NestTinylogo2Nest in the Woods Community Interest company

Outdoor Pre-School Assistant

Closing date for applications : 03/07/2015

Salary:  £7-9 per hour (depending on experience and qualifications) Minimum 12 hours per week term time.

Warrington and surrounding area

Job description: To start September 2015, possibly sooner, we are looking for a level 3 childcare assistants to work in our new outdoor pre-school, initially 2 days per week, but as our business develops we aim to ultimately create a full-time or more part-time positions.  The pre-school will be open term time only; 8.30am till 3pm with children’s ages from 2-5 years.

This is an exciting time and an opportunity for the right person to shape their role and represent themselves and Learning in the Woods / Nest in the Woods in a professional and caring way.

The successful applicant will work within our new outdoor pre-school helping deliver programmes of forest school or outdoor education.  He or she may also be involved in assisting at after-school clubs, holiday clubs and may help organise and run some weekend group sessions this could involve children of all ages and adult learners.

You will be a dynamic and caring person who is fully committed to the ethos of forest school and passionate about providing children with a quality and memorable experience.  You will connect children with nature and be creative in your approach with a balance of adult led optional activities and engaging with and scaffolding child led learning, using their interests to provide them with a positive learning experience.

You will shadow us for the first few weeks, learning about our ethos and the way we do things through on the job training.

Our outdoor pre-school opens in September 2015 and you will be outside for the vast majority of the time.  You love the outdoors and nature and pass on that enthusiasm to the children.

This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Job Description – Outdoor Pre-School Assistant

Main Responsibilities

  • To assist with planning and the day to day delivery, organisation and smooth running of Forest School programmes.
  • To help evaluate programmes and to continually strive for improvement.
  • To promote Learning in the Woods, Nest in the Woods and the ethos of Forest School and outdoor learning.
  • To be responsible at all times for high standards of care and education of all group members in accordance with the Forest School Association principles and criteria for good practice.
  • To ensure effective communication with teachers, support staff, head teachers, governors, parents, landowners, volunteers, partner organisations and of course, children.
  • To help manage support staff and volunteers effectively, ensuring they embrace the ethos of forest school.
  • To ensure the health and safety of all participants, including writing and checking risk assessments for the sites, tools and activities used.
  • To assist with maintenance of tools and other equipment.
  • To keep records as appropriate of emergency contact details for participants, permission forms and achievement of pupils.
  • To adhere to all relevant policies and procedures of individual schools and settings, and to contribute to and adhere to the policies of Learning in the Woods and Nest in the Woods.
  • To engage in continuous professional development.
  • To carry out all other such duties as may from time to time be determined by the line manager.

Physical Demands

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

Person Specification – Outdoor Pre-School Assistant

Experience

To be experienced with working with children in education or play work. To enjoy motivating and inspiring children across the range of age, ability and confidence. To be clear, confident, fair, with good behaviour management skills appropriate to the age of child.

Knowledge

  • Level 3 childcare qualification.
  • Level 2 Forest School qualification (or be willing to engage in training)
  • An understanding of Health & Safety requirements and welfare issues of working with young children.
  • Knowledge and understanding of Forest School provision for young children.
  • Knowledge and practical understanding of child development and pedagogy, including the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Skills

  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Ability to work individually and as part of a team.
  • Ability to manage support staff and volunteers.
  • Commitment to equal opportunities for all learners.

Qualities

  • Love of the outdoors and nature.
  • Self-motivated.
  • Flexible.
  • Excellent role model for learners, staff and volunteers.

 

Explain how applicants should contact you / apply: If you are interested, please email enquiries@learninginthewoods.co.uk with a C.V. and covering letter.

If you wish to discuss this call Mark on 07504 675551 or Sally on 07954 160118.  Evenings are the best time to call.

Deadline for applications: Friday 3rd July 2015

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