Job Introduction
Anton Infant School is committed to providing immersive, nature-based education that encourages children to engage with their environment, develop practical skills, and build confidence through outdoor learning. We are looking for a passionate Forest School Lead to guide our outdoor learning sessions, fostering a positive and safe environment where children can grow, explore, and thrive. This is a new and exciting opportunity to develop our current Forest School provision. We have an established Forest School area and our staff and children understand the ethos of Forest School. We are looking for an enthusiastic and driven Forest School Practitioner to move our provision forward and develop Forest School as part of our curriculum offer. This post is suitable for qualified Forest School Practitioners or those willing to undertake the required training and will start in September 2025.
The role is for 20 hours per week / 3 days (days can be discussed).
EVERY CHILD ALWAYS
At Anton Infant School we work together to create a safe and inclusive environment, where every child knows they matter. Every experience is a learning opportunity. Our aim is to promote curiosity, creativity, love, independence and resilience through an inspiring and engaging curriculum. We set children up to achieve all they are capable of and inspire them to become lifelong learners.
Main duties and responsibilities:
- To be responsible for, plan and oversee the day-to-day delivery, organisation and smooth running of Forest School for classes of children.
- To evaluate Forest School Provision and to continually strive for improvement.
- To promote learning in the outdoor environment and the ethos of Forest Schools and outdoor learning.
- To be responsible at all times for high standards of care and education of all group members in accordance with the Forest Schools Association principles and criteria for good practice.
- To ensure effective communication with teachers, support staff, governors, parents, volunteers, partner organisations and of course, children.
- To manage support staff and volunteers effectively, ensuring they embrace the ethos of forest schools.
- To ensure the health and safety of all participants, including writing and checking risk assessments for the sites, tools and activities used.
- To regularly check and maintain tools and other equipment.
- 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 keep records as appropriate of emergency contact details for participants, permission forms and achievement of pupils.
- To adhere to all relevant policies and procedures of the individual schools and settings.
- To engage in continuous professional development.
- To organise and run a weekly Forest School After School Club
- 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.
- The post holder will be required to undertake any other professional duties as required by the Headteacher.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria:
- Experience of working in a School with a Forest School setting
- Sound understanding of child development
- Dedication to inclusive practice and meeting the needs of all children
- Proven experience working in a Forest School or outdoor education setting
- Ability to adapt lessons for children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND)
Desirable Criteria:
- Suitable First Aid qualification
- Level 3 Forest Schools Practitioner qualification
- Experience in leading groups of children in an outdoor learning environment
Application Procedure
Applications will only be accepted on HCC application forms, accompanied by an equalities statement, which can both be found below. Alternatively for more information (including an application form and role profile), please email adminoffice@anton-inf.hants.sch.uk. Or call 01264 598546.
Please note that interviews will be held on Friday 20th June 2025.
Safer Recruitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.
