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- Tasks: Lead outdoor learning experiences and support children's development in a forest school setting.
- Company: Established outdoor nursery with a focus on child-led learning and nature.
- Benefits: Term-time only hours, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and inspire children through exploration and outdoor play.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years qualification and experience in early years settings required.
- Other info: Emphasis on staff wellbeing and work-life balance in a unique outdoor environment.
The predicted salary is between 16000 - 17000 £ per year.
Location: Hyde, Greater Manchester
Salary: £16,000–£17,000 per annum (depending on experience & qualifications)
Hours: Tuesday–Thursday 8:00am–6:00pm, Friday 8:00am–2:00pm
Working pattern: Term-time only (38 weeks per year)
Contract: Permanent
Start date: ASAP
My client is a well-established outdoor nursery and forest school–inspired setting, offering a unique early years experience for children aged 9 months to 5 years. Set within a purpose-built outdoor learning environment surrounded by woodland and natural features, the setting champions child-led learning, in-the-moment planning, and holistic development through nature.
They are now looking for a passionate Forest School Leader / Level 3 Early Years Practitioner to join their team and support high-quality outdoor provision.
The Role
This is a hands-on role suited to an early years professional who thrives outdoors and believes children learn best through exploration, movement, and meaningful experiences in nature. You will work closely with the management team to:
- Deliver engaging forest school and outdoor learning experiences
- Support children’s learning and development in line with the EYFS
- Act as a key person, tracking progress and sharing updates with families
- Maintain a safe, nurturing, and stimulating outdoor environment
- Promote independence, resilience, and confidence through child-led play
- Support safeguarding, wellbeing, and inclusion at all times
- Build strong, positive relationships with parents and carers
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and deliver outdoor and forest school activities using in-the-moment planning
- Maintain daily risk assessments and ensure health & safety standards are met
- Support children with personal care, routines, and hygiene
- Facilitate child-led learning to develop life skills such as communication and problem-solving
- Record observations and progress using a digital learning platform
- Work collaboratively as part of a supportive team
- Assist with meal preparation, cleaning, and general nursery duties as required
- Attend training, staff meetings, and events outside core hours when needed
Requirements
Essential:
- Level 3 Early Years qualification (or above)
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in an early years setting
- Valid Enhanced DBS (or willingness to obtain and join the update service)
- Paediatric First Aid (or willingness to complete)
- Strong understanding of the EYFS
- A genuine passion for outdoor learning and working in all weather
Desirable:
- Forest School qualification (training can be provided)
- Montessori knowledge or experience
- Outdoor First Aid experience
What’s on Offer
- Term-time only working pattern
- A genuinely supportive and values-led environment
- Opportunity to develop forest school skills and qualifications
- A role where outdoor learning is central, not an add-on
- Strong focus on staff wellbeing and work–life balance
If you’re an early years practitioner who sees a fallen tree as an opportunity, loves being outdoors, and believes children thrive through exploration and movement, this role offers something truly different. Apply now for a confidential conversation.
Forest Nursery Practitioner employer: Odin Recruitment Group
Contact Detail:
Odin Recruitment Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Forest Nursery Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery's vibe! Visit their website and social media to see what they're all about. This will help you tailor your approach and show them you're genuinely interested in their unique outdoor learning environment.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can give you insider info on the nursery culture and maybe even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking of examples from your experience that highlight your passion for outdoor learning and child-led play. Be ready to share how you've supported children's development in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining their team and contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Forest Nursery Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Outdoor Learning: When writing your application, let your love for outdoor learning shine through! Share specific experiences where you've engaged children in nature and how it has positively impacted their development.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant qualifications and experience. Mention your Level 3 Early Years qualification and any specific skills that align with the role, like child-led learning or risk assessment.
Be Personable and Authentic: We want to get to know the real you! Use a friendly tone in your application and share personal anecdotes that reflect your approach to working with children. This helps us see how you'd fit into our supportive team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity as soon as possible.
How to prepare for a job interview at Odin Recruitment Group
✨Know Your Outdoor Learning Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of outdoor learning and the EYFS framework. Be ready to discuss how you can deliver engaging forest school activities and support child-led learning. Think about specific examples from your experience that showcase your passion for nature-based education.
✨Show Your Hands-On Approach
This role is all about being hands-on, so be prepared to share stories that highlight your practical experience in early years settings. Talk about how you've facilitated outdoor play, supported children's development, and maintained a safe environment. Use real-life scenarios to demonstrate your skills.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
Since you'll be working closely with a management team and parents, it's crucial to show that you're a team player. Discuss how you've collaborated with colleagues in the past and built strong relationships with families. Highlight your communication skills and how they contribute to a nurturing environment.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and approach to child-led learning. Think about how you'd handle various situations, like managing risk during outdoor activities or supporting a child's personal care needs. Practising these responses will help you feel more confident during the interview.
