Children & Young People Outdoor Learning Facilitator

Job description

Job title:

Children & Young People Outdoor Learning Facilitator

The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exemptions) Order 1975 applies to this post. Disclosure and Barring Clearance is required prior to employment to this post.

We are looking for an enthusiastic person to join both our Children & Young People Outdoor education/ alternative provision team (term time) and/or Young Ranger team (holidays and occasional weekends), at Little Gate Farm.

Join our Outdoor Education Team, where we provide alternative provision to students who may be finding traditional education challenging. We offer personalised outdoor learning, including forest school, bushcraft, animal care and conservation. You may be supporting a student one to one, or as part of a group; helping them gain essential life skills, work towards qualifications, and raising aspirations.

As part of our Young Ranger Team, during the school holiday period and occasional Sundays, you will be delivering quality respite in our exciting child led holiday program for children and young people with a variety of additional needs. You will be leading the day and supporting the team to deliver outdoor woodland and nature activities, team games, natural art and meet the animals. Fulfilling the aim to support the Young Rangers to grow in confidence, develop friendships, independence, and positivity by giving them freedom, time and space to develop.

Main purpose of job:

To facilitate every child and young person at Little Gate Farm to make the maximum possible gains in their learning, creating opportunities around communication, problem solving, confidence building and independence.

Position reports to:

Jo Rainsbury – Children & Young People Outdoor Learning Senior Project Leader

Staff who will report to this job title:

N/A

Location:

Little Gate Farm, Horseshoe Lane, Beckley, East Sussex TN31 6RZ

Salary:

£12 per hour

Weekday and weekend shifts available throughout the year

Usual shift length approximately 9am – 4pm

You may be occasionally be offered work outside of these hours

Probationary period:

6 months

Holiday Entitlement:

5.6 weeks (calculated pro-rata to hours worked)

Contract type:

Bank Staff Casual Agreement

Safeguarding requirements:

All employees and volunteers, regardless of their posts, share in the responsibility for protecting our work trainees, young rangers and students, keeping them safe from harm whilst they are attending Little Gate and for reporting concerns about any person’s welfare and safety.

DBS requirements;

Child and adult workforce Enhanced and Barred list check

Main duties

Young Rangers

As a Facilitator within our Young Ranger program, you will support the team in delivering engaging outdoor fun and imaginative days at the farm for our Young Rangers, incorporating areas such as craft, woodland, games, forest school activities and animal care. You will help ensure the team is well-prepared, activities are run smoothly, and that all children are safe and supported and activities inclusive.

Outdoor education/ alternative provision

To deliver outdoor learning to school groups and/ or individual students. Ensuring outdoor learning is creative and person centred.
You will be responsible for lesson planning and developing a safe and accessible curriculum, monitoring and reporting on progress
You will help to build and deliver a fresh and exciting BTEC programme, in Land based Studies.

Both

Demonstrate commitment to Little Gate Farm’s values and vision.
Support our young people to grow in confidence, develop friendships, independence and positivity, by giving them freedom, time and space to develop.
Lead daily team briefings to communicate risk assessments, children’s needs, and group dynamics, and facilitate end-of-day meetings to celebrate successes, address challenges, and document observations in our CRM system.
To ensure we fully utilise the natural surroundings, ensuring we plan outdoor based activities and using natural resources were ever possible.
To follow the Forest School ethos of child led activities, helping children develop a love for nature.
Contribution of knowledge and support with the booking process to ensure all the days have a good balance of dynamics and are adequately staffed prior to the day.
Confidently handle animals, using them as a wellbeing tool, while ensuring they are cared for to the highest standard.
Creating a positive environment, where achievements are celebrated, and mistakes are learnt from.
Manage incidents as per our policies and procedures. Act as the main point of contact for incidents, ensuring issues are documented and communicated appropriately.
Ensure safeguarding concerns are raised and reported appropriately, following organisational policies and procedures.
Work in accordance with the Health & Safety Act and policies, understanding and adhering to risk assessments, and supporting the team. Handle emergencies efficiently, maintain records, and ensure all staff and volunteers follow emergency procedures and risk assessments.
To administer medication to young rangers following the LGF policy ensuring the required documentation is completed and the medicines are correctly stored.
Work Collaboratively and build positive relationships with families, carers, and professionals through regular communication, providing updates and documenting all interactions as required.
Engage in ongoing learning and professional development through regular training, including first aid, medical conditions, medication administration, autism, and other relevant topics.
Support staff to ensure they are equipped for their roles and confident in their responsibilities.
Oversee the correct storage, maintenance, and usage of equipment and resources
Participate in long-term planning meetings to contribute to the strategic development of the Young Ranger Programme and Alternative Provision, ensuring it remains innovative, fun, and of the highest quality. Commit to continuous professional development and training.
Review and update daily “About Me” sheets to ensure staff are aware of each child’s needs, preferences, and any required adjustments to activities.
Follow proper food hygiene practices, ensuring all staff adhere to proper procedures during meal and snack times.

The above is not an exhaustive list of duties, and different tasks may be required as necessitated by the changing role within the organisation and the overall business objectives of the organisation.

Person Specification;

Essential Criteria;

Be subject to an enhanced disclosure by the Disclosure and Barring Service
Ability to travel to the farm independently
Experience supporting young people with learning disabilities or autism.
Experience supporting young people with behavioural and emotional needs.
Experience and confidence with working with a variety of animals.
Knowledge and experience in Excel and Word
Ability to meet the physical requirements of the role

Qualifications;

A minimum of Grade 4 / GCSE C in Maths and English (or equivalent).

Application deadline: 24th March 2025

Interview date: TBC (within 10 days of application deadline)

To register your interest in the role and request an application form please email julieryder@littlegate.org.uk prior to 12noon on 24th March 2025

Little Gate Farm are an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.

Our Commitment

Little Gate is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer.  Please see our application form for more information regarding guaranteed interviews for candidates choosing to share that they have a disability.

Our application and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role.

We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.

Little Gate implements safeguarding protocols in all aspects of their working practices and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced and barred DBS check, and this may include social media checks. For further details please contact Sally Moseley via email at hrsally@littlegate.org.uk.

The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exemptions) Order 1975 applies to this post. Disclosure and Barring Clearance is required prior to employment to this post.

Please note, due to a high volume of applications, we are not always able to feedback if you have been deemed unsuccessful upon review. We apologise in advance should you not be contacted.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: £12.00 per hour

Benefits: