Schools Outreach Assistant (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) (Biology Student Internship)

As part of the RSPB's aim to connect as many children as possible to nature, we'll be visiting primary schools and Early Years settings enthused and ready to deliver our inspiring outreach sessions. They are designed to give teachers and their pupils all the support they need to explore the natural world around them.

The sessions are fun and interactive, allowing plenty of opportunities for first-hand experiences of nature whether it be bug hunting, birdwatching or finding daisies. We also offer specially developed Early Years sessions lasting about 90 minutes, including activities such as minibeast hunts and sensory activities. We are looking for new volunteers to help us to deliver this ambitious project.

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:

• Enthusiasm, with the ability to communicate your passion for the natural world to help connect children with nature.
• Some experience of working with young people. (All volunteers will require a referee who can vouch for their suitability to work with children.)
• A resourceful and flexible approach to be able to engage with primary-aged children of all abilities.
• An interest in wildlife and some knowledge of conservation and the natural environment.
• A willingness to learn new skills.
• Well organised, with effective communication skills to liaise with other volunteers and schools.
• Confidence to travel independently to schools and positively represent the RSPB.
• Computer literacy - ability to use e-mail, internet, word processing.
• Some knowledge of wildlife gardening.
• Basic wildlife identification skills, we can support you gain knowledge in this area.

This is a highly rewarding role offering the opportunity to make a real impact for children and for nature.

This role is suitable for under 18’s.