At a Glance
- Tasks: Support outdoor learning and nurture children's curiosity in a beautiful natural setting.
- Company: Hillside Gems, a warm and supportive nursery focused on outdoor education.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, term-time hours, training opportunities, and employee wellbeing support.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to fostering children's growth through nature exploration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's confidence and connection to nature while having fun outdoors.
- Qualifications: Level 2 or 3 childcare qualification and Forest School qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 12.98 - 12.98 £ per hour.
Start Date: September 2026
Contract: Term Time Only, 38 weeks per year
Working Pattern: Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays (additional days available)
Hours:
- Tuesdays: 8.30am - 3.30pm (Terling site)
- Wednesday: 8.15am – 3.15pm (Barn site)
- Thursday: 8.45am – 3.45pm (Barn site)
Additional hours available across our other Hillside Gems sites.
Pay: £12.98 per hour + £1.57 per hour holiday pay Total: £14.55 per hour
About the Role
We are looking for a warm, enthusiastic and nurturing Forest School Practitioner to support our beautiful Nursery provisions from September 2026. The Barn is a special part of Hillside Gems, set within the peaceful grounds of a quiet 11th-century church in a small, caring community. Within walking distance, there is a stunning nature park with streams, walking paths, woodland space and a beautiful river, offering rich opportunities for children to explore, discover and connect with the natural world. The Terling site is also surrounded by a peaceful woodlands village with idyllic streams and quiet walks. The perfect place for nature exploration and forest school adventures.
This role is ideal for someone who loves working with children outdoors and understands the value of nature, movement, curiosity and hands-on experiences in early childhood. Working alongside the Outdoor Learning Manager, the successful candidate will help create a safe, calm and inspiring learning environment where children aged 3+ can build confidence, independence, resilience and school readiness. At The Barn, children attend from 9.00am – 3.00pm. The working hours include supporting the daily set-up, running of sessions and pack-away of the provision. At Terling, the children currently attend 9-2pm. Successful candidates to be available to 3.30pm.
About The Barn
The Barn is a small, outdoor-focused preschool provision for up to 16 children. Its size allows for thoughtful, personalised learning where every child can be known, supported and encouraged. The sessions will gently support school readiness through outdoor exploration, fine motor activities, PE sessions, name-writing opportunities and everyday independence skills, such as learning to change independently. At The Barn, the outdoors becomes the classroom. Children will have opportunities to question, investigate, experiment and learn through nature in a practical and meaningful way.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Outdoor Learning Manager in delivering high-quality outdoor learning experiences
- Help create a safe, engaging and inspiring outdoor environment for children aged 3+
- Support child-led, nature-based learning that encourages curiosity, confidence and independence
- Lead and join in with practical outdoor activities, including exploring, building, investigating, storytelling, movement and creative play
- Support children to take appropriate risks and develop resilience through outdoor play
- Build warm, positive and secure relationships with children
- Help children develop independence skills, including changing, toileting, handwashing, snack routines and managing belongings
- Support children’s communication, social skills and emotional wellbeing
- Work as part of a small team to set up and pack away the outdoor learning environment
- Follow health and safety procedures, daily checks and risk assessments
- Support snack preparation and routines, ensuring children’s dietary needs are followed carefully
- Contribute to observations and children’s learning journeys in line with the EYFS
- Communicate positively and professionally with parents, carers and colleagues
- Support inclusive practice and respond to children’s individual needs
- Work closely with the wider Hillside Gems team to reflect our shared values and approach
Skills and Experience
We are looking for someone who has:
- A full and relevant Level 2 or 3 childcare or Early Years qualification
- Has a L2/3 Forest School qualification
- A good understanding of young children’s development
- A warm, calm and encouraging approach
- Confidence working outdoors in all seasons
- A positive and practical attitude
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- A willingness to learn and develop within the role
- A commitment to safeguarding and professional practice
- Is confident in leading sessions or part of sessions
What We Offer
- A rare opportunity to support children’s learning in a beautiful outdoor setting
- A warm, supportive and values-led team environment
- The chance to be part of shaping and growing The Barn provision
- Opportunities to work alongside and learn from an experienced Outdoor Learning Manager
- Opportunities to work alongside and learn from a qualified teacher
- Opportunities for training and development in outdoor learning approaches
- Term-time working, with salary paid across 12 months
- The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children’s confidence, wellbeing and connection to nature
- An employee assistance programme focused on health and wellbeing support
- Discounts for holidays and shopping through Bright Exchange
Our Ideal Candidate
Our ideal candidate will be someone who enjoys being outdoors with children and sees the value of nature in helping children grow, learn and thrive. They will be warm, reliable, practical and playful, with a calm approach and a genuine interest in supporting children’s confidence, curiosity and independence.
Nursery Name: Hillside Gems
Forest School Practitioner employer: Hillside Gems
Hillside Gems is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and supportive environment for those passionate about outdoor education. With opportunities for professional growth alongside experienced educators, employees can make a meaningful impact on children's development in a beautiful natural setting. The warm, values-led team culture, combined with the unique outdoor learning experiences, makes this a truly rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Forest School Practitioner
✨Get Involved with Local Gardening Groups
Join local horticulture clubs or community gardens. It's a fantastic way to meet people in the industry, learn about available part-time opportunities, and get tips on what local businesses like Hillside Gems are looking for.
✨Attend Horticulture Fairs and Events
Keep an eye out for gardening fairs, farmers’ markets, or plant festivals in your area. Not only can you learn a lot, but these events often have job boards or local employers looking to hire part-time help.
✨Leverage Social Media for Opportunities
Follow local horticulture accounts on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. There are often postings about part-time jobs that might not make it to traditional job boards, plus you can connect with other enthusiasts who might have the inside scoop on openings at places like Hillside Gems.
✨Tap into Your University’s Resources
If you're a student, your university might have links with local horticulture firms. Check out your career services; they might list part-time opportunities with companies like Hillside Gems that are specifically looking for students eager to gain experience.
We think you need these skills to ace Forest School Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:When applying for a part-time job in horticulture at Hillside Gems, make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have with plants, gardening, or landscape maintenance. If you've got a knack for nurturing plants or knowledge about different species, don’t keep it a secret—let it shine in your CV!
Include Certifications and Courses:If you've completed any horticulture-related certifications or courses, be sure to list them in your application. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you're serious about your passion for plants. If you’ve got any coursework on plant biology or sustainable practices, include that too!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Hillside Gems:In your cover letter, make sure to express why you want to work specifically with Hillside Gems. Are they known for their beautiful gardens or innovative horticultural practices? Mention these points and how they resonate with your own interests and experiences—this shows genuine enthusiasm and helps you stand out.
Flexibility Matters:Since you're aiming for a part-time role, emphasise your availability in your application. Whether you can work weekends, evenings, or even during peak seasons, make it clear! Flexibility can be a huge plus, so highlight how you can fit into the team at Hillside Gems and support their needs.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hillside Gems
✨Know Your Plants
As we're diving into horticulture, it’s crucial to brush up on your plant knowledge. Be ready to discuss different species, their care requirements, and maybe even tackle some plant identification questions. Having a few examples of your past gardening experiences or plant projects can really show your passion and expertise!
✨Hands-On Experience Matters
Since this is a part-time gig, your practical skills might be just as important as your theoretical knowledge. Think about any previous jobs, volunteer work, or personal projects related to gardening or landscaping. Highlight those experiences in your answers – showing what you've physically done can leave a strong impression.
✨Seasonal Awareness is Key
In horticulture, understanding the seasons and how they affect plant behaviour is essential. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach gardening tasks at different times of the year, and share your approach to seasonal planting or maintenance strategies – it'll show your practical understanding of the field!
✨Bring Your Tools (and Portfolio!)
If you have a portfolio showcasing your previous work, such as photos of gardens you've designed or maintained, definitely bring it along. For a part-time role, sharing your creative ideas and how you use tools for different tasks can set you apart. It's about showing how you can bring value to Hillside Gems with your unique skills and passion!
