At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire primary-age children through engaging Forest School sessions and creative learning experiences.
- Company: Join a top-rated primary academy committed to excellence and community values.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a strong culture of collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while enjoying a fulfilling career in education.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, HLTA qualification, and experience with Forest School.
The predicted salary is between 27575 - 27800 € per year.
About Us
We are a 3 form entry primary school from Reception to Year 6, which also includes a 52 place Nursery. Harris Primary Academy Chafford Hundred (HPACH) is a successful academy that was judged outstanding in every category in our March 2025 Ofsted inspection. Our shared belief is that children thrive when they feel consistently happy and safe at school and our commitment to excellence is encapsulated in our vision statement: "Excellence, Every child, Every day." Our Core values of: Community, Resilience, Respect, Responsibility and Kindness underpin everything that happens at Harris Primary Academy Chafford Hundred.
Summary
We are seeking an enthusiastic and skilled Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) Forest School. We are particularly interested in candidates who bring a specialism in Forest School to enriching our curriculum and inspiring pupils through creative and engaging learning experiences. The actual salary for this role will be £27,575.22 (38 weeks per year, 37.5 hours per week). We will also consider applications for four days per week (actual salary £21,860.18).
Main Areas of Responsibility
- Teaching primary-age children, including those with SEN, the Forest School curriculum.
- Planning, preparing, delivering and assessing a range of CPD lessons, PPA cover, extra-curricular club sessions and other related programmes, all designed to enhance the school's Forest School Provision.
- Ensuring all equipment associated with the Forest School session is correctly set up, maintained, stored and returned on completion of the Forest School session.
- Establishing constructive relationships and communicating with external agencies as required.
- Leading agreed enrichment activities.
Qualifications & Experience
We would like to hear from you if you have:
- GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Maths Grade C or above.
- HLTA qualification.
- Experience of delivering Forest School sessions to young people aged between 5 and 11 in a school environment.
- Knowledge of the Level 3 Forest School Qualification and ability to deliver the Forest School curriculum throughout.
- The ability to encourage and inspire young people through the Forest School provision.
Professional Development & Benefits
Our people are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.
In addition to the opportunities for career development and progression, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes our Harris Allowance for teachers on MPS/UPS, a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, a Wellbeing Cash Plan and many other benefits.
Safeguarding Notice
The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.
Equal Opportunities
The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.
Next Steps
If you have any questions about this opportunity, please send us an email, or call to arrange a conversation. Before applying, please download the Job Pack for full details on the job responsibilities and person specification. This will be helpful for you when completing your application, and throughout the recruitment process. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we may interview and offer to a candidate before the closing date. Please note that we only accept applications submitted before the closing date via our careers website.
Forest School HLTA - Thurrock employer: Harris Federation
Harris Primary Academy Chafford Hundred is an outstanding primary school that prioritises the happiness and safety of its students, fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture. As a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) specialising in Forest School, you will benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, a supportive team environment, and a competitive rewards package, all while making a meaningful impact on the lives of young learners in Thurrock.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Forest School HLTA - Thurrock
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Harris Primary Academy Chafford Hundred and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through local education events. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how you can bring your Forest School expertise to life. Have examples ready of how you've inspired children in the past, and be ready to discuss how you can enhance their curriculum.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our fantastic team at HPACH.
We think you need these skills to ace Forest School HLTA - Thurrock
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Pack:Before you dive into your application, make sure to download and read the Job Pack. It’s packed with all the details about the role and what we’re looking for, which will help you tailor your application to stand out.
Show Your Passion for Forest School:We want to see your enthusiasm for the Forest School curriculum! Share any relevant experiences or ideas you have that demonstrate how you can inspire our pupils through creative and engaging learning experiences.
Be Yourself:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value authenticity and want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your unique approach to teaching and how you embody our core values.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, we only accept applications through our careers website. So, once you’ve polished your application, head over there to submit it. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harris Federation
✨Know Your Forest School Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Forest School curriculum and its principles. Be ready to discuss how you can inspire children through creative learning experiences, especially for those with SEN. Show them you’re passionate about outdoor education!
✨Emphasise Your Values
The school’s core values are Community, Resilience, Respect, Responsibility, and Kindness. Think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate how you embody these values. This will show that you align with their mission and culture.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific situations in a Forest School setting. Prepare some scenarios where you’ve successfully engaged children or dealt with challenges. This will highlight your problem-solving skills and creativity.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready about the school's approach to professional development or how they integrate the Forest School ethos into their curriculum. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the school’s future.
