Platform Learning Development Officer

The following information aims to provide potential candidates with a better understanding of the requirements for this role. An exciting opportunity to join a dynamic team developing and delivering a rail-education scheme connecting schools and young people to the rail industry through workshops, train-trips, and bespoke, local resources. is an education programme for five Community Rail Partnerships (, shire, shire, and ). Community Rail Partnerships (CRPs) bring together local groups and partners along railway lines to work with the rail industry to deliver a range of community engagement and promotional activities. They promote understanding of the importance of local railways, in terms of improving mobility and sustainable travel, community cohesion and wellbeing, and social and economic development. Platform helps teachers to build their students’ knowledge of rail-safety, their understanding of sustainable and healthy travel, and their confidence in using trains. Schools are supported in building cultural-capital with out-of-classroom experiences; embedding sustainable learning into their curriculum; and promoting access to future opportunities available to young people through train travel. Main duties and responsibilities: Deliver in-school workshops and assemblies tailored to the needs of students and schools using appropriate engagement and behaviour management techniques. Recognise that most of the role involves working on site at schools, on trains and at stations which can necessitate early starts as we cover a large region (wherever possible travel will be via train and a train pass will be issued). Confidently deliver rail familiarisation education sessions – including safety briefings – at stations, on trains, and wherever relevant. Develop, edit and adjust workshops routinely. Shadow colleagues from Platform and Community Rail and embed good practice into own workshops. Liaise with stakeholders including teachers, school staff, train operating companies and staff at stations to ensure the smooth operation of a trip. Contribute to risk assessment planning for school trips and workshops and follow safeguarding procedures. Adhere to meticulous safety protocol when travelling by train and at stations. Gather feedback from students and teachers at the end of workshops and train trips using QR code stickers and Impact surveys. On non-delivery days, plan, research and create curriculum-linked learning resources across KS1 to KS3 (may only be 1 or 2 days a month) Generate ideas for innovative and exciting lessons that meet curriculum objectives, and link to the rail industry/local areas. Write lesson plans that deliver on our Support-Scaffold-Stretch differentiation framework which can also be delivered by non-specialists. Communicate with schools in the lead up to their trips, provide itineraries and book future trips. Gather meaningful data and use it to influence reports. Contribute to website and social media content. Use MS Outlook and calendar function to keep track of activities and visits. Use our Impact system to log data on school engagement after every event. Use Safe HR system to log working hours. When appropriate, present at events/network meetings, promoting the scheme. Attend mentoring and networks with other CRN education professionals. Provide high levels of customer service at all times. Attend conferences as requested. Knowledge and Experience: Essential Significant experience in, and enthusiasm for, delivering primary and/or secondary curriculum-led educational sessions in an inspiring and motivating way. Clear understanding and experience of the education sector. Ability to work supportively, empathetically and flexibly with teachers, school staff and young people. Knowledge of Safeguarding procedures and KCSIE 2022. Experience of delivering off-site learning, such as school trips or visits with community groups. Experience of using data to inform future actions. Experience of writing, or contributing to, risk assessments. Desirable Experience of creating thought-provoking teaching resources. Experience of working with learners with additional needs and/or disabilities.

Skills and Aptitudes Essential Well-organised, clear and confident communicator, able to present to a wide variety of audiences. Excellent personal time management and reliability. The ability to meet deadlines and work in a calm and effective manner. Ability to work as a competent and effective team member, including remote working. Excellent IT skills including knowledge of MS Office. A willingness to learn new applications and technology as appropriate. A preparedness to work flexibly, including variation in the working day or evening and weekend work for key events. Ability to maintain databases and use data to provide evidence, feedback and data for reporting and to inform future content Willingness to travel across the scheme area, using the rail travel pass provided. High levels of customer service skills used to provide excellent experiences for all involved in the scheme. Ability to demonstrate knowledge and/or experience of equality and diversity issues. Commitment to inclusion and an ability to remove barriers for learners. Desirable Knowledge and understanding of pedagogy, successful teaching strategies, and approaches to behaviour management. Experience using social media platforms. Qualifications Essential A suitable qualification in teaching or youth work - such as, but not limited to, PGCE, BEd, BA/BSc with QTS or Graduate Certificate in Youth and Community Work or similar, appropriate qualification or equivalent experience. A current first aid certificate or willingness to do the training. Driving licence, with access to a car for occasions where travelling by train isn’t viable. Desirable Additional qualifications and evidence of CPD, such as a qualification in SEN Candidates with a range of specialisms considered, but we especially welcome applications from candidates with a specialism in STEM subjects or creative arts. Additional information about this post Location – Dorset and Wiltshire. A valid drivers license and access to a car is essential for this role. Hours – The team has a flexible approach to working hours, however due to the nature of this role there will be requirements for some working outside of usual office hours, including occasional working in areas outside your usual delivery area. Contract information Start date as soon as possible, respecting usual teacher recruitment cycles. Fixed post until 31st July 2026 with potential of extending depending on future funding This position is subject to a DBS check. Salary range £28,000 - £31,750 depending on qualifications and experience. This role is part time four days per week with access to an Employee Assistance Programme. Application information Deadline for applications 12th September 5pm. Please note we reserve the right to close this advert early and therefore we encourage you to apply for this position early. Should you be shortlisted we will contact you to arrange an online interview To apply for this position please email your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the position against the above criteria. All applicants are requested to complete our equality and diversity monitoring form and return as part of your application. Completion of this form is voluntary and will not affect your application. For more information regarding this position, and to apply,  please contact Clare Marshall raileducation.org.uk