourage high standards for the behaviour and discipline of children in lessons, in accordance with the school’s policy. 

·        To take responsibility for Health and Safety of pupils and staff involved in lessons (including first aid). 

·        To participate and assist in the delivery of school events. 

·        To work with staff to evaluate the progress of children, developing the most able. 

·        To ensure that all outdoor equipment used, is maintained and in good order. 

·        To ensure excellent communications with colleagues and parents maintaining high standards of professionalism at all times. 

·        To attend marketing events, Open Mornings, Parent Consultation Evenings and other public events as required. 

·        To take an active role in delivering after school clubs and activities throughout the year. 

·        To follow all school policies including Safeguarding and Child Protection. 

·        Good time management and communication. 

·        Love of the outdoors and an understanding of nature and environmental issues.

·        To liaise with Heads of Department proactively to consider how forest school can lend itself to the delivery of other curriculums.  

 Additional Duties and Professional Requirements: 

 ·        To operate at all times within the stated policies and practices of the school. 

·        To establish effective working relationships and set a good example through their presentation and personal and professional conduct. 

·        To endeavour to give every child the opportunity to reach their potential and meet high expectations. 

·        To co-operate with other staff to ensure a sharing and effective usage of resources to the benefit of the school, department and pupils. 

·        To contribute to the corporate life of the school through effective participation in meetings and management systems necessary to coordinate the management of the school. 

·        To take part in marketing and liaison activities such as Open Evenings, Parents Evenings, Review days and events with partner schools. 

·        To take responsibility for own professional development and duties in relation to school policies and practices. 

·        To undertake any duties or tasks as reasonably requested by the Headteacher. 

 Physical Demands: 

 The work requires moderate levels of physical effort. It involves lifting, handling equipment and other resources and to be involved in practical activities and physical care of learners and the physical outdoor environment. The role is exclusively outdoors and will require working on uneven surfaces and in unpredictable weather conditions. 

 Commitment to safeguarding

 Holmewood House is committed to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and all staff, volunteers and other third parties are expected to share this commitment. The school adopts a rigorous safer recruitment process which is adhered to in the appointment of all new members of staff. As part of the safer recruitment process, all applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including, but not limited to, checks with past employers and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.