Schools Outreach Volunteer - Edinburgh

As part of the RSPB's aim to connect as many children as possible to nature we'll be descending on primary schools ready to deliver our inspiring outreach sessions. They're 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, bird watching or finding daisies. We're looking for volunteers with a real passion for enthusing children about the natural world to play a key part in this project. Following a period of shadowing the Schools Outreach Officer we'd ask you to take the lead on delivering three different workshops with classes of children (age range between 5-12yrs). These workshops are aimed at inspiring them to get close up to what creeps, crawls and flies in their school grounds. Teachers would be present at all times. Tasks will include: • Leading on delivering our standardised learning activities to primary school children – each of the three workshops last 90 minutes and focuses predominantly on learning outdoors. • Inspiring children about wildlife, facilitating their learning during activities. • Assisting with equipment and resource maintenance as necessary • Regularly checking and responding to emails as this will be our primary method of communicating with you and for sending school requests through to you. • Assisting with feedback and evaluation

Essential: • bags of enthusiasm and a natural at communicating your passion for nature to children • genuinely enjoys working with children ranging in age from 5 to 12 yrs • a resourceful, flexible and creative approach to working with children • enjoys working outdoors • well organised, great communicator • a keen interest in wildlife, conservation and nature • great at working in a team and on your own • happy to take instructions, keen to learn new skills • computer literate, ability to use email, internet, MS Word It would be desirable (though not essential) if you also have the following: • some knowledge of wildlife gardening • basic identification skills

Minimum:

One day a week (though we can be flexible on this)

Duration:

Ongoing

Period:

During school term time, flexible hours

An excellent opportunity to play a vital part in inspiring children about the natural world. Build on existing skills and learn and develop new skills. Develop knowledge of how outdoor education links to the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence. One-to-one support and guidance from experienced RSPB staff. In-house training and career development opportunities based on hours served. Volunteer cards issued to those who give 50 hours which gives you a range of discounts. Free membership to PVG disclosure scheme, plus safeguarding and health and safety training. Enhanced CV by volunteering with a well known charity - we'd supply you with a reference. Enjoy being part of an inspiring team.

Contact

Laura Copley, SHQ, Fundraising & Communications
Tel: 0131 317 4100
Email: Laura.Copley@rspb.org.uk

Notes

Before starting in role we'd ask you to attend: an induction to the RSPB, it's vision and ways of working; an induction to the role; training in the delivery of specific schools sessions we offer. We'd also offer safeguarding and health & safety training. We'd reimburse any out-of-pocket travel expenses, provide you with RSPB uniform and name badge, and of course give you ongoing support in your role. In line with legislation all successful applicants will be required to join the PVG Scheme and provide references. 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.