Forest Schools Practitioner

Hours: 37 hours per week.

**Salary**: £24,906 - £26,081 (SCP 20 - 22)

**JOB DESCRIPTION**:
The Forest Schools Practitioner role actively supports the effective contributes to the education and learning of our young people at Rossie. The post holder will work under the direction and supervision of the Head of Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning / Principal Teachers in order to facilitate effective learning experiences in line with the requirements of Curriculum for Excellence as well as support other Educational colleagues in ensuring a full educational experience is provided to our young people.

**Lead, support and deliver learning and teaching**:

- Design, plan and risk assess a programme of forest schools activities for young people.
- Lead groups of young people to enable them to engage in their learning programme.
- Support young people to achieve awards, accreditation and successful learning outcomes.
- Differentiate learning approaches in order to support young people with additional Support Needs to be able to engage meaningfully with the Forest School setting.
- Use technology to support learning as appropriate.
- Record observations on learning and progression.
- Report on key areas including skills development, progress and awards achieved.
- Liaise appropriately with parents/carers and relevant partners.
- Support with extra-curricular activities such as supported study and homework.
- Support school events, trips and activities.

**Active participation in raising attainment for our learners**:

- Implement specific supports to young people in accordance with their learning needs.
- Participate in team meetings and working groups.
- Actively promote literacy, numeracy, and health & wellbeing in all lessons.
- Promote and engage with collaborative and co-operative approaches to learning.
- Engage in high quality CPL in order to maintain excellent standards of practice.

**Promote positive relationships with our young people taking cognisance of diverse and complex needs**:

- Develop appropriate, positive, respectful relationships with young people.
- Supervise young people throughout the school day, including during transitions to and from their house as required.
- Facilitate restorative and reflective conversations if/as required, encouraging young people to lead.
- Manage boundaries carefully, consistently, and taking cognisance of the impact of trauma.

**Assisting with managing resources and administration of programmes**:

- Plan sessions in advance, ensuring that work and resources are organised and available.
- Share responsibility to ensure that resources are well cared for and appropriately maintained.
- Complete attendance records, risk assessments, progress reports, incident reports etc. as required.

**Supporting and assessing the health and wellbeing of our young people**:

- Risk assess all activities prior to young people participating in sessions.
- Ask for guidance should there be any uncertainty re risk management.
- Follow Rossie Young People’s Trust policies and procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of young people and the staff team.
- Contribute to the processes which support GIRFEC etc.
- Promote pupil confidence, resilience and independence as appropriate, and in accordance with their individualised plans.
- Provide first aid for young people as required.
- Facilitate relevant excursions, e.g. outdoor learning, community visits.
- Promote high expectations of conduct and interaction from all young people.

**Supported by relevant training, ensure**:

- Professional high standards are maintained at all times.
- Relationships with young people, staff and partners are positive and respectful.
- Confidentiality is maintained in accordance with GDPR.
- Knowledge of child protection and safety procedures is robust.
- Skills in oral communication, writing and numeracy are maintained.
- Administrative and organisational skills are continually developed.
- Technical and ICT skills are of a high level.
- Collaborative approaches are taken to supporting young people.
- Skills that facilitate, encourage and support learning are continually refined.
- Personal and professional learning is intentional, planned and relates to personal, team and organisational priorities.
- A working knowledge of the Curriculum for Excellence is maintained.
- Please note this job description is to provide a clear and concise statement of the main tasks and activities of the post, and it is not intended as an exhaustive list of every aspect of the post-holder's duties. All the above duties will be carried out in line with Rossie policies and procedures._

**PERSON SPECIFICATION**:
**Qualifications (Essential)**:

- SCQF level 5 awards in literacy and numeracy
- Commitment to continuing professional development

**Qualifications (Desirable)**:

- Relevant HNC level qualification

**Skills (Essential)**:

- Ability to work on own initiative and as part of team
- Excellent organisational