Job Description

Hours of work: 30 hours per week


Working pattern: Part-time, Term-time only (working for 39 weeks per year plus 6.05 weeks annual leave, which will increase after 5 years' continuous service)


(As the position is part-time/term-time only, the above salary will be pro rata)


Closing date: 5th December 2025


For more information and to apply for the above post, please contact:


Polegate School (Polegate School, Oakleaf Dr, Polegate BN26 6PT)


Phone: 01323 482404


Email: office@polegate.e-sussex.sch.uk


Website: www.polegateschool.co.uk




Please note, we do not accept CVs.





Forest School Assistant Position


We require a suitably experience parson to support the Forest School Leader in delivering engaging, inclusive, and safe outdoor learning experiences that promote children's confidence, independence, and connection with the natural environment.


You will work with students experiencing a variety of learning, emotional and behavioural difficulties, focusing primarily on supporting students to achieve their personal best. You will be calm, confident, organised and be able to create a positive learning environment.





The key tasks


Assist the Forest School Leader in planning, preparing, and delivering Forest School sessions. Help set up and pack away equipment and resources before and after each session. Support children to safely engage in hands-on outdoor activities such as den building, tool use, nature crafts, and campfire cooking. Encourage curiosity, creativity, and teamwork through exploration and play in nature. Promote positive behaviour and inclusion, ensuring all children feel valued and supported. To be aware of children's risk assessments and management plans and to contribute to their development and to carry them out appropriately. Supervise small groups or individual children under the direction of the Forest School Leader. Observe and record children's engagement and progress, sharing observations with the leader or teaching staff. Follow all Forest School policies and procedures, particularly those relating to safeguarding, health and safety, and risk assessment. Ensure that tools, fires, and outdoor resources are used safely and appropriately. Respond calmly and effectively to any incidents or first aid needs. Work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and parents to create a welcoming and inclusive environment. Contribute ideas for activities, improvements, and resource development. Communicate effectively with the Forest School Leader regarding children's needs, progress, and session feedback. Act as a positive role model, promoting respect for the environment and others. Participate in relevant training and professional development opportunities. Maintain a good understanding of Forest School principles and ethos. To be versatile and flexible, the job sometimes has other roles such as linking in with teachers to run special outdoor events or helping to maintain some areas of the school grounds other than Forest School.



Forest School Assistant position details


Interviews: Date TBC Applicants may be invited to interview once their application has been received, and we reserve the right to offer the position to a candidate prior to the closing date.



You will have:


Maths and English GCSE Grade A-C or equivalent Communication skills and the ability to build relationships with students, staff and parents Experience of working within a school environment or with young people The ability to work as part of a team and on your own initiative.



Further Information


Polegate School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to an appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service check along with other relevant employment checks, including satisfactory references.





How to Apply


To request your application and job description pack please contact Monika Bailey at office@polegate.e-sussex.sch.uk .



This post is covered by the Childcare Disqualification Regulations 2018.


The school will need to ensure that they are not knowingly employing a person who is disqualified under the 2018 Regulations in connection with relevant childcare provision. Accordingly, the successful candidate will be required to demonstrate to the school, by completing a self-declaration form as part of the pre-employment checks process, that they have not been disqualified under the 2018 Regulations.


If the preferred candidate is found to be disqualified under the 2018 Regulations, the offer of employment will be subject to the application by the preferred candidate to Ofsted for a waiver and the receipt of a waiver from Ofsted.



Additional Information



This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff will be expected to hold or be willing to obtain Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record .



All school based staff have the responsibility for promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children. All school staff should be aware of the school's Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and work in accordance with this document at all times.