Position being advertised: Education Manager
Closing date for applications: 21st November 2017
Salary: £22,000 pro rata (30 hrs p/w)
Location: Beccles, Suffolk
Job categories: Forest School Leader, Forest School Trainer, Strategic Decision Maker, Co-ordinator, or Advisor
Explain how applicants should contact you / apply: To apply for this role, please email [email protected] with a CV and a Cover Letter explaining why you believe you’re suitable for the role and why you’d like to apply. For further information please visit www.ringsfield-hall.co.uk, or contact the Centre Director Simon Paylor on 01502 713020.
The closing date for applications is Monday 21st November, with interviews taking place in the week commencing 28th November (TBC).
Job description: We’re an innovative Centre for Outdoor Learning and Nature Connection situated on the border of Norfolk and Suffolk, comprising the Hall itself, various outbuildings and 14.5 acre site of woods and meadow. The Centre is run by Ringsfield Hall Trust, a registered charity whose aim is to help children, young people and families reconnect with themselves, each other and the wider world. Our pedagogy and approach is distinctive in combining the use of Earth Skills and Nature Connection, being child-focused and child-led, using (and encouraging) imagination, creativity and ‘magic’, and utilising and adapting therapeutic skills and practice.
The role of Education Manager is a key one for the Centre. You’ll join the core management team and work with the Centre Director, Hospitality Co-ordinator and Site Manager to ensure that we create a nurturing, stimulating and welcoming space (physically and psychologically) for all of our guests. You will oversee a team of dedicated and experienced permanent and freelance Education staff to develop and deliver a portfolio of outstanding outdoor learning programmes, and contribute to establishing Ringsfield Hall EcoActivity Centre as a centre of excellence for Outdoor Learning and Nature Connection.
We have scores of schools visiting each year and thousands of children and young people for day visits, residentials, holiday and after school activities, birthday parties, nurture groups and one to one’s. Whilst working collaboratively, you will have considerable creative freedom to develop and expand our Education provision as we explore how best to utilise the considerable physical resources we have at our disposal.
This post is offered as a permanent contract for 30 hours per week with a salary of £22,000 pro rata. The candidate will ideally be open to working flexible hours and accruing TOIL in busy seasons where necessary. We can also offer short/medium term transitional accommodation onsite in a small 2-bedroom staff apartment (rent and utilities free), with scope for an increase in hours and salary as provision is developed. This post will suit a candidate who will relish the chance to be part of an innovative organisation dedicated to the welfare and development of children and young people, and who is excited by the opportunity to exercise their imagination and creativity in growing our provision for greater impact.
Purpose of the Role: To take the lead role in managing, planning, organising, promoting and delivering Outdoor Education programmes delivered by Ringsfield Hall EcoActivity Centre. To manage, supervise and develop Education Team facilitators. To contribute to promoting the Centre’s work and values, and establishing Ringsfield Hall EcoActivity Centre as a centre of excellence for Outdoor Learning and Nature Connection.
Key Areas of Responsibility:
- Manage a team of Education Team facilitators with the support of the Assistant Education coordinators, incorporating recruitment, supervision, and mentoring. Monitor training needs and organise relevant CPD in cooperation with the Centre Director, whether in-house or externally provided.
- Research, plan and design high quality child-centred educational programmes with requisite curriculum links to meet school requirements with the support of the Assistant Education coordinators..
- Oversee the delivery of all Educational Activities and Programmes, including the provision, maintenance and preparation of materials, resources, props and activity areas, the organisation of team rotas, quality control etc.
- Liaise with Bookings, Hospitality and Grounds Maintenance staff to ensure we create the best nurturing and learning space possible onsite, and exceed the expectations of all of our guests.
- Work with the Centre Director to a) broaden the scope and reach of the activities and programmes on offer at the Centre, b) manage the Centre’s profile and coordinate contact with schools, educational providers, and other relevant organisations, e.g. marketing, visits, partner and stakeholder management, and evaluation, c) promote the values and aims at the heart of Ringsfield Hall Trust.
- Ensure activity and site risk assessments are up to date and compliant with relevant standards and policies.
- Ensure Safeguarding and Health & Safety policies and procedures are understood and delivered by the Education Team.
- Prepare internal and external briefings / reports as required, and manage a departmental budget.
- Assist with grant funding applications and fundraising efforts as required.
Person specification : ESSENTIAL
- Experience of environmental/ nature connection/ outdoor education work.
- Willingness to take on board, with training if necessary, the principles and practices of Earth Education to undergird all learning.
- Qualified to Forest School Level 3 qualification.
- Strong evidence of child led/centred practice and sustainable values.
- Good communication and presentation skills, both oral and written.
- ‘Customer’ or guest focused.
- Experience in managing, supervising, motivating and developing teams, identifying training needs, and delivering training, Experience in planning, developing and delivering creative educational programmes for children, young people and adults.
- A good understanding of current education practice and management, and significant experience of working with schools.
- A working knowledge of sustainability in caring for and developing the outdoor learning environment.
- Experience in developing and delivering teaching and learning for children and young people.
- A working knowledge of running Forest School/Outdoor Education in all seasons.
- Problem-solving skills and a creative approach.
- IT Literate, especially Word and Excel; experience of compiling information and reports.
- Experience of working in partnership with other organisations.
- A working knowledge of Health & Safety and Safeguarding policies and procedures.
- Full Driving Licence and own transport.
- Satisfactory DBS clearance at an Enhanced level.
DESIRABLE
- Familiar with Earth Education UK and Earth Education programmes.
- Educated to Degree level or equivalent.
- Current knowledge of Curriculum links for Outdoor Learning.
- Knowledge and / or experience of therapeutic practice and approaches.
- Experience in working with children and young people with challenging behaviour.
- Current First Aid qualification.
Characteristics:
- Believes in our ethos, values and person-centred approach, and will take pride in being part of this unique Centre’s work.
- Has a deep understanding of child-led and child-centred facilitation.
- Strongly empathetic and emotionally intelligent.
- Understands the value of community and family, particularly when it comes to inspiring children.
- Understands the importance of respect for the child, and that the child is the main focus (‘Fostering the spirit of the child’).
- Friendly, flexible, confident, and communicative, works well under pressure.
- Excellent organisational skills.
- Committed to inclusion and diversity.
- A great team player, willing to learn from others on the team.
- ‘Role models’ and leads good practice.
- Self-motivated and takes initiative.
- Able to step back and take into account your own emotional responses with a calm and considered approach.
- Loves Nature and wants to care for our planet.
- Inspired to create magical learning adventures to inspire awe and wonder of the natural world.
To apply for this role, please email [email protected] with a CV and a Cover Letter explaining why you believe you’re suitable for the role and why you’d like to apply. For further information please visit www.ringsfield-hall.co.uk, or contact the Centre Director Simon Paylor on 01502 713020.
