Forest School Leader

Job Title: Forest School Leader Location: Thames Ditton, Surrey Hours: 40 hours per week (across 4 or 5 days) Salary: £29,000 – £33,000 per annum (depending on qualifications and experience) Contract: Full-time, Permanent   About Us: We are a warm and nurturing nursery in Thames Ditton, Surrey and we have recently opened a Forest School on site to expand our setting.  This will be a place where children thrive through nature-based learning and exploration. We believe in the power of the outdoors to foster creativity, resilience and curiosity. Our Forest School program is an integral part of our curriculum, where children experience hands-on learning through outdoor play, exploration and adventure. We are seeking a passionate and ideally experienced Forest School Leader to join our dedicated team and lead our Forest School.   The Role: As a Forest School Leader, you will take responsibility for planning, delivering and leading outdoor learning sessions, ensuring children have meaningful and enjoyable experiences in nature. This role will require a hands-on, dynamic approach to learning and you'll need to work closely with the nursery team to create a safe, engaging and fun outdoor environment for children.   Key Responsibilities: Lead and manage the Forest School for young children in a natural outdoor setting, ensuring they are engaging, child-centered and developmentally appropriate. Develop nature-based learning activities such as bushcraft, den building, nature walks, sensory play and seasonal crafts, that encourage children to connect with the environment and develop key skills. Foster a love of the outdoors, promoting the benefits of outdoor play and exploration in all weathers. Ensure that children are safe at all times, carrying out risk assessments and following appropriate safety procedures. Work collaboratively with colleagues to create an inclusive, stimulating environment that supports children’s physical, emotional and social development. Build strong relationships with children, supporting their learning and emotional well-being. Maintain professional standards by adhering to the nursery's policies and procedures, ensuring all safeguarding and health & safety guidelines are followed. Support the development of other staff by providing guidance and sharing best practices for outdoor learning. Track and report on children’s progress, keeping accurate records of their achievements and development. Requirements: Level 3 Childcare qualification (or willing to work towards). A Forest School Leader qualification or equivalent experience would be a bonus. Previous experience working in a nursery setting, ideally with Room Leader experience or as a Senior Practitioner. A passion for outdoor learning, with an ability to inspire and engage children in nature-based activities. Ability to work in all weather conditions, embracing the changing seasons and encouraging children to do the same. Strong knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures. Experience of leading small groups of children and managing challenging behaviours in a positive, proactive way. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work as part of a close-knit team. A flexible and creative approach to outdoor play and learning. A commitment to ongoing professional development, with a willingness to undertake additional training, including Forest School Leader qualification if not already obtained. What We Offer: A competitive salary of £29,000 – £33,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. A supportive team environment where your professional development is encouraged. Opportunities for training and career progression within the nursery. Access to outdoor learning resources and a well-equipped outdoor space. Attractive holiday package and your Birthday off of work Access to a Perks account to saying money at hundreds of retailers Uniform Staff incentives, rewards and an annual Christmas party How to Apply: If you are passionate about outdoor education and are looking for a rewarding role where you can make a positive impact on children’s lives, we would love to hear from you! To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and why you would be a great fit for this role to (url removed)   We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All successful applicants will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check.   This job description outlines the key responsibilities and requirements for the role of Forest School Leader within our nursery setting. We are looking for someone who shares our values and is excited about leading children in outdoor learning activities.   If you are ready for the challenge and believe you have the skills and passion required, we encourage you to apply