Forest School Leader / Instructor

Are you passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of children with complex needs and autism?

Do you possess the unique blend of kindness, supportiveness and the ability to educate pupils with SEND in the local community?

If so, Banks School is looking for someone like you to join our dedicated team as a Forest School Leader.

Banks House School has a warm and inclusive educational environment, committed to providing outstanding education, which is child led and involves the outdoors.

Our school's mission is to create a nurturing and empowering space, which enables our pupils to flourish in their communication and outdoor learning in preparation for adulthood.

Each child's unique abilities are celebrated, and their individual needs are met with understanding and compassion through a bespoke curriculum.

All our staff have the opportunity to work with great facilities with daily opportunities to take pupils into the community to practise and consolidate life skills.

We believe in investing in people and offer exceptional opportunities for professional development for all our staff.

We are an equal opportunities employer with a firm commitment to the professional development of all our staff.

Cascade Banks House School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undertake relevant safeguarding checks.

TEACHING DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To set high expectations which inspire, motivate and challenge pupils including the careful presentation of work and the care of books and equipment.
• To promote good progress and outcomes by pupils
• Demonstrate good subject and curriculum knowledge
• Plan and teach well structured woodland sessions, following the school’s plans, curriculum and schemes of work, embedding outcomes agreed in EHC plans
• Set up Forest School activities in woodland areas and tidy away afterwards
• Prepare and present displays
• Adapt teaching to respond to the strengths and needs of all pupils - Providing support to pupils who have a range of difficulties taking into account advice and programmes provided by other professionals;
• Take responsibility for pupils on visits, trips and out of school activities as required
• Ensure all activities are risk assessed
• Assess, monitor, record and report on the learning needs, progress and achievements of pupils, making accurate and productive use of assessment including contributing to the writing and reviewing of SEN support plans
• Carry out observations on pupils and keep their learning journey’s up to date as an accurate reflection of their development.
• Participate in the arrangements for preparing pupils for external examinations
• Support pupils to develop their skills of independence, resilience and confidence
• Support the use of ICT in the curriculum
• To administer basic first aid as the need arises

WHOLE SCHOOL ORGANISATION:

• Contribute to the development, implementation and evaluation of the school’s policies and procedures - supporting the school’s vision and values
• To participate in curriculum and management planning meetings, meetings with colleagues, parents and other agencies.
• Make a positive contribution to the wider life and ethos of the school
• Work with others on curriculum and pupil development to secure improved outcomes

HEALTH SAFETY AND DISCIPLINE:

• Promote the safety and wellbeing of pupils
• Manage behaviour effectively to ensure a good and safe learning environment
• Ensure that safe working practices are adopted in order to maintain a safe working environment for employees and pupils
• Ensure all equipment is safe to use and the learning environment is safe to be outside in

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

• Take part in the school’s appraisal and supervision procedures
• Take part in further training and development in order to improve teaching and learning
• Where appropriate take part in the appraisal and professional development of others
• Complete all allocated CPD

COMMUNICATION:

• Communicate effectively with pupils, parents, carers
• Collaborate and work with colleagues other relevant professional within and beyond the school
• Develop professional relationships with colleagues

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT:

• Uphold public trust in the profession and maintain high standards of ethics and behaviour within and outside the school
• Have proper and professional regard for the ethos, policies and practices of the school and maintain high standards of attendance and punctuality
• Understand and act within the statutory frameworks
• Safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people, following the school’s policies and staff code of conduct

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential:

• NVQ Level 4 or above
• Experience in leading outdoor activities
• First aid qualification
• Knowledge of effective teaching and learning strategies
• A commitment to getting the best outcomes for all pupils
• High expectations of pupils attainment
• Ability to work under pressure and prioritise effectively
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality at all times
• Commitment to safeguarding and equality
• You must be someone who is truly passionate about outdoor learning and play. Loves working outdoors (as well as indoors).
• Ability to adapt teaching to meet the needs of the pupils
• Ability to build effective working relationships with pupils
• Knowledge of guidance and requirements around safeguarding children
• Knowledge of effective behaviour management strategies
• Good ICT skills

Desirable:

• Teaching qualification
• Experience of working with children or young people with SEND
• Forest School Leader qualification
• Outdoor learning qualifications
• Paediatric first aid trained
• A good understanding of how children and those with SEND learn
• Knowledge of fire lighting
• Knowledge/ experience in assembling hammocks and other forest school equipment

The above is not exhaustive and the post holder will be expected to undertake any duties which may reasonably fall within the level of responsibility and the competence of the post as directed by the Headteacher. This job description may be amended at any time in consultation with the postholder.

If you have any further questions please contact: recruitment@cascade-care.com

The recruitment process for this position will be in two stages: a panelled interview and a tour of Banks House School.

Please note: The closing date for this position is Friday 1st August 2025. Interview date will be 6th August 2025.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £26,750.00-£31,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted or free food
• Free parking
• On-site parking
• Referral programme
• Sick pay

Work Location: In person