Forest School Leader

DescriptionEmployerLocation

Your career in trauma informed education with Five Rivers Child Care starts here, we are looking for an experienced Forest School leader to join our school in Park House, Somerset our 1 Ace Provision, you will be working with an experienced team and in a culture where children are respected, listened to, and involved in as many decisions as possible.

We are particularly interested in speaking with outdoor professionals with competency in delivering Forest School, bushcraft sessions, Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and progressive outdoor education.

As a 1 ACE Forest School Leader, your day will be varied and interesting you will be able to follow a flexible structure whilst supporting our children and young people by providing bespoke therapeutic educational frameworks that are tailor-made to each child and young person. This role will include working within an HLTA role within the school setting, in addition to delivering high quality Forest School and outdoor learning sessions both 1:1 and in small groups.

1 ACE (Another Chance Education) is our alternative education provision, which works with children and young people who struggle in their formal or specialised education settings, we offer education on an outreach basis or within one of our Ofsted registered school.

You will be working within a Trauma-informed practice model where we can support and follow a therapeutic practice. Our schools have been awarded the ‘Gold Attachment and Trauma Sensitive School Award’.

Our leadership team will invest in your progression as a professional in the Education sector. Not only do we source and deliver up-to-date training opportunities, but we also prioritise and discuss your personal development goals to ensure you’re getting the most out of your career.

Our young people may have had many adults come in and out of their lives, often adding to their trauma. Therefore, we are looking for committed and dedicated people that want to continue their careers with a therapeutically based organisation and leading alternative education provision.

About Five Rivers

We offer a range of supportive, safe environments for children and young people with whom mainstream and other school settings have not worked. Our Ofsted registered and rated independent schools around England offer a range of academic, vocational, SEN, and disabilities (SEND) options.

Our Team at Park House – 1 Ace Somerset

Park House is a small bungalow on the edge of a beautiful park in central Taunton, we are a team of 32 who support children and young people covering Somerset, our children are aged between 8-19 years.

We offer a school without walls for our children & young people. We have our own forest school area and a teaching site at a local equine facility as well as lots of access to other areas and settings.

We have been awarded the Attachment & Trauma - Sensitive Award (ATSSA)– Gold

We are looking forward to you joining our team!

Hours

Term Time, this goes in line with the local authority

Our full-time hours are 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday 08:30 am -16:30pm

Why Five Rivers?

• On-going training and learning through our Learning & Development Team

• We are committed to your development – we hold a Gold Investors in People Award

• Simply Health Medical Cash Back Scheme

• Ongoing training and support from in-house and external trainers

• Employee Support Programmes

• Enhanced company pension scheme (4% employer contribution)

• Enhanced Maternity Leave Package for mothers who have been with us for over 1 year.

• Refer a Friend bonus scheme.

• Long service and recognition scheme

Requirements

Level 3 Forest School Leader and suitable first aid qualification

Relevant NGB qualifications

Good written and IT skills.

Able to communicate with children, colleagues, and external customers

Able to actively listen to others

Valid Driving Licence with a car – this is essential for this role

Have the Right to Work in the UK

Desirable

Summer Mountain Leader or Walking Group Leader Qualification

SPA or CWA

BCU coaching or instructor awards

If you have experience working within a specialist education provision or simply have the passion to make a difference, we would love to hear from you!

Interested? Get in Touch

To learn more, contact our recruitment team—our colleagues are always happy to help and discuss any queries.

Safeguarding & Equal Opportunities

Five Rivers is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants must be willing to undergo appropriate checks, including references and a DBS check.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.

Safeguarding Statement

Five Rivers 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.