Thursday, 29 March 2012

New Vacancy -- Join our inspirational training team

Archimedes Training Ltd


• You will deliver outstanding Forest Schools Training provision to adults up to Level 3 across the UK with a potential for International opportunities if desired


• As a motivated outdoor educator you can work on your own initiative to inspire and enthuse client groups


• Requirement to travel countrywide to support rapidly expanding exciting organisation


• Ideally, you hold an Archimedes Level 4 Forest Schools qualification, or have equivalent experience in Training and will be prepared to undergo mentoring to achieve the accreditation


• Join the team at the Archimedes Centre of Excellence™ for Forest Schools, Beach Schools™ and Outdoor Learning


• Apply for a Job Description for more details


Full Time or Job share considered for the right candidates


Salary £24,000 to £27,000 per annum pro rata


Package including holidays, benefits and pension


6 months probationary period


Archimedes Training is an Equal Opportunities Employer


Deadline for applications 20th April 2012


INTERVIEWS


Thursday 26th April 2012


Interviews will take the form of a Formal Interview and a Practical session


Start date: May/June 2012






To request a Job Description or to apply contact us at


alice@archimedes-training.co.uk


Archimedes Training Ltd.


Sheffield Technology Park, Cooper Buildings, Arundel Street, Sheffield, S1 2NS


Tel/Fax: 0114 2855534 and then 0114 2211811 from the 2nd April

FULL JOB DESCRIPTION

ARCHIMEDES TRAINING LTD


JOB DESCRIPTION for Archimedes Trainer


Reports to Training Manager


The Archimedes Trainer will be expected to provide high quality, inspirational training for individuals and groups from a range of local communities and groups across the UK.

The Archimedes Trainer will be required, after a probationary period of 6 months to support the Training manager successfully carry out all training to the highest standards, ensuring that the best possible environment and care are provided for each individual that attends.

Archimedes is looking for an experienced trainer of adults, ideally with a Level 4 Archimedes Forest Schools Award who is familiar with delivery and assessment of quality Outdoor Learning training provision and is interested and enthusiastic to develop Archimedes Forest Schools training and develop practice in areas of Outdoor Learning, but particularly Forest Schools Level 3 and Beach Schools in the first instance.

Archimedes Training is an equal Opportunities Employer

Main Responsibilities

 To be responsible for and to oversee the day to day delivery, support of assistant staff, organisation and smooth running of the Forest Schools, Beach Schools and Outdoor Learning training courses and other training provision allocated.


 To promote the Archimedes Forest School, Beach Schools and Outdoor Learning ethos and to create a welcoming training environment.


 To be responsible at all times for high standards of care and education of all group members in accordance with Archimedes procedures and other legislative statutory requirements.


 To ensure effective communication with the training team, learners and with all partner organisations.


 To order and maintain equipment and resources for the training.


 To be accountable and responsible for communication of day to day financial systems directly relating to the training provision with the financial manager.


 To be responsible for admissions in line with the Admissions Policy agreed by the management team at Head Office.


 To keep a register and up to date records of all learners using the training provision and to give regular feedback to line manager and/or the Director of training regarding development and progress.


 To identify and inspect a range of training venues and woodlands, assessing their suitability for Archimedes Training courses


 To supervise, observe, mentor and support Level 4 Trainees as appropriate


 To keep records of mentoring and disseminate to Director of Training

Supervision / Management of People

The post holder will be responsible for the management, supervision and appraisal of the following staff (under the guidance of the Training Manager), as appropriate:


 Training Assistants


 Those undergoing Level 4 Forest School Training and Beach Schools

From time to time there may be a requirement to manage the work of staff who are appointed for associate work or to provide supervision for students on placement.

Creativity and Innovation

 The Archimedes Trainer will implement essential training and incorporate any adaptations and changes as appropriate and support the development of policies and procedures. This will require creative thought together with an informed understanding of statutory requirements and best practice for education and training.

 The Archimedes Trainer must work to Archimedes Policies about Keeping Learners Safe, Equal Opportunities, Data Protection and Confidentiality.

 The Archimedes Trainer will need to liaise with the Quality Assurance manager and understand and implement assessment and marking Policies and Procedures in order to maintain quality

 The Archimedes Trainer will be expected to deliver a wide range of courses, some accredited, some relating to Continual Professional Development, some taster days and some portfolio days.


 The Archimedes Trainer will be expected to source leads, follow up leads and conduct meetings with prospective stakeholder organizations promoting Archimedes Training Ltd.

Contacts and Relationships

Working relationships will include the following:

Internal

 CEO


 Training Manager


 Business Development Manager


 Operations Manager


 All staff employed for the training provision


External


 Quality Assurance manager


 Training Networks


 Institute of Outdoor Learning


 Forestry Commission


 Stakeholder organisations


 Learners


 Staff from a wide range of other agencies and settings, including the Social Services, Primary Care Trust, NHS Trust, Surestart and a range of voluntary / private sector organisations and Day Care providers.

The Archimedes Trainer will be expected to build good working relationships at every level. Working in partnership with learners and stakeholder organisations is highly valued and The Archimedes Trainer must be approachable, friendly and able to communicate effectively at all times.

At all times The Archimedes Trainer will be expected to respect the confidentiality of sensitive information (subject to child protection policies and procedures).

Decisions

a) Discretion


 The Archimedes Trainer will work closely with the Training Manager, Information and guidance will be readily available; however, The Archimedes Trainer will be expected to work autonomously in relation to the day to day management of training after satisfactory completion of the initial 6 probationary period. The role requires the confidence to make day to day decisions thoughtfully and with a high degree of sensitivity to the needs of all learners whilst maintaining the integrity of Archimedes Training Ltd.


 The Archimedes Trainer will be expected to make recommendations and proposals about service developments and changes, but not to make decisions about substantive changes to the training department without prior consultation with the management team.


b) Consequences


 Decisions made by The Archimedes Trainer will directly impact on the day to day quality, availability and flexibility of training for all learners and stakeholder organisations.


 The Archimedes Trainer will exercise discretion about which learners may receive a service (in line with the Admissions Policy), and will be expected to interpret Policies and Procedures thoughtfully, consistently and tactfully.

Resources

 The Archimedes Trainer will have day to day responsibility for the delivery of training in the training department within the organisation and for the use of other resources. Also for ensuring that the training provision is clean, safe and welcoming to learners.


 The post holder will be a key holder for the training venue.

Work Environment


a) Work Demands


The Archimedes Trainer will need to demonstrate effective time and resource management to meet the planned needs of learners and any anticipated demands that might be reasonably foreseen. The post holder will need to be attentive to a planned timetable whilst retaining the flexibility to be accessible and available to meet learner needs. The Archimedes Trainer will need to make judgments about the delegation of tasks and responsibilities to the Assistant trainers as appropriate

b) Physical Demands


The work requires moderate levels of physical effort. It involves lifting and handling of training equipment, play equipment and other resources and to be involved in practical activities and physical care of learners and the physical woodland environment. The training for some levels is mainly out of doors and this will require walking and managing the training on uneven surfaces and in unpredictable weather conditions. You are required to be a role model for the staff and learners you work with, adhering to the Archimedes Health and Safety procedures at all times relating to PPE.

c) Working Conditions

The Archimedes Trainer post involves traveling and staying away from home across the UK, this is a part of the requirements of the job and consideration is included in the remuneration offered. You will be expected to attend meetings at Head Office and training in other places.

Knowledge and Skills


 Archimedes Level 4 or equivalent Forest Schools Trainers Certificate is desirable


 Level 4 Forest Schools Practitioners


 Appropriate Teacher Training certificate


 Knowledge, understanding and practical experience of Forest School provision for young children and youth.


 Knowledge and practical understanding of child development and pedagogy.


 Knowledge and understanding and practical experience of sustainable woodland management and education within the outdoor environment


 Knowledge and understanding of legislation and regulations relating to day to day running of Forest Schools provision for young children and youth the inspections process for approval of such settings.


 Knowledge and ability to create and implement policies and procedures consistent with legislation, regulations and local requirements.


 Able to work independently and to manage own time efficiently.


 Experience of managing, supervision and appraisal of staff.


 Ability to develop an effective team.


 Warm and caring personality - friendly and approachable to learners.


 Ability to create and implement basic systems for learner records and financial records.


 Ability to communicate effectively with staff at all levels.


 Commitment to the principle that learners 'know best' about their own needs.


 Commitment to equal opportunities for all learners.


 Understanding of Archimedes Forest School Ethos and be able to apply this throughout all working practice, both with learners, staff and children.


1) Other Duties


The duties and responsibilities in this job description are not restrictive and the post holder may be required to undertake any other duties which may be required from time to time. Any such duties should not, however, substantially change the general character of the post.

2) Equal Opportunities


The post holder must carry out his/her duties with full regard to the company's Equal Opportunities Policy

3) Health and Safety


The post holder must carry out his/her duties with full regard to the company's Health and Safety Procedures.

PERSON SPECIFICATION for Archimedes Trainer

Essential Measure Desirable Measure

Essential

Experience

2 Years post qualifying experience of which at least has involved managing and supervising staff

Evidence of baseline assessments and a continual evaluation process

Experience of long term developmental programmes within Forest Schools and a related training environment (e.g. outdoor pursuits, heath and safety/first aid, environmental education/conservation or forestry) that have lasted a minimum of 12 weeks

A/I Experience of working in more than one setting or more than one age/ client group

Experience of delivering training

Experience of supervising learners

Experience of managing venues and other resources


Experience of working with volunteers and/or other support staff


Understanding of the qualifications process and the QA programme


Experience of writing training materials A/I

Education / Training

Qualifications Minimum of Level 3 (ONC/NVQ/BTEC etc) Forest Schools Practitioners

A minimum of Level 3 in a related area. For example:


1. Early Years, Youth and Community, Playwork


2. Social Forestry, Forestry, Countryside, Arboriculture, Woodland crafts, Outdoor Education, Bushcraft


3. Counseling, Wilderness Therapy, Ecotherapy, Creative Arts therapy, Play therapy


4. Adult training


Or acceptance of equivalent qualifications.

Level 3 Forest School Practitioner

Appropriate Adult Education Certificate A and Certificates Teaching or Adult Education Training qualification

Level 4 Archimedes Trainer


ITC First Aid


APIOL (Accredited Practitioner Institute of Outdoor Learning)


NLP Practitioner (Neuro Linguistic Programming) A/I

C
Special Knowledge Up to date awareness of current thinking and theoretical underpinning about the needs and care of young children, young people and adults


Knowledge of relevant legislation and the ability to develop policies/procedures consistent with legislation and best practice.


Awareness of observation techniques, evaluative processes and purposeful planning.


A/IP Woodland Management experience

Knowledge of Foundation Stage Curriculum

Knowledge of specialist requirements of young people and barriers to participation

Understanding of the special requirements for 8 to 11years

Awareness of the importance of Playwork


Knowledge, understanding and practical experience of Issues relating to implication of Forest School for organizations


Experience of conducting Training Needs Analysis


Knowledge and understanding of current legislation relating to education and learning in the outdoors


Importance of nutrition in the development of wellbeing A/I

Skills Ability to communicate confidently with a wide range of people


Able to work independently and to manage own time efficiently


Ability to supervise, inspire and motivate learners and peers


Ability to use computer for basic learner records and finance records A/I Woodland craft skills

Environmental Play skills

A/I/P

Personal Qualities Commitment to equal opportunities for all learners.


Warm and caring personality - friendly and approachable for learners


Commitment to partnership with learners and stakeholder organisations


Enthusiastic, innovative, energetic and able to motivate others


Flexible, practical and willing to 'get your hands dirty'


Love and passion of the outdoors


Motivated to develop and maintain high quality provision and practice A/I and R

Special Requirement Able to accommodate the flexible working hours, travel and working away from home that are essential and required

The applicant will have full access to and use of own car

The candidate will be required to sign the Archimedes Training Ltd license agreement permitting them to Utilise the Level 4 Qualification. I Passion for Forest Schools and the philosophical approach of Archimedes as a company


A = Application Form R = Reference I = Interview Process P = Presentation






How to apply
Please email a CV and covering letter outlining your experience with special reference to Forest Schools practice where appropriate.

mailto:appropriate.alice@archimedes-training.co.uk


Archimedes Training Ltd.


Sheffield Technology Park


Cooper Buildings


Arundel Street


Sheffield


S1 2NS


T. 0114 2211 811


www.archimedes-training.com

www.forestschools.com

www.bushschools.org





























www.forestschools.com; www.archimedes-training.co.uk; www.bushschools.org





Cooking Outdoors at Forest Schools

Learning to cook in the out of doors is so exciting and fulfilling on so many levels. It creates a connection socially with those around you and as Maslow suggest this sense of belonging is essential in order to be able to work towards self actualisation. Not only is a full tummy satisfying it also produces chemicals in the brain leading to satisfaction and wellbeing Christopher Hobbs and Elson Haas suggest that the foods you eat produce in differing amounts, phenylalanine which is essential to creating active neural connections and has a positive impact on depression and stress, they help with memory, alertness and learning, The food your tummy also produces dopamine thus a positive outlook on life whilst eating in the woods will create a positive memory from that experience as well as aiding memory and learning . These are essential aspects of understanding why eating in the out of doors is so useful in Forest Schools.



Ferre Leavers is the advocate who asks how engagement and challenge go hand in hand to fulfilment and development. Children are so estranged from the food that they eat and in some cases have no control over what goes in their stomachs, I know of some early years and school teachers who have commented that children do not go to the toilet for up to seven days as a time as their diet is so lacking in minerals and fibre. Seven days, what must this be doing to their health and growth? Cooking in the open air give a sense of connection to nature, you can see the impacts of the flames on water boiling, how ashes slowly cook your bread, how to smoke fish in a box, or how to cook a pizza in pan. Deep level learning occurs around an open fire and so the learning is happening in a highly successful way.


The olfactory and gustatory sense are the largest sense centres in the brain and are so underused in education and learning. It is very closely connected to survival, but also to the long term memory, and when the process of selecting the food, preparing it, then cooking it and most importantly sharing it with your friends, the smell and taste will evoke those long term memories and so through reflective practice can be bought back to life as a positive memory and achievement building resilience and positive mental attitudes. The uniqueness of the Forest Schools process is that this is understood as important, that childrens self esteem, self reliance, reciprocity and independence can be built upon during a period of cooking and eating well. This reflective process can then allow children to recount their experiences and develop deeper communication skills and social interactions. There can be a dramatic impact on the literacy of children who are more likely to be able to draw on these positive experiences in other experiences. Using good quality equipment is always going to make your life easier and help you and your children to be successful.

- Sarah Blackwell, CEO Archimedes Training



You can buy all the equipment you need for outdoor cooking from our online shop here

Wednesday, 7 March 2012

20% Off Selected Level 3 Training!

Dear All

We are delighted to announce a special Easter Offer for our Forest Schools training. We are offering 20% off the following Level 3 courses:

Guildford, Surrey - 16th-20th April 2012
Paignton, Devon - 23rd-27th April 2012
Cannock, Staffordshire - 30th-4th May 2012
Chigwell, London - 21st - 25th May 2012

To get your 20% discount you must request, fill in and return a Special Booking Form. Please email jen@archimedes-training.co.uk for your special booking form.


Terms and Conditions
The offer only applies to the specific courses as outlined.
A Special Booking Form must have been recieved via email or post by archimedes in order for the discount to apply (please do not also book online).
Places will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis on reciept of a Special Booking Form.
The discount does not apply to previous bookings already made on the course.