Bushcraft and or Outdoor Learning Instructor - Oxford, United Kingdom - Orchard Therapeutic Farm

Description

Main responsibilities:
This role is for those seeking to make a difference in the lives of young people.

We are looking for an experienced Bushcraft / Outdoor Learning Instructor to join our team, with a caring personality and great communication skills to be positive role models for our young people.

You will need to be able to set clear boundaries, and be patient and proactive.

Every day will be different, you will need to work flexibly to provide a consistent approach to supporting children to engage.

Working as part of the Orchard Therapeutic Farm team, you will join a group of hard-working individuals who are committed to providing a stimulating and supportive environment.

The focus of this provision is pastoral and holistic, with both elements being included in the day-to-day schedule to ensure children are thriving in their own learning and can achieve their full potential.

This role is preferred to start immediately.

You would be responsible for working 1:1 and in small groups, running sessions, assisting with the bushcraft and outdoor activities and setting an example of positive behaviour.

Our young people are between the ages of 8- 18 and will be working towards alternative forms of learning vocational qualifications and functional skills.

All young people are supported to develop life and social skills through personal development programmes run by OTF.

All young people will build on our core values:

• Wellbeing and Mental Health
• Vocational/Life Skills
• Community
• Learning

The voice of the child is our absolute main priority at all times. All children are encouraged to share their views and to have active roles in our community. Opportunities for teamwork and leadership are provided to develop skills such as communication, cooperation and taking responsibility.

The Learning Mentors will take an active role in helping children develop confidence and take the reigns of their own futures.

Introduction to Orchard Therapeutic Farm (OTF)

Orchard Therapeutic Farm - 'A provision without walls'

OTF is a primary and secondary learning alternative provision for children aged 6 to 16 years.

We are a special alternative learning provision which caters for pupils who have social, emotional and mental health difficulties, including associated challenging behaviours.

Many of the pupils that attend alternative learning provision have additional special educational needs such as autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit and hyperactive disorders (ADHD) which many affect their speech and language development Places for pupils are commissioned at the alternative learning provision by several local authorities, Including Oxfordshire, West Berkshire, Wiltshire Buckinghamshire, and Slough.

Pupils who are referred to the alternative learning provision have an education, health and care plan. We are a small and nurturing Therapeutic Alternative learning provision.

Our learning community engages pupils and develops positive attitudes toward learning through our farming, enterprise and community work. OTF is set in a beautiful quiet, rural area of Oxford on a Farm.

We have a purpose-built teaching space which includes an art room, vocational space and cookery rooms and extensive grounds, which we use for our animals and woodland activities.

The alternative learning provision follows a contextualised and practical approach to teaching and learning through its purposeful and appropriate vocational Curriculum and farming activities.

Orchard Therapeutic Farm is what it says on the tin. We are a smallholding farm, nestled within an apple orchard, with beautiful views and 7 acres of land. With rolling hill views, a lake with pure serenity, that you can only experience once you're here. Like our apple trees, it is truly 'scrumptious'.

Roles & Responsibilities

Orchard Therapeutic Farm is looking for a talented person to lead fantastic Bushcraft and Outdoor activities for our students.

If you have bushcraft, scouts or outdoor activity leader or outdoor qualifications then this is the perfect job for you.

Spend your days getting children to learn to:

• Build dens
• Fire lighting skills
• Knife work
• Wild camping
• Outdoor cooking
• Canoeing/ kayaking
• Hiking
• Wildlife watching
• Swimming lessons
• Survival
• Woodland games
• DIY tools
• Art exhibit
• Work with groups of 1
• Work alongside the Director, other mentors and all staff
• Support children, with focus on outdoor learning
• Involve children in setting their own goals and ensuring sessions are adapted to support each individual pupil
• Work collaboratively with the rest of the team to ensure children receive holistic support
• Demonstrate consistently positive attitudes, values and act as a positive role model
• Support children in making progress in their learning
• Be willing to work efficiently with the team to care for the farm animals
• Lead activities with bushcraft and outdoor learning

Plan and deliver cookery sessions on ou