Assistant Director Forest School

Job description –Forest SchoolAssistant Director

Company description

Chichester Forest Schools CIC provide exciting, innovative, Forest School experiences for children, families and adults.

We use the Forest School approach to build confidence, self-esteem and resilience, inspiring a life-long connection to, and stewardship of, the natural environment. We are proud to be a Recognised Provider for the Forest Schools Association. We are looking for someone who shares our vision and passion to drive our Forest School forward.

Chichester Forest Schools CIC work across woodland sites in Chichester and the surrounding West Sussex and the Hampshire border.

We lead a wide range of Forest School and woodland programmes including:

• Forest School provision for nursery, primary and secondary schools, SEN schools/groups in West Sussex and Hampshire border.
• Alternative provision for children and young people 5-16yrs
• Home education
• Parent and pre schooler sessions,
• Woodland Wellbeing and support programmes for families, children, teenagers and adults who may have experienced trauma or mental health difficulties.
• Women’s woodland wellbeing sessions

We are a community organisation committed to giving access to woodland and Forest School to all.

Job description

Working alongside our CEO and fellow directors, Chichester Forest Schools CIC is seeking an inspiring, experienced Forest School leader to work with our fabulous Forest School team to develop and deliver high quality programs for our community.

In this role you will be expected to act both in a managerial and Forest School leader role. Ensuring the day day-to-day smooth running of Forest School and also using your professional expertise as a Forest School leader to deliver high quality Forest School sessions to a range of participants, including vulnerable clients and working with Children with SEN, emotional and behavioural difficulties.

The successful applicant will be required to adhere to Chichester Forest Schools CIC policies and procedures and follow Forest School Association principles.

Person specification:

We are seeking an energetic, innovative, nature-loving individual who enjoys being outdoors, sharing nature with children and adults and is always looking for creative ways to excite, motivate and inspire young minds.

Good interpersonal and communication skills are essential, and you must be confident to work alone and in a team. You will be organised and professional and work within the principles of Forest School laid out by the Forest School Association in overseeing the Forest School team and in your own Forest School practice. preparing session plans, delivering sessions and taking part in reflections and evaluations.

Duties and Key responsibilities. -Operational and Team leader role

• Work closely with the CEO and admin support to ensure the smooth day to day running of the organisation and deputise in her absence.
• Organising the rota, ensuring correct ratios and experience for delivery of Forest School sessions
• As a senior leader work with other members of the team, develop their practice, This includes Forest School leaders and trainees, Forest School assistants, volunteers, young people volunteering and on work experience.
• Plan regular team meetings and regular practice development working with the CEO and training officer. Assist the CEO in service review, recruitment and performance reviews
• Contribute to the strategic planning for the organisation, project planning, grant application and evaluation process to support the development of a replicable and sustainable model of Forest School delivery. Ensure project monitoring is completed and submitted in line with the requirements of the funders.
• Ensure good record keeping. Implement, develop and review processes to ensure high standards of record keeping in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of sessions.
• Monitor and maintain the woodland and wild sites that we use through woodland management plans, liaising and maintaining our good relationships with partner organisations e.g. Natural England.
• Contribute to the writing and review of policies and practices and processes to ensure ongoing good practice.
• Review and upkeep equipment and resources to ensure safe and smooth daily operations.

Duties and Key responsibilities - Forest School Leader

• Lead high quality Forest School and outdoor learning sessions to inspire and engage.
• Facilitate a range of activities ensuring sessions are engaging, age appropriate, and fun.
• Work with participants with a range of different needs including SEN, behavioural and emotional issues and poor mental health
• Work collaboratively with other professionals e.g., our family worker and counsellor to develop sessions.

Applicant Requirements

Essential

• Level 3 Forest School leader qualification
• Minimum 2 years’ experience of leading range of Forest School and outdoor learning
• Have a suitable vehicle and be able to travel to and work in different locations in the Chichester and surrounding area.
• Excellent organisational skills, administration and management experience, attention to detail and the ability to demonstrate initiative.
• Enhanced DBS
• Food hygiene level 2
• Child protection training
• Paediatric and Outdoor Forest School first aid
• Previous experience of working with children and young people including those with SEN and behavioural and emotional difficulties
• Experience leading a team and multidisciplinary working.
• Computer literate with experience in using Microsoft Word, Excel and Google Docs.

Desirable

• Teaching qualification.
• Certificate in managing challenging behaviour outdoors.
• Youth Mental Health First Aid.
• Therapeutic Forest practitioner.
• John Muir instructor training.
• Licence to drive a minibus.

Part-time hours: 30 hours per week across 4 days may include some weekend work

Application deadline: weds 17.1.2024

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Salary: £21,600.00-£24,000 per year (equates to £27,000 to £30,000 FTE 37.5hrs)

Benefits

• NEST pension scheme.
• 22½ days holiday, including bank holidays (equivalent to 28 days FTE).
• Equipment provided.
• Ongoing training and development.
• Forest School Association Membership
• Office at Lavant House with access to gym, outdoor swimming pool (in summer), kitchen, games room and onsite café.

Please send covering letter and CV

Interviews Tuesday 23rd Jan afternoon