Job Description

Forest School Leader & Lunchtime MDA

Tendring Primary School

FSL Scale 3: 6-7; 15hrs 45mins per week;FTE £26,847 - £27,274;Actual salary approximately £9,686.03 depending on experience

MDA Scale 2: 5; 3hrs per week;FTE £26,427; Actual salary approximately £1787.66depending on experience

Bothpositions are Permanent, term time only (38 weeks), working3 days per week

We are seeking a compassionate, patient and enthusiastic Forest School Leader to join our caring and inclusive team. We have an extensive Forest School area and a wide range of resources which we are continually developing to enhance outdoor learning opportunities for our children.

Working three days per week, you will provide and support Forest School activities for children from Reception through to Year 6, working alongside the Outdoor Learning and Enrichment Lead and other members of the school team. We are looking for someone who ideally holds a Forest School qualification, or is willing to work towards one, and who shares our passion for outdoor learning and child development.

We are looking for someone who:

• Holds a Forest School qualification or is willing to work towards one.
• Has a passion for the outdoors and is willing to work outside in all weather conditions.
• Has experience of working with primary-aged children.
• Is calm, caring and able to build positive, trusting relationships with children.
• Understands the importance of supporting children's emotional wellbeing alongside their learning.
• Has high expectations whilst demonstrating empathy, patience and consistency.
• Has excellent communication skills and can work effectively as part of a team as well as using their own initiative.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusion and understands how to adapt and tailor Forest School experiences to ensure all children can participate, thrive and achieve success.
• Recognises the value of appropriate risk-taking in child development and supports children to assess, manage and learn from risks in a safe environment.
• Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Main Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver safe, engaging and imaginative Forest School sessions that inspire curiosity, creativity and a love of the outdoors.
• Design activities such as shelter building, campfire cooking, tool use, nature exploration and knot tying.
• Support children to develop confidence, resilience, independence and teamwork through outdoor learning experiences.
• Supervise children at all times, promoting positive behaviour and ensuring a safe and nurturing Forest School environment.
• Observe, monitor and evaluate children's learning and development, adapting future sessions to meet their needs and interests.
• Administer first aid and maintain clear safety boundaries during all outdoor activities.
• Prepare and maintain Forest School equipment, resources and learning spaces.
• Support with the registration and preparation of children before entering the Forest School area and when finished.
• Attend relevant training, meetings and professional development opportunities as required.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is passionate about outdoor education and believes in the power of nature to support children's learning, wellbeing and personal development. We welcome applications from experienced Forest School practitioners as well as those with relevant experience working with children outdoors who are keen to develop their skills further.

As part of the lunchtime team, you will:

• Actively engage the children in play and social activities
• Secure the safety, welfare and good conduct of the pupils during the lunchtime break
• Supervise pupils in the dining hall, playground areas and school premises

Visits to the school are warmly welcomed - come and see our wonderful school for yourself! All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, medical clearance and satisfactory references. We reserve the right to close the application window early.

Information about the School

Tendring Primary is small, popular school located close to the Suffolk/Essex Border, attracting children from a wide area across the Tendring Peninsular. We currently have 190 children on roll. The School is set in approximately a three acre site with original buildings dating back to 1896. The school has extended over the years to include new buildings and extensive outdoor learning facilities.

“Tendring Primary is a very special place with a caring, nurturing ethos and culture” quote.