At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead outdoor learning adventures and inspire creativity in children.
- Company: Join a top-rated, employee-owned nursery with a community focus.
- Benefits: Generous leave, childcare discounts, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with strong career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through fun, engaging outdoor activities.
- Qualifications: Level 3 childcare qualification and passion for outdoor learning.
The predicted salary is between 16.22 - 16.22 £ per hour.
Join Childbase Partnership and be part of something extraordinary.
Role: Forest School Leader
Location: Willows Day Nursery | Stoke Mandeville | HP21 8BD
Contract: Permanent | 37.5-40 hours/week | 52 weeks/year
Working pattern: Varied shifts Monday-Friday between 07:30-18:30
Salary: £30,700.80-£33,737.60 per annum (pro-rata) | £14.76-£16.22 per hour
We’ve been delivering childcare excellence since 1989. Within our 44-day nurseries, Head Office, and Training Academy, EduBase, our ethos is simple: we all belong, we all matter, and we all contribute. We believe in ‘careers, not jobs’, supporting one another to grow and succeed.
If you do not currently have your Forest School Qualification but have a level 3 qualification in Childcare we will support you in gaining your forest school qualification.
Why join us?
- Generous annual leave: 23 days paid leave per annum (pro-rata), rising to 28 days with length of service, plus paid bank holidays.
- Work-life balance: Up to a further 20 paid days off each year through our Partnership Reward Days incentive; take your leave or sell the days you accrue, tax-free.
- Childcare discount: 75% discount (or 40% grandparent discount) on your fees at any Childbase nursery, from day one.
- Exclusive partner benefits: Long-service rewards, qualification bonuses and retail discounts.
- Wellbeing support: Free meals, mental health and occupational health support, flu jabs, eye care vouchers and a free will-writing service.
- Career development: Team inset days, access to online training and apprenticeships through our academy.
About us
- We are employee-owned: Every colleague is a partner with a voice, who helps drive our success; when we do well, we each receive an annual tax-free dividend.
- We are number 1: Ranked top of the Nursery World league tables for our Ofsted outcomes.
- We are community driven: Supporting causes close to our hearts, we’ve raised more than £3.5 million for charity.
- We are environmentally responsible: Building a greener tomorrow our nurseries all hold Green Flag awards and are powered by 100% renewable energy.
About you
- You are a qualified early years professional: You hold a DfE approved early years qualification at level 3 or above as well as a forest school qualification.
- You are passionate about making outdoor learning fun: You are an experienced forest school practitioner who uses the EYFS as a Key Person to plan and implement high quality, engaging activities that enable children to explore their natural environment, embrace outdoor learning and enhance their creativity and problem-solving skills.
- You are an advocate for safeguarding: You will ensure every child feels safe, valued, and happy and their well-being is promoted.
- You are collaborative: You enjoy working in partnership with children, parents and colleagues, effectively communicating and building strong and positive relationships.
We are an inclusive employer and we welcome applicants of all ages and backgrounds. We’re committed to FREDIE (fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion, and engagement) and will consider any reasonable adjustments required. If you meet the essential criteria for this role, your application will be automatically shortlisted for review by our Recruitment Team who will determine if an interview is the next step.
Applicants must currently reside within a commutable distance of the nursery and hold suitable Right to Work in the UK; VISA sponsorship is not available. Safer recruitment checks apply, which include an Enhanced DBS check.
If you’re not early years and forest school qualified, visit our Careers Page to explore other opportunities.
Forest School Leader employer: Childbase Partnership Limited
At Childbase Partnership, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where every team member is valued and has a voice. Located in Stoke Mandeville, our employee-owned structure fosters collaboration and growth, with generous benefits including extensive annual leave, childcare discounts, and career development opportunities through our Training Academy. Join us to make a meaningful impact in children's lives while enjoying a fulfilling career in early years education.
Contact Details:
Childbase Partnership Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Forest School Leader
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Hit up local horticulture fairs, plant shows, and farmer’s markets. These gatherings are a goldmine for networking and usually attract employers looking for passionate candidates. Chat with the vendors and fellow enthusiasts; you never know who might know about a full-time opening at a place like Childbase Partnership Limited.
✨Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities
Become part of local gardening clubs or online forums where like-minded folks share tips and job leads. These communities can often clue you in on upcoming vacancies. Remember, people in these groups often work in the industry and can help us get our foot in the door at places like Childbase Partnership Limited.
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
Consider creating a public portfolio showcasing your gardening projects, designs, or any unique plants you've cultivated. A well-documented journey through your horticulture experiences can make you stand out when chasing full-time roles. It’s basically your way of shouting, 'Look at what I can do!' to potential employers.
✨Apply Early and Often!
The horticulture field can be competitive, especially for full-time roles. Keep an eye on seasonal hiring trends and don’t hesitate to apply as soon as positions open up. Check out our website regularly for openings at Childbase Partnership Limited; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Forest School Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, it's all about showcasing your hands-on experience. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant gardening, landscaping, or plant care roles you've held. Also, don’t forget to mention any specific skills like plant identification or pest management that make you a great fit for the position at Childbase Partnership Limited.
Include Certifications and Training:If you've got any horticulture-related certifications, such as in organic gardening or landscape design, be sure to include them. This will set you apart from other applicants and show that you’re committed to expanding your knowledge in the field, which is crucial for a full-time role like Forest School Leader.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Childbase Partnership Limited is looking for. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or challenges you've overcome in previous horticultural roles to demonstrate your suitability for the full-time position.
Be Ready to Talk Numbers:When applying for a full-time role in horticulture, it's helpful to quantify your achievements. Did you increase crop yields or reduce waste in a previous job? Highlight these metrics in your CV to give hiring managers at Childbase Partnership Limited a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Childbase Partnership Limited
✨Get to Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge! Be prepared to discuss specific species, their growth requirements, and potential pests. Remember, the role involves practical horticultural skills – so don’t be shy about sharing your hands-on experience with various plants and gardening techniques.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
If you've worked on garden designs, landscaping projects, or community gardens, bring along a portfolio showcasing your work. Visuals speak a thousand words, and this will help us see your creativity and practical skills in action. Plus, don’t forget to have a few stories about challenges you faced and how you overcame them!
✨Be Ready for a Plant Quiz
Prepare for some technical questions related to horticulture! We may ask you about soil types, plant propagation methods, or pest management strategies. This helps us assess your depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills – so don’t skip the revision!
✨Passion for Sustainability
Horticulture often revolves around sustainability practices, so be ready to discuss any experience you have with eco-friendly gardening methods or sustainable designs. This role at Childbase Partnership Limited might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
