At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead outdoor learning experiences and inspire children to explore nature.
- Company: Join Bright Horizons, a top-rated nursery with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 50% childcare discount, enhanced leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a fun, outdoor environment.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Forest School qualification and passion for early years education.
The predicted salary is between 28392 - 33800 £ per year.
Are you looking to work for an organisation whose culture is driven by our HEART principles – Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork? Where you can be yourself, feel supported, and help to make a difference to the next generation? Somewhere you can say: “I did that.”
We’re looking for a Forest School Leader to join our Bright Horizons Sonning Lane Day Nursery, situated in Sonning. Our Sonning Lane Day Nursery has been rated Outstanding by Ofsted! Our spacious garden offers lots of space to explore and provides a wealth of exciting learning opportunities in the great outdoors. From a forest area for going on mini beast hunts, a planting area to learn about how plants grow, and a treehouse climbing frame, there is always something new to discover.
Our Benefits
- Childcare discount of 50% for first child*
- Enhanced parental leave
- 20 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and paid Christmas closure. Ability to also purchase additional leave*
- Pension
- Financial and wellbeing benefits including 24/7 virtual GP appointments, early access to wages, and more
- Professional development programme access for every stage of your career, including access to a careers coach
- Shift options: 40 hours over 4 or 5 days, 24 hours over 3 days, or 16 hours over 2 days
The Role
As a Forest School Leader, you will curate a safe, engaging and stimulating environment for children to learn a wide range of forestry skills, and develop a love of the great outdoors. This role may also include supporting the wider nursery team with the EYFS curriculum, where you will develop and deliver engaging activities, to encourage the children to meet their individual milestones. You will create a safe environment that allows children the freedom to express themselves, engage their minds, and help to foster a lifelong love of learning.
What we’re looking for
- Level 3 Forest School qualification
- Full and relevant Level 3 or above Early Years qualification
- Passion for creating fun and inclusive learning environments
- Strong understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
- Strong knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection
- Ability to develop trust and strong working partnerships with both colleagues and parents/ carers
We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all ages and backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants. Please note, due to our sector all roles are subject to an Enhanced DBS.
If you want to make a difference, with a company who has been voted Great Place to Work every year since 2006, apply today!
We look forward to receiving your application!
If you experience any problems, please email europe.recruitment@brighthorizons.com and we will be happy to help.
Forest School Lead in Reading employer: MP Training and Recruitment
Bright Horizons Sonning Lane Day Nursery is an exceptional employer that embodies a culture of Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork. With an Outstanding Ofsted rating, our nursery offers a supportive environment where you can thrive professionally while making a meaningful impact on children's lives. Enjoy generous benefits including childcare discounts, enhanced parental leave, and extensive professional development opportunities, all within a vibrant community dedicated to fostering a love of learning in the great outdoors.
Contact Details:
MP Training and Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Forest School Lead in Reading
✨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 MP Training and Recruitment.
✨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 MP Training and Recruitment.
✨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 MP Training and Recruitment; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Forest School Lead in Reading
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 MP Training and Recruitment.
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 Lead.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what MP Training and Recruitment 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 MP Training and Recruitment a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at MP Training and Recruitment
✨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 MP Training and Recruitment might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
