Forest School Leader

About our school:

Are you passionate about providing children with enriching outdoor experiences? Do you hold a Forest School qualification and a Level 4 Teaching Assistant certification? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you! We are an SEN school based in the picturesque area of Ashley Village, Altrincham and seeking an experienced and dedicated Teaching Assistant to develop and lead our Forest School.

I am delighted to welcome you to Acorns Ashley School. The provision is a co-educational school and provides a supportive and personalised education programme for pupils aged between 5-17. The school caters for pupils with complex educational needs, communication difficulties and challenging behaviour. The school supports pupils with social, emotional and mental wellbeing needs.

Additionally, many of our pupils present with significant social and communication difficulties influenced by trauma or complex emotional difficulties. The school prides itself on providing specialised interventions than those provided in a mainstream school.

Overview of the role of Forest School Leader:

· Setting up a Forest School

· Lead engaging and educational Forest School sessions, fostering a love for nature and the outdoors among students

· Support children in developing essential life skills, such as teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience, through outdoor exploration and play

· Collaborate with teachers to integrate outdoor learning into the curriculum and enhance students' academic progress

· Provide pastoral care and support to students, promoting their emotional well-being and self-confidence

We would love to hear from people who:

· Level 4 Teaching Assistant certification

· Proven experience working with children in an educational or childcare setting

· Passion for outdoor education and a commitment to promoting environmental stewardship

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

· Actively contribute to school safeguarding and welfare procedures

· Would like the opportunity to support students outside of a mainstream environment

· Passionate champions of students with SEND

· At least two years’ experience minimum of working in a SEND environment

EPIC benefits of working for Keys Group:

· NEST enhanced pension scheme

· Refer a friend scheme

· Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

· Access to a blue light discount card

· Fully funded training and qualifications for all colleagues

· Enhanced pay scales based on experience and qualifications

· Employee benefits scheme such as wellbeing app and a range of discounts 

· Life assurance

At Acorns School;

Our students are from KS1 to KS5 with mixed gender classrooms. Our small class setting provides the necessary stability to support both a pupil’s social and emotional difficulties in addition to their academic pursuit.

We pride ourselves on being able to provide specialised interventions and expertise in these issues which is not available in a mainstream school.

Please note we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a significant number of suitable applications.

Keys Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone in our care. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check, suitable employment references and online searches to safeguard our young people. In addition, this post is exempt from the rehabilitation of offenders act 1974.