ROLE DESCRIPTION:
Role: Forest School Nursery Apprentice
Location: GroWild Kindergarten, Unit 3 Sapphire House, Roundtree Way, Sprowston, Norwich, Norfolk, NR7 8SQ.
Who are we? We are a Forest School setting based in 2.2 acres of woodland in Norwich. We offer an exciting opportunity for kids to play, explore, make, climb, build and learn new skills in a woodland environment. The activities we offer are both adventurous and educational, enabling children to become immersed in their experiences, take risks, learn new skills, make life-long friendships and connect with the natural environment.
Who are we looking for? A unique opportunity for an Apprentice to join our unique early years Forest School provision for 2-5 year olds in Norwich. We are looking for dynamic individuals who are ready for the next challenge in their career and want to join a team of like-minded folk educating children in a natural and play based environment, offering an independent nature curriculum and ethos.
Qualification: We are looking for an Apprentice looking to complete the Level 2/3 as a next step in their career. We would also be willing to offer a Level 2 Forest School Qualification in addition to the Level 3 during their Apprenticeship.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 25 hours across the week - Flexible/negotiable. Includes 20% paid study time.
Salary: As per national minimum wage.
Incentives: Personalised salary plan in line with KPI’s and targets, personalised training and career development plan, access to mental health and wellbeing services, staff wellbeing days, free site parking, free uniform, timekeeping and attendance rewards.
DBS clearance: Please note that as this post will involve working with children your appointment is subject to you receiving satisfactory DBS clearance.
Expected start date: ASAP
Areas of Responsibility and Key Tasks:
You will have the energy and enthusiasm required and be responsive to the needs of the team and management.
To ensure you are fully committed to the company play and learning ethos and to promote the Forest School ethos and principals.
You will be responsible at all times for high standards of care and education of children in accordance with requirements and company policies.
Your role may also involve children who have been identified SEN and you will need to support and scaffold the needs of the child ensuring equal opportunities and a nurturing environment for them to succeed.
To create a welcoming and user friendly environment.
Lead and empower children to succeed, drawing on playfulness, energy, charisma and child-led exploration.
To create and maintain an engaging, fun and supportive environment, demonstrating flexibility in planning and running sessions in response to varying/changing needs of children.
To support learners in the setting to; learn outdoor skills, become resilient, develop social and environmental awareness, grow in confidence and navigate their way to learning boundaries and risk taking.
To ensure days are spent following children's interests in the moment; climbing trees, cooking on the campfire, exploring the woodland, making a mud pie - scaffolding an environment for child-led, play based learning. You will be committed to predominantly working outdoors and you will be happy to get muddy and ensure you are prepared and comfortable to work in this environment.
Ensure you and your team supervise children at all times, protecting their safety and making sure that they are engaged and enjoying themselves.
Observe and track children's development with the use of active daily and weekly reflection.
To ensure you have a full understanding of your job role and actively look for training and CPD opportunities to further promote your knowledge and understanding within the role.
To be aware of and comply with all company policies and procedures.
To administer basic first aid as the need arises and undertake first aid training where required.
To observe confidentiality and confidentiality policies at all times.
To implement the EYFS using the forest school approach.
To complete the Apprenticeship work and study element (dependent on course). We are looking for an Apprentice to complete a minimum of Early Years Level 3 qualification. Opportunity to extend to a Forest School Level 2/3 Qualification.
Essential Person Specification Skills and Understanding:
Recent relevant experience in childcare.
Willing to achieve Level 2/3 childcare quals through an appropriate Apprenticeship scheme.
Willing to achieve Level 2 Forest School qualification.
Sufficient understanding of the English language.
A strong team working ethos and ability to work collaboratively with all team members.
Essential Behavioural Characteristics:
A flexible and proactive work ethic and a positive attitude.
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build strong relationships with your team and parents/ carers. To be able to communicate effectively.
Adaptable, flexible and able to use your own initiative on a daily basis.
Strong communication, presentation and interpersonal skills with a proven ability to disseminate information to a variety of audiences and ages.
A flexible and proactive work ethic and a positive attitude.
A reflective practitioner, being able to review and document your own practice and that of your team.
Punctual, highly organised, reliable and a driven team-player.
Ability to work independently and adopt a flexible approach.
Ability to work as part of a small team.
Creative approach to environmental education activities.
Desired Person Specification Skills and Understanding:
Forest School/Outdoor experience.
Paediatric First Aid Certificate.
Food Hygiene Certificate.
Safeguarding Training.
Circumstances:
Able to work week days: Monday to Fridays, Flexible.
Full UK driving licence and own transport OR access to suitable public transport to site.
A willingness to undergo training where applicable including safeguarding, first aid, radicalisation, company policies and risk.
To ensure any relevant childcare qualifications that are necessary for your job role are up to date and certificates provided to management.
Whilst every effort has been made to explain the main duties and responsibilities of the post, each individual task undertaken may not be identified. A full agreed job role will be provided on offer of position.