Department
Set in the peaceful surroundings of Wivenhoe Park on our Colchester Campus, the Day Nursery offers high quality care and education to children from 3 months to 5 years. We are open to the general public, university staff and students.
We are looking for a passionate, inspiring and motivated Forest Schools Practitioner to join our pre-school team in leading and implementing regular forest schools sessions. The setting is lucky enough to have access to the beautiful facilities and surroundings of the University of Essex Colchester Campus, including a lake, wooded areas and open spaces.
Duties of the Role
As Forest School Practitioner, you will be responsible for planning and implementing learning opportunities, specific to the needs of the ages and stages of development of the children, encouraging them to develop to their full potential. In order to do this, you will create varied ways of teaching the forest school experience to children through a range of resources and teaching styles. You will be expected to implement the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage, in order to develop and sustain an outstanding Early Years outdoors environment.
You will lead forest schooling in accordance with the established policies and procedures of the nursery. Whilst supervising the children, you will establish routines and boundaries to ensure the wellbeing and safety of the children, ensuring that any safeguarding concerns without delay.
In addition to your day to day duties, you will participate in running the summer vacation Holiday Club, attend staff meetings and training to ensure you remain up to date with legislation and implementation of best practice, including Health and Safety.
This is a permanent, part-time post.
Skills and qualifications required
To be successful, you must be qualified with the following;
* NNEB or NVQ Level 3 in Childcare or equivalent * Level 3 Certificate in Forest School Programme Leadership* A minimum GCSE Grade C, or equivalent, in English and Mathematics* Certificate in Paediatric First Aid.
You will have experience of working with all age ranges under 5, with an understanding of Early Years Learning Journals and record keeping. Also, sound knowledge and understanding of the Forest Schools approach to learning is essential. You must have strong communication skills and the enthusiasm to work effectively as part of a team.
The ability to fulfil the requirements of a DBS check and to undertake the physical aspects of the post are essential requirements for this post.
Please see the further detail link below for a full job description and person specification which outlines the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role plus more information relating to the post. We recommend you read this information carefully before making an application. Applications should be made on-line, but if you would like advice or help in making an application, or need information in a different format, please telephone (01206 876559).
*Further detail: Forest School Practitioner jobpack
This recruitment campaign is being administered by the University of Essex on behalf of University of Essex Campus Services Ltd, a wholly owned company of the University. Some aspects of the information provided on this recruitment website may not apply to this appointment.
