Forest School Apprenticeship - Outdoor Childcare (Level 3)

My Little Explorers Shoots Training are looking for an enthusiastic, reliable and hardworking individual to complete their Level 3 Childcare Apprenticeship at My Little Explorers, Romsey. I established My Little Explorers Forest School in 2013 after years of working in Early Years education, recognising the profound benefits of outdoor experiences and Forest School principles. Over a decade later, My Little Explorers operates as a family‑run business offering Forest School sessions across Romsey and Winchester, Hampshire.

Embracing Nature for All Ages

Children of all ages can benefit from nature. Babies enjoy rich sensory experiences outdoors, while older children thrive on the freedom to play, explore, and take calculated risks, which builds their confidence and self‑esteem. In the woods, our older children engage in diverse activities like den‑building, tree climbing, and learning practical skills. We teach tool usage and campfire cooking as part of our daily routine. Our approach is deeply passionate about child‑led learning—we listen, support their natural curiosity, and enhance their hands‑on understanding of the environment. The Forest School ethos supports comprehensive child development across social, emotional, physical, and intellectual areas.

Our Locations and Offerings

• Preschool: In 2013, I opened our Nature Kindergarten at Farley Mount, just outside Winchester, offering childcare for 2-5 year olds during term times. Spanning 20 acres of magical woodland, children have ample space to run, hide, climb, and balance. We facilitate den‑building, fire‑lighting, and support children's natural exploration of the world around them.
• Nursery: Inspired by our children and Forest School philosophy, we opened our Forest Nursery in 2022 with support from Broadlands Estate in Romsey. This nursery welcomes children from 6 months to 5 years, operating from 8 am to 6 pm, 51 weeks per year. It's a nurturing environment where children can play in meadows, walk in woods, and find cosy winter spaces, guided by passionate, kind staff committed to outdoor learning and environmental education.
• Activity Camps: Our activity camps were one of My Little Explorers' first ventures. Our camps provide a safe, supportive environment for children to explore nature, learn skills, and have fun. Held across two sites – Farley Mount and Toothill – we offer diverse activities, including bushcraft, firefighting, campfire cooking, den‑building, woodwork, and supervised risky play. Camps typically run during Easter, summer, and autumn half‑term holidays, welcoming primary‑aged children from 4 to 12 years old.
• Mini Explorers: Mini Explorers is our 2‑hour, stay‑and‑play group held every Friday morning at Farley Mount during each term. With no age restrictions, it allows families to introduce children to Forest School activities, encouraging exploration and engagement with the natural environment.

Your duties and responsibilities will include:

My Little Explorers Forest Nursery is seeking an experienced Forest School Practitioner to join our outdoor early years team in Romsey. This role is ideal for an enthusiastic outdoor educator who is passionate about Forest School, EYFS, outdoor learning, and child‑led play. This is a fully outdoor role, working with children aged 3–5 years as a key worker, in all weather conditions. This isn't a traditional nursery role. You'll need to embrace working outdoors in all weathers, supporting children to explore, take appropriate risks, and develop confidence through hands‑on experiences with the natural world. Assisting with the day‑to‑day personal care of the children – including mealtimes and toileting.

Ideal candidate would be: confident, someone who uses their own initiative, loves working in all the elements that come with working in an outdoor setting. Someone who is active and loves walking and being surrounded by nature.

Requirements:

• A Level 2 Childcare qualification would be desirable but not essential.
• Have GCSE grades A*-C or 4-9 in Maths and English, or equivalent.
• Happy to work outdoors with all elements.
• Must be active, love walking and getting dirty.

Hours: My Little Explorers is open from 8:00am – 6:00pm Monday to Friday. The successful candidate will be required to work 25+ hours per week (patterns to be discussed).

Benefits:

• Free parking.
• Social events.
• Caravan filled with loads of treats and goodies.
• Beautiful working environment.