After-School Assistant

An inspirational After School Assistant is sought to join our thriving, selective London independent day school.

After School Assistants in the Preparatory School work from 3 - 6pm, Mon to Fri under the direction of the Operations Manager of the Preparatory School and the Head of Learning Support and provide assistance to pupils and staff in our After School Care provision. A sense of fun and good organisational skills are a must!

About Forest

Forest Preparatory School is situated at the innermost point of Epping Forest and is also within 30 minutes of the centre of London. It is well-known for the quality of its extended curriculum, successes in Sport, the Arts and for Academic Excellence with pupils regularly winning scholarships and awards to our own senior school as well as other highly competitive secondary schools. The junior section of an all-through school, Forest Preparatory School has its own excellent facilities, but also benefits from sharing a site with the Senior School and utilising whole-school resources.

Forest is very proud of its academic status, its reputation in a range of co-curricular activities. All teaching staff are encouraged and expected to contribute in accordance with their strengths to the outstanding co-curricular programme and other areas of School life.

Forest School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Why work at Forest?

There are many benefits of working at Forest School:

Key benefits include:   

• A CPD budget far beyond that offered in the maintained sector, and a culture fully committed to evidence-based teaching and learning development.
• A beautiful working environment, you will be surrounded by ancient woodland and a variety of architecturally significant Georgian, Victorian and modernist buildings.
• The chance to work with motivated, rounded, and intelligent pupils and colleagues in a very happy, purposeful, and ambitious setting.
• Opportunities to benefit from regular and comprehensive Professional Development Review, including access to StepLab, LinkedIn Learning and the National College to support further professional development.  
• A leadership mentoring programme for new Heads of Department           
• The chance to develop other skills and areas of interest in support of Forest’s extensive Activities and Co-Curricular Programme. In the recent past we have supported staff in developing additional skills in scuba diving, fencing, outdoors survival and even flying in the Combined Cadet Forces.
• Holiday entitlement far beyond that offered in the maintained sector (on average, 17 weeks).
• Opportunities to contribute to the wider community via our extensive Outreach Programme.
• An assigned staff laptop.
• Free three course hot lunch in our beautiful staff diner (with a 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, Forest’s outstanding on-site gym and leisure facility.   
• A well-established staff forum, with an assigned representative, and a dedicated staff well-being committee        
• Membership of the School's Group Life Assurance scheme and Personal Accident Scheme.       
• Contribution towards private medical insurance fees.            
• Membership of a generous pension scheme.

What others say about Forest?

“Forest is a powerhouse with a heart. The pupils exude purpose – modern, dynamic youngsters with an eye on what’s happening next.” – The Good Schools Guide, 2019.

“This is a high-octane environment: six to Oxbridge in 2019 and almost all leavers go on to Russell Group universities. The broad base of subjects studied at university testifies to the school’s academic range and depth” – The Good Schools Guide, 2019.

“A highly efficient and effective feel to the teaching backed up by excellent results. Mathematics, Science, English and History appear particularly strong. ‘My teachers really mind,’ said one girl, ‘and it makes such a difference to the way we all work.” – The Good Schools Guide, 2019.

“Forest takes the broadest view of education, which is fantastic” – Rachel Sylvester, Chair of the Times Education Commission, 2022.

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

Closing Date: 2nd December 2024, 08:00

Please visit our website (www.forest.org.uk/prep-school) where you will find a full introduction to Forest Preparatory School. Should you wish to discuss any aspect of this position before applying, Mr James Sanderson, the Head of Forest Preparatory School, would be happy to hear from you (020 8352 6631 or prephead@forest.org.uk).

If you are shortlisted for the role, we carry out an online search.

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.