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- Tasks: Lead outdoor activities and inspire children through the forest school programme.
- Company: Join YMCA, a supportive charity dedicated to personal and professional growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, discounts, and access to professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in nature.
- Qualifications: Early Years/Teaching qualification required; forest school experience is a plus.
- Other info: Be part of a caring team with excellent career progression opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
About the role
The YMCA are huge advocates of personal and professional development. When you work with us, you also benefit from:
- Blue Light Card eligibility
- 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays FTE, increasing with length of service up to a maximum of 30 days
- Option to purchase additional leave (up to 10 days per annum)
- 50% discount on nursery fees
- Enhanced Maternity
- Day camps discounts: 1 week free and 1 week at 50% per child per annum
- Campsite and activities discounts at YMCA Fairthorne Manor: campsite, river hire, activities, day camps
- 30% discount on food in Cafes: Fairthorne, Eastleigh and Andover
- Wellbeing assistance programme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Good quality resources and a modern environment
- A welcoming, caring and supportive culture
Do you love working with children in the great outdoors and a lover of nature? Fairthorne Manor can offer you just that!
Professional Development
- Access to 26 online professional development modules
- Attain additional qualifications such as SENCO, Forest School qualification
- Inspiring opportunities to work in different settings and share practice
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, implement and monitor the day to day delivery of the forest school programme, providing activities for under 5’s
- Promote outdoor learning and the ethos of forest school
- Provide a high standard of care and education in line with the standards of the forest school principles
- Bring to the immediate attention of the manager any incidents or accidents, any child’s failure to thrive and any equipment that may be of danger. Also arrange for any individual to receive immediate first aid
- Be active and reflective to improve outcomes for all children
- Ensure that records are maintained in accordance with YMCA’s policies and procedures
- Use observation and assessment data to support staff in identifying children with additional needs or vulnerabilities
- Ensure clear partnerships with parents/carers, working together to support all individual needs
- Forest school experience & qualification would be ideal but not essential
- Early Years/Teaching qualification is essential
- Experience and a genuine passion for working outdoors
- Enjoy working with young people and enthusiasm for early years, raising the standards of the provision for children
- Ability to motivate, inspire and lead fun forest school and outdoor activities
- Ability to communicate well and engage positively with a wide range of people
- Enjoys being part of a team
- A creative and flexible approach to work
Qualifications
- Forest school experience & qualification would be ideal but not essential
- Early Years/Teaching qualification is essential
- Experience and a genuine passion for working outdoors
- Enjoy working with young people and enthusiasm for early years, raising the standards of the provision for children
- Ability to motivate, inspire and lead fun forest school and outdoor activities
- Ability to communicate well and engage positively with a wide range of people
- Enjoys being part of a team
- A creative and flexible approach to work
Disclosure
Successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure via Disclosure and Barring Service.
Equal Opportunities
We are an equal opportunities charity with commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion in the workplace. A copy of this policy will be made available on request.
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Forest School Practitioner/Leader employer: YMCA Fairthorne Group
Contact Detail:
YMCA Fairthorne Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Forest School Practitioner/Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the YMCA and their values! Research their approach to outdoor learning and child development. This will help you connect your passion for nature with their mission during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for standing out in the application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! Since this role involves leading outdoor activities, think of creative ways to demonstrate your skills. Maybe plan a mini forest school session to showcase your ideas.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the YMCA team and contributing to their fantastic work.
We think you need these skills to ace Forest School Practitioner/Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Outdoors: When you're writing your application, let your love for nature and outdoor learning shine through. Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your enthusiasm for working with children in the great outdoors.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Make sure to mention your Early Years/Teaching qualifications clearly. If you have any forest school experience or additional qualifications, don’t forget to include those too! We want to see how you meet the requirements.
Be Creative and Reflective: Use your application to demonstrate your creative approach to planning activities. Talk about how you reflect on your practice to improve outcomes for children. This will show us that you’re not just a follower but a leader in outdoor education.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at YMCA!
How to prepare for a job interview at YMCA Fairthorne Group
✨Know Your Forest School Principles
Make sure you’re well-versed in the principles of forest school education. Familiarise yourself with how outdoor learning can benefit children, especially under 5s. This will show your passion and understanding during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant experience you have working outdoors or with young children. Share specific examples of activities you've led or how you've engaged children in nature. This will help demonstrate your ability to motivate and inspire.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Ask questions about their approach to outdoor learning and how they support staff development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Reflect on Your Teaching Style
Think about your teaching philosophy and how it aligns with the YMCA's values. Be ready to discuss how you would create a supportive and caring environment for children, as well as how you would handle challenges that may arise.
