Schools Outreach Assistant (Scotland) (Growing up with Quarrymill Project Education Volunteer)

We are looking for committed, enthusiastic individuals who are interested in encouraging the next generation to explore and develop a passion for nature through the Growing up with Quarrymill Project.

Quarrymill Woodland Park is located in Perth and consists of 27 acres of mature mixed evergreen and broadleaf woodland. The Annaty burn runs through the wood along with several surfaced paths making it accessible for all. It is owned and maintained by The Gannochy Trust. The Trust kindly fund the RSPB’s delivery of formal education with local nurseries, schools and organisations and our informal family engagement work in the woodland through the Growing up with Quarrymill Project. The aim of the project is to provide children and their adults with active, experiential learning opportunities where they can connect with nature in a local, natural environment. We want to show them how amazing nature is, particularly on their doorstep, and help them develop a sense of ownership for Quarrymill Woodland. This opportunity provides valuable experience of working with groups of young people from nursery age to secondary.

Your enthusiasm for the natural world will inspire the children and young people we work with and you can make a real difference. You can spend the day in the relaxing environment of Quarrymill Woodland, with the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife and develop your own skills in wildlife identification and outdoor education.

Following a period of shadowing experienced session leaders, you will be leading sessions with a class of children and their teacher, inspiring them to get up close to what creeps, crawls and flies in their school grounds. Alternatively, as a Session Assistant, you would help the session leader with the task, including preparing and tidying resources and providing hands-on support for the children.

Full training and support will be provided but we are looking for volunteers with the following skills, experience and attributes:

• A positive attitude to working with people of all ages but in particular children and young people. • An interest in wildlife and nature. (You don’t need to be an expert but, be willing to learn and have enthusiasm about nature which you can share with the children and young people!) • Being involved in helping with a range of activities and games, which require you to be out and about in the woodland environment for most of the day (in all weathers). • Help with resources and equipment. • Ability to work in a team • Previous work with children would be an advantage however, not essential. • Be proactive and willing to get hands on. • An awareness of Health and Safety.

In line with our Safeguarding policy, all applicants are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (England and Wales), Access NI in Northern Ireland, or a PVG Scheme registration check from Volunteer Scotland in Scotland. References will also be taken up.