At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our Forest School and alternative education, ensuring high-quality outdoor learning experiences.
- Company: Join a not-for-profit social enterprise dedicated to building healthier communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, co-ownership opportunities, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional development and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through innovative outdoor education.
- Qualifications: Experience in early years leadership and a passion for outdoor learning.
The predicted salary is between 37500 - 46000 £ per year.
About Kids adVentures
Our Forest School is Ofsted-rated Good in all areas. Kids adVentures is a not-for-profit early years provider with a strong outdoor learning ethos. Our Prestwich pre-school is based in Forest School full time, using nature-based learning to build confidence, independence and curiosity.
About Social adVentures
Social adVentures is a not-for-profit, people-powered social business founded out of the NHS in 2011. We are a multi-stakeholder cooperative (Community Benefit Society) working with communities to build healthier, happier and fairer places where everyone belongs, contributes and thrives. We deliver public health, residential childcare and adult social care contracts alongside social businesses including early years nurseries and forest schools. As a social enterprise, we reinvest any surplus straight back into our services so we can keep improving quality and responding to emerging need. We are co-owned by our staff team - everyone who completes probation can become an equal co-owner with a real voice in how the organisation grows. Our culture is shaped by our co-produced values: Happy, Outstanding, Courageous and Innovative.
Role purpose
As Registered Manager, you will provide confident, values-led leadership for our Forest School provision, while also overseeing our alternative education provision and our Forest School training centre. This is a key leadership role focused on quality, safeguarding, compliance, people leadership, and continuous improvement.
Key responsibilities
- Registration, compliance and safeguarding (Registered Manager duties)
- Act as the Registered Manager for the Forest School provision and maintain high standards of compliance and inspection readiness.
- Champion safeguarding and welfare, ensuring policies, training, safer recruitment, and reporting processes are robust and embedded.
- Ensure high-quality record keeping, confidentiality, and information sharing in line with statutory guidance and organisational policy.
- Quality of education and Forest School pedagogy
- Lead a curriculum and practice model that blends excellent early years education with Forest School principles and child-led learning.
- Model and coach high-quality interactions, inclusive practice, and positive behaviour approaches.
- Use observation, assessment and reflective practice to drive improvement and demonstrate impact.
- Leadership and people management
- Provide visible day-to-day leadership, including supervision, performance management, wellbeing support and professional development.
- Plan staffing and rotas to meet ratios, safety requirements and operational needs.
- Build a positive culture that is consistent, supportive, and accountable.
- Health, Safety and Site Management
- Take overall responsibility for health and safety leadership across the Forest School site, ensuring robust systems, compliance and a strong safety culture.
- Ensure risk assessments are current and meaningful, including dynamic risk assessment for outdoor learning, woodland sessions, tool use, fire safety, severe weather, trips and site changes.
- Lead risk-benefit practice so children experience appropriate challenge safely and confidently in line with Forest School ethos.
- Maintain excellent site standards through daily checks, regular audits, maintenance schedules, and swift action on hazards or defects.
- Oversee equipment and resources management: safe storage, inspection, cleaning, repair or replacement, and suitability for different ages and needs.
- Ensure strong accident and incident reporting, near-miss recording, and learning reviews that reduce repeat issues.
- Lead emergency planning and drills (including fire, missing child, evacuation and communications), ensuring staff training is up to date.
- Alternative education provision oversight
- Oversee planning, delivery, quality assurance and safeguarding for our alternative education provision.
- Ensure programmes are safe, structured, outcomes-focused and responsive to the needs of children and young people.
- Build strong relationships with families, schools and partners to support joined-up practice.
- Forest School training centre leadership
- Oversee the quality and operation of our Forest School training centre offer, supporting a positive learner experience.
- Support development of training and CPD pathways for internal and external audiences.
- Work with colleagues to ensure training delivery is consistent, compliant and financially sustainable.
- Families, community and reputation
- Be a trusted point of contact for parents and carers, communicating warmly and clearly and resolving issues effectively.
- Represent Kids adVentures professionally within the community and with stakeholders.
- Contribute to marketing and engagement activities that strengthen reputation and occupancy.
Person specification
Essential
- Proven experience in early years leadership or management (for example Room Leader, Deputy Manager, Manager).
- Strong understanding of high-quality early years practice and how children learn, especially ages 3 to 5.
- Confident operational leadership: compliance, staffing, safeguarding, policies and risk assessment.
- A genuine passion for Forest School pedagogy and outdoor learning, and the confidence to lead practice outdoors year-round.
- Excellent communication skills and a leadership style that builds trust with staff and families.
Desirable (not essential)
- Early Years teaching qualification.
- Level 3 Forest School Leader qualification.
- Experience of alternative provision, trauma-informed practice, and/or SEND-inclusive approaches.
- Experience designing or delivering training or CPD.
How to apply
Please send your CV and a short supporting statement outlining your relevant leadership experience and your approach to Forest School practice.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £37,500.00-£46,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
Registered Manager – Forest School 3-5 yrs, Alternative Education employer: Social adVentures
At Kids adVentures, we pride ourselves on being a not-for-profit organisation that champions outdoor learning and community engagement. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, allowing employees to grow as co-owners and contribute meaningfully to our mission of building healthier, happier communities. With a focus on professional development and a commitment to high-quality education, this role offers a unique opportunity to lead in a vibrant Forest School environment that values every child's potential.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Registered Manager – Forest School 3-5 yrs, Alternative Education
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture before your interview. Check out their social media, website, and any community events they might be hosting. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, especially when discussing your leadership experience or how you've handled challenges in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to prepare some thoughtful questions for your interviewers. Ask about their approach to Forest School pedagogy or how they support staff development. This shows you're engaged and ready to contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
After the interview, send a quick thank-you email. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your enthusiasm and fit for the role. It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Registered Manager – Forest School 3-5 yrs, Alternative Education
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your love for Forest School and outdoor learning shine through. We want to see how your values align with ours, so share your experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for child-led learning and nature-based education.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Registered Manager. Highlight your leadership experience in early years settings and any relevant qualifications. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your operational leadership and compliance knowledge.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to stand out! Use it to outline your relevant leadership experience and your approach to Forest School practice. Be clear, concise, and make sure to connect your past experiences to the key responsibilities of the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to be part of our community from the get-go!
How to prepare for a job interview at Social adVentures
✨Know Your Forest School Ethos
Make sure you understand the principles of Forest School and how they apply to early years education. Be ready to discuss how you would integrate outdoor learning into your leadership style and curriculum.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your leadership skills, especially in compliance, safeguarding, and team management. Highlight how you've built a positive culture and supported staff development.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
Since this role involves liaising with families and stakeholders, practice articulating your communication style. Think of examples where you've effectively resolved issues or built trust within a community.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about handling real-life situations, such as risk assessments or emergency planning. Prepare to discuss how you would ensure safety and compliance while maintaining a high-quality learning environment.
