At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead outdoor play and inspire creativity in children aged 2-5 at our unique nursery.
- Company: Join Little Forest Folk, a passionate team dedicated to nature-based early years education.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and exciting training opportunities like Forest School Qualification.
- Other info: Great career progression and a fun, active work environment await you!
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in beautiful natural surroundings.
- Qualifications: Must have Early Years Level 3 qualification and management experience; passion for nature is key.
The predicted salary is between 34500 - 34500 € per year.
Little Forest Folk are looking for a nursery Deputy Manager to join our outdoor nursery that sits as part of the National Trust property at Winkworth Arboretum. Do you have a sense of adventure? Do you love the outdoors and being connected to nature? If so, Little Forest Folk is for you! We provide children aged 2-5 years old a chance to explore the natural world around them. As a Deputy Manager you have the chance to develop our children's connection to nature, inspire their creativity, build their resilience and confidence to help them become children who are most likely to succeed in today's busy world.
The Role
- Ensuring the smooth running of the day in the forest and at the indoor site.
- You will role model and promote the setting’s philosophy and ethos.
- You will bring your energy and creativity to the role.
- You will be the children’s guide and assist in scaffolding an environment that encourages child-led, play-based learning.
Career Progression:
- Excellent opportunity for someone with room leader experience who is passionate about Early Years Education and the outdoors.
- Exciting career progression opportunities within the company.
- Amazing training opportunities i.e. Forest School Qualification.
What we are looking for in our ideal Deputy Manager:
- A minimum of Early Years Level 3 qualification or QTS/PGCE.
- Management experience.
- Experience working with 2-5 year olds.
- Forest school or outdoor experience is desirable but not essential.
- A real passion for nature play and engaging children with the outdoors.
- Sound knowledge of the EYFS statutory framework.
- Good knowledge and understanding of the safeguarding children obligations.
- Someone who is highly organised, reliable and a driven team-player.
- Strong relationship-building and communication skills to build a rapport with parents and practitioners alike.
- The ability to adapt quickly to changes, is flexible and uses initiative.
We believe in looking after the people who look after our children, so our educators enjoy a range of perks such as:
- Starting with 28 days annual leave, inclusive of public holidays.
- PLUS 1 additional day of annual leave after each full year of employment.
- AND a day off on your birthday – everyone should spend their birthday eating cake, not at work.
- Competitive salaries.
- Funded Level 3 Forest School Qualification.
- Career progression - gateway to growing into senior leadership roles.
- Professional development and in house training with leading names in the Early Childhood industry.
- Social events throughout the year.
- A fit, healthy, active job.
- Discounts at our favourite outdoor retailers.
- Bike to Work Scheme (with Cycleschme).
- Techscheme.
- Cash back health plan (with Paycare).
- Workplace nursery scheme.
To apply please send your CV and a covering letter explaining why you would like to join our exciting venture. Little Forest Folk are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful applicants will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check, and provide references that will be thoroughly vetted. We will also carry out a range of checks to ensure the suitability of candidates, including identity, full work history, right to work, and disqualification by association checks.
To learn more about what we do at Little Forest Folk, feel free to find us on Facebook or try our website. Should you have any questions about the role, we'd love to hear from you!
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: Up to £34,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Childcare
- Company events
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Referral programme
- Store discount
Experience: Early Years/Childcare: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification: Early Years qualification (minimum level 3) (required)
Work authorisation: United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
Nursery Deputy Manager in Godalming employer: Little Forest Folk
Little Forest Folk is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in an outdoor nursery nestled within the stunning Winkworth Arboretum. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we provide generous benefits such as 28 days of annual leave, professional development opportunities including funded Forest School qualifications, and a vibrant work culture that celebrates creativity and connection to nature. Join us to inspire young minds while enjoying a fulfilling career with ample growth potential in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Deputy Manager in Godalming
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery's ethos and values before your interview. Little Forest Folk is all about connecting children with nature, so think about how you can showcase your passion for outdoor play and creativity during your chat!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. As a Deputy Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership skills, so be ready to share stories that highlight your experience and adaptability.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to ask questions during your interview! Show your enthusiasm by inquiring about their approach to child-led learning and how they support staff development. This will not only impress them but also help you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission at Little Forest Folk.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Deputy Manager in Godalming
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Nature:When writing your application, let your love for the outdoors shine through! Share experiences that highlight your connection to nature and how you can inspire children to explore it.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure your CV and cover letter are tailored specifically for the Deputy Manager role. Highlight relevant experience with 2-5 year olds and any management roles you've held to show us you're the right fit!
Be Creative!:We love creativity at Little Forest Folk, so don’t be afraid to showcase yours in your application. Whether it’s through your writing style or examples of innovative ideas for outdoor play, let your personality come through!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Little Forest Folk
✨Know Your Nature Play
Familiarise yourself with the principles of nature play and how they apply to early years education. Be ready to discuss how you can inspire children's creativity and resilience through outdoor activities.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
Prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed a team or a classroom. Highlight your organisational skills and how you've ensured smooth operations in previous roles.
✨Connect with the Ethos
Understand Little Forest Folk's philosophy and ethos. Be prepared to explain how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to fostering a child-led, play-based learning environment.
✨Engage with Questions
Think of thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the nursery is the right fit for you. Consider asking about their training opportunities or how they support staff development.
