At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead outdoor learning experiences that spark curiosity and confidence in children.
- Company: Continu Plus Academy, a supportive environment focused on student success.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to nurturing young minds outdoors.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by inspiring children through nature-based learning.
- Qualifications: Forest School Level 3 qualification and experience working with children.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 43607 £ per year.
Employer: Continu Plus Academy
Location: Kidderminster, Worcestershire
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full Time
Contract Length: Permanent
Salary: £22,214.40 - £36,281.60 (4 day a week considered) Full time: £27,732 - £45,352
Reporting to: Headteacher
The role of a subject teacher/Instructor is the key role in the school. Our core purpose is to teach in ways which ensure that our vulnerable students learn successfully and enjoy their learning. This involves far more than the transmission of knowledge and skills. It is predicated on the quality of the teacher-student relationship. It assumes that the teacher/instructor is able to create the conditions in which learning can flourish. It requires the teacher to “know” each of their students so as to be able to lead them to new levels of understanding and achievement.
This job description sets out the general expectations which our school has of its teaching/Instructor staff. It is recognised that many colleagues will seek to contribute in ways which exceed the requirements of this document. Such contributions will always be welcomed and encouraged and it is school policy to enable all staff to participate as fully as possible in the development and improvement of the school.
As a Forest School Lead, you will plan, deliver, and manage outdoor learning experiences that inspire curiosity, confidence, and independence in children. You will play a key role in bringing learning to life outdoors, supporting children’s development through exploration, creativity, and hands-on experiences in nature. The Forest School Leader will work alongside staff to deliver the Forest School and Outdoor learning.
You will have a Forest School Level 3 qualification, an up-to-date Outdoor First Aid qualification and a minimum of one year post qualifying experience working with children.
Responsibility and Accountability
- Be responsible for and maintain the Forest School area, plan, prepare and deliver purposeful and productive activities for children under Forest School guidelines and relevant risk assessments.
- Work under direction/instruction of the Nursery Manager (at the three sites) to ensure that Forest School/outdoor learning is on offer daily.
- Select and use a range of different resources and teaching styles, appropriate to the forest school experience.
- Promote positive management of behaviour in the Forest School/outdoor learning environment; establish routines and boundaries to ensure the safety and good behaviour of the children.
- Responsibility and accountability relate both to quality of teaching, the quality of learning and to student outcomes.
Safeguarding Statement: ContinU Plus Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.
Forest School Leader employer: Continuplus
Continu Plus Academy is an exceptional employer located in Kidderminster, Worcestershire, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. As a Forest School Leader, you will benefit from a culture that prioritises professional development and encourages innovative teaching methods, allowing you to inspire and nurture vulnerable students through outdoor learning experiences. With competitive salaries and a commitment to staff wellbeing, this role offers a meaningful opportunity to make a lasting impact on children's lives while enjoying the beauty of nature.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Forest School Leader
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Hit up local horticulture fairs, plant shows, and farmer’s markets. These gatherings are a goldmine for networking and usually attract employers looking for passionate candidates. Chat with the vendors and fellow enthusiasts; you never know who might know about a full-time opening at a place like Continuplus.
✨Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities
Become part of local gardening clubs or online forums where like-minded folks share tips and job leads. These communities can often clue you in on upcoming vacancies. Remember, people in these groups often work in the industry and can help us get our foot in the door at places like Continuplus.
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
Consider creating a public portfolio showcasing your gardening projects, designs, or any unique plants you've cultivated. A well-documented journey through your horticulture experiences can make you stand out when chasing full-time roles. It’s basically your way of shouting, 'Look at what I can do!' to potential employers.
✨Apply Early and Often!
The horticulture field can be competitive, especially for full-time roles. Keep an eye on seasonal hiring trends and don’t hesitate to apply as soon as positions open up. Check out our website regularly for openings at Continuplus; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Forest School Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, it's all about showcasing your hands-on experience. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant gardening, landscaping, or plant care roles you've held. Also, don’t forget to mention any specific skills like plant identification or pest management that make you a great fit for the position at Continuplus.
Include Certifications and Training:If you've got any horticulture-related certifications, such as in organic gardening or landscape design, be sure to include them. This will set you apart from other applicants and show that you’re committed to expanding your knowledge in the field, which is crucial for a full-time role like Forest School Leader.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Continuplus is looking for. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or challenges you've overcome in previous horticultural roles to demonstrate your suitability for the full-time position.
Be Ready to Talk Numbers:When applying for a full-time role in horticulture, it's helpful to quantify your achievements. Did you increase crop yields or reduce waste in a previous job? Highlight these metrics in your CV to give hiring managers at Continuplus a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Continuplus
✨Get to Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge! Be prepared to discuss specific species, their growth requirements, and potential pests. Remember, the role involves practical horticultural skills – so don’t be shy about sharing your hands-on experience with various plants and gardening techniques.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
If you've worked on garden designs, landscaping projects, or community gardens, bring along a portfolio showcasing your work. Visuals speak a thousand words, and this will help us see your creativity and practical skills in action. Plus, don’t forget to have a few stories about challenges you faced and how you overcame them!
✨Be Ready for a Plant Quiz
Prepare for some technical questions related to horticulture! We may ask you about soil types, plant propagation methods, or pest management strategies. This helps us assess your depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills – so don’t skip the revision!
✨Passion for Sustainability
Horticulture often revolves around sustainability practices, so be ready to discuss any experience you have with eco-friendly gardening methods or sustainable designs. This role at Continuplus might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
