Forest School Practitioner
Aurora White House School
Norfolk
- Expired
- Salary:
- Salary: £27,406 - £41,333 (UQT4 – M6)
- Job type:
- Full Time, Permanent
- Apply by:
- 28 September 2023
Job overview
Forest School Practitioner
Location: Quidenham, Norwich, NR16 2NZ
Salary: £27,406 - £41,333 (UQT4 – M6)
Hours: 40 hours per week
Aurora White House School:
We’re currently looking for a Forest School Practitioner to plan and deliver Forest School and outdoor learning sessions for students with a range of SEN. Whilst supporting the Headteacher and leadership team with school development projects.
Part of the Aurora Group, Aurora White House School in Quidenham, Norwich provides day placements for students aged 6 to 11 years primarily with communication and interaction difficulties or specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia. Some may be on the autistic spectrum or have anxieties and difficulties that create barriers to learning.
With small classes, typically 7 children and a minimum of 3 staff per class you can focus on the needs of each student. There is a full clinical team onsite to support at all times and you will have the support of an experienced and stable SLT.
To take a virtual look around our school please click here: Eccles Virtual Tour
Key duties:
- To plan, prepare and deliver Forest School lessons, with liaison with the class teachers/leaders.
- To be responsible for setting up the activities and getting ready the equipment and materials needed.
- To maintain the materials, tools, and equipment in a suitable state.
- To prepare and keep up to date the relevant Risk Assessments. To make staff aware of the Risk Assessments.
- To advise and support the school in maintaining the Forest School area in a suitable state, including any planting.
- To advise the school on the necessary purchasing of any equipment, and to fill in the relevant order forms.
- To help promote the Forest School.
- To participate in annual performance appraisal and to agree with your Line Manager targets for the following year.
- The post holder must carry out his/her duties with full regard to the School’s Health and Safety Procedures.
- Undertake such additional responsibilities as required, which are commensurate with the grade and responsibilities of the post.
- This job description describes responsibilities, as they are currently required. It is anticipated duties will change over time and the job description may need to be reviewed in the future.
Skills and Qualifications
- GCSE Maths and English qualification Grade 4 or above or equivalent is essential.
- Level 3 Forest School qualified is essential to either have already or be prepared to gain it as soon as you start.
- Outdoor first aid qualified is essential
- Knowledge, understanding and practical experience of Forest School provision for young children.
- Knowledge and practical understanding of child development.
- Knowledge and understanding of the SEND needs of our children.
- Knowledge and understanding and practical experience of sustainable woodland management and education within the outdoor environment.
- Knowledge and ability to create and implement policies and procedures consistent with legislation, regulations, and local requirements.
- Ability to create and implement basic systems for learner records.
- Commitment to equal opportunities for all learners.
- Understanding of the Forest School Ethos and be able to apply this throughout all working practice, both with pupils and staff.
Due to the rural location of the school, candidates are strongly advised to hold a full UK driving licence and have access to their own vehicle
Benefits and Additional Information
Be part of our successful team and also benefit from a generous package that includes:
- Life assurance
- Pension
- Free lunches
- Free onsite parking
- Perkbox - offering high street discounts
- Employee assistance programme
- Car lease scheme
- Fully funded training and qualifications
- Bike to work scheme
- Family Swim
- Free membership to our Health cash back plan - Claim back money on services such as dental, optical, physio and many more.
How to Apply:
You can apply online by completing our online application form. For more information on this position please contact Liz on 07918 585258 / liz.hudson@the-aurora-group.com
Successful applicants will be subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks including an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check.
The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Aurora Group is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.
The Aurora Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children and young adults in our care and is a disability confident and equal opportunities employer.
This advert could be taken down at any point in time without prior notice if the position is filled.
Please note that candidates that are shortlisted may be subject to an online search.
Attached documents
About Aurora White House School
- Aurora White House School
- Quidenham Road, Attleborough
- Norfolk
- NR16 2NZ
- United Kingdom
Specialist academic and therapeutic provision in a caring, supportive environment, for children aged 5-11 who have experienced difficulties in mainstream settings.
Take a virtual tour: https://mpembed.com/show/?m=bsBmgxyXMz8&mpu=863&&qs=1&play=1&hl=1
Welcome to our Special Needs Primary School in Quidenham, Norfolk
Welcome to Aurora White House, a unique learning environment that has the friendly and personal feel of a small village primary school, whilst also being rich in specialist provision.
I believe that having a sense of belonging is essential in helping children to thrive. It is for this reason that ‘community’ is central to our school’s vision and identity.
As part of our community, your child will benefit from small class sizes, specialist teaching and a multi-disciplinary approach that helps remove barriers to learning.
Children want to be at this school.
Time and again we see those with previously poor attendance records coming in every day, making friends, and having fun – which tells me whatever it is we’re doing, we’re getting it right.
I’m so glad you’ve found us, and I look forward to welcoming you and your child into our community here at Aurora White House.
David Clarke, Headteacher
Our School
Aurora White House provides a positive, welcoming learning environment for children aged 6-11 (Y1 - Y6) who have experienced difficulties in mainstream settings.
Our specialist teaching staff cater for the full age range of primary pupils, from reception through to older children who are ready to transition to secondary school.
With small class sizes, a fantastic sense of community and exceptional standards of teaching and therapeutic support, our school is designed to promote academic achievement alongside comprehensive physical, social and emotional development.
Personalised learning
We offer personalised learning to every child, delivered both in class and within additional small-group or individual intervention sessions as required.
Our mixed-year group classes mean that children learn with peers of similar presentation, allowing for learning environments to be better matched to individual needs.
Our bespoke ‘Creativity & Curiosity Curriculum’ employs a flexible model based around the foundation subjects in the National Curriculum.
Integrated therapy
Discrete therapeutic interventions at Aurora White House are delivered by a highly skilled team of clinical staff, whose specialisms include occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, educational psychology and play/art therapy.
These interventions sit alongside a classroom experience which integrates therapeutic approaches on a one-to-one, small group and whole class basis.
Promoting wellbeing
We place great importance on helping children learn how to manage their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
‘Thrive’ principles and strategies are embedded across the school to encourage social and emotional development. This approach emphasises the importance of positive adult relationships, and makes use of various arts and play-based activities.
All our children have access to an indoor swimming pool, a well-stocked library and a choice of break-out areas, as well as extensive outdoor recreation facilities including a large playing field, a tree house and an abundance of magnificent woodland.
This woodland is used throughout the year for our Forest School program. Under the supervision of fully qualified practitioners, children in Forest school sessions are provided with opportunities to play, explore and create across the seasons and in all weathers.
Raising expectations
We value the unique contribution each individual can make in society and are committed to helping every child fulfil their potential.
We combine this ambition with a positive approach to behaviour management, encouraging the development of a strong sense of identity while promoting effective interaction with others.
By raising individual expectations, we empower children to make meaningful choices at every stage of their lives.
Our Facilities
Set in 34 acres of stunning Norfolk countryside, our school offers pupils access to a range of outdoor sport and recreation facilities.
- Specialist facilities to support therapeutic interventions.
- Breakout areas for quiet time
- Extensive outdoor recreation areas
- Bespoke adventure play area and tree house
- Indoor swimming pool
- Forest School activities set in magnificent woodland
Proud to be a Forest School
Forest School is centred around the child, their needs and their interests.
Under the supervision of fully qualified practitioners, children are provided with opportunities to play, explore and create across the seasons and in all weathers.
Every child enjoys a tailored journey within Forest School through a combination of:
- story-telling
- conservation
- learning about wildlife
- identifying different plants
- arts and crafts
- shelter-building
Our Curriculum
Our bespoke ‘Creativity & Curiosity Curriculum’ employs a flexible model based around the foundation subjects in the National Curriculum.
Each child’s experience will be different, with all learning tailored to individual needs.
We also dedicate a lot of time to helping pupils develop essential life skills, including:
- Communication and interaction
- Health and wellbeing management
- Understanding identity and relationships
- Understanding society and the wider world
Our classes are usually mixed-year groups, so children learn with peers of similar presentation.
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