Job Introduction
Stoke Park Junior School is seeking a compassionate, creative, proactive and emotionally intelligent practitioner to lead our outdoor-based pastoral provision. Our vision is to create and develop an outdoor learning environment, to support and enable our disadvantaged pupils to be successful in an ever-changing and challenging world; in all aspects of their lives. This is a unique opportunity to combine therapeutic support with experiential outdoor learning to improve the lives of our children—particularly those who are disadvantaged or require additional support.
Stoke Park is an inclusive, 3 form entry junior school set in the heart of Bishopstoke. With our school values at the heart of everything we do, we challenge and motivate all pupils to become successful and confident members of their school community and inspire them to enjoy, achieve and make a positive contribution to the school and the wider community.
Applicants should be exemplary practitioners, who are committed to providing a wealth of exciting, reflective and creative inclusive learning experiences. They should be able to work on their own initiative, whilst enjoying the benefits of working within a supportive and collaborative team. They will be warm, grounded and able to co-regulate under pressure. Confident in outdoor environments and passionate about outdoor learning, the successful candidate will be skilled in supporting children with SEMH needs.
In this role, you will:
- plan and deliver high-quality pastoral and SEMH interventions, including emotional literacy, restorative practice, trauma-informed approaches and Zones of Regulation
- have the vision and skills to lead inspiring outdoor learning sessions such as bushcraft, nature-based mindfulness, team challenges and practical life skills
- develop and enhance our outdoor classroom as a purposeful space for learning, regulation and therapeutic support
- provide targeted 1:1, small-group and in-class support to build resilience, regulation and readiness for learning
- act as a trusted key adult, offering continuity of care and emotional stability
- work closely with teachers, INCo and school Leadership team to ensure disadvantaged pupils access life skills and cultural capital opportunities beyond the classroom
- develop curriculum links over time, bringing outdoor learning experiences back into the classroom
- serve as a DDSL, contributing to safeguarding and whole-school relational practice
- effectively and compassionately communicate with all stakeholders, including parents and social care professionals, to articulate a child’s developmental needs.
Applications are welcomed from candidates with experience and or qualifications in teaching, outdoor learning, bushcraft, emotional literacy support, Thrive, Nurture, Zones of Regulation or trauma-informed practice. Additional training will be provided for the successful candidate, if necessary.
Visits to the school are strongly encouraged, particularly during the school day to enable you to see our school in action. Please contact Judith Young on 02380 612789. Please see our website for more information about the school. The school reserves the right to close the application process at an earlier date than specified.
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.
