Schools on Reserves Learning Assistant, Sandwell Valley

Do you remember finding your first ladybird? Share in the excitement as a volunteer and you will have the opportunity to deliver our education programme to visiting schools where typical activities range from hands on exploration of meadows, woods and ponds to playing environmental games. To help us deliver environmental education at our reserves we need you to deliver fun and exciting activities as part of out of classroom learning. Our Schools on Reserves programme aims to give schoolchildren the chance to experience nature first-hand and you can be part of that exciting journey of discovery! Sandwell Valley nature reserve, on the edge of England's second city is bursting with wildlife, it is an excellent and inspiring place for the education of young people. With its colourful history of monks, monasteries and mines; this landscape now boasts an incredible variety of wildlife and habitats. It is so important because unlike many other nature reserves, this one is in touching distance of hundreds of homes, businesses and several motorways, in other words, thousands of people just waiting to discover the nature here.

Essential Skills/Experience needed: * A keen interest in wildlife, conservation and the environment * An enthusiasm for outdoor education and a willingness to learn new skills * A resourceful and flexible approach to be able to cope with a wide variety of ages and abilities of children * The confidence and ability to lead or facilitate a fun and active day's education programme, both in the field and the classroom, with a group of students and their teacher. * Abundant enthusiasm and excellent communication skills. * Ability to communicate effectively with children of differing needs and levels of understanding. * Self-motivated with ability to work as part of a team and alone. * Good organisation skills. * Computer literacy - ability to use e-mail, internet, word processing Desirable skills/experience: * Field teaching experience would be an advantage. * Some ecological knowledge of habitat types would be an advantage * Some knowledge of the local history of the area would be an advantage

Minimum:

Approx. one day a week during summer term (April to July), likely to be less often during other school terms

Duration:

Ongoing

Period:

April to mid July as required with school visits

The opportunity to make a real difference enriching the lives of youngsters and inspiring them to care and learn more about the natural world with the RSPB. We'll give you training and experience to build your confidence in helping children have wonderful hands-on experiences with nature. We can potentially give you the skills to kick start a career in environmental or community education. You'll be part of a small friendly team of staff and volunteers and have the opportunity to make new friends.

Contact

Gretel Cooper, Sandwell Valley
Tel: 01213 577395
Email: Gretel.Cooper@rspb.org.uk

Notes

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. Contact the Disclosure and Barring Service on 0870 9090811 for more information. Contact Volunteer Scotland on 01786 849777 for more information. Contact Access NI on 0300 200 7888 for more information. References will also be taken up. All training necessary and background information will be provided and since you are giving up your time, it is only fair we offer to re-imburse your travel expenses (up to 25 miles max). The RSPB is the country's largest nature conservation charity, inspiring everyone to give nature a home. By volunteering your time and talents you can help us increase our impact and help us save more nature