At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting outdoor learning sessions for children aged 3-5 in a Forest School setting.
- Company: Join a nurturing nursery with a home-from-home ethos and a focus on outdoor exploration.
- Benefits: Enjoy free childcare, 31 days holiday, and exclusive discounts to support your wellbeing.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for professional development and community volunteering.
- Why this job: Inspire young explorers while fostering their confidence and resilience through nature-based learning.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education and experience with young children required.
The predicted salary is between 28912 - 28912 £ per year.
Join Our Team as a Forest School Lead! We’re looking for an enthusiastic Early Years Forest School Lead to inspire our youngest explorers through exciting outdoor learning experiences. Working with children aged 3-5, you’ll lead engaging Forest School sessions that support learning through the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) while helping children grow in confidence, independence, and resilience.
Please note: sponsorship is not available for this role.
Why You’ll Love Working With Us
- Childcare Perks: Free childcare for the first month and 52% discount (based on working hours) to support your family.
- Holiday and Celebrations: 31 days of holiday (inclusive of national bank holidays and the Christmas closure week), plus your birthday off.
- Career Development: Access to The National College full of training and courses.
- Exclusive Discounts & Wellbeing Support: Perkbox discounts, wellbeing tools, and online medical services.
- Recognition & Rewards: Refer a friend or family for bonuses and long-service awards for milestones.
- Volunteer Day: 1 paid day off per year to volunteer and give back to the community.
Pay: up to £28,912 per annum depending on experience (based on 40 hours)
Working Hours: Monday to Friday – 38-40 hours over 5 days
Location: Little Green Rascals Children's Day Nursery & Out of School Club, Bishopthorpe, Old School House, Bishopthorpe, North Yorkshire, YO23 2RE
About Our Nursery
Based in a charming listed former school building opposite Bishopthorpe library, our nursery boasts four beautiful rooms, each lovingly restored to preserve their original features. Outside we offer three gardens and onsite Forest School. We have a home-from-home ethos and strive to create an enabling environment for our Rascals to thrive. All food is organic and made daily on site. We also have an Out of School and Holiday Club attached to our local school with arts and crafts activities and plenty of outdoor adventures. We have a Nursery dog, Mabel, who is training to be a Therapy dog for children and works two days a week.
What Your Role Involves - Key Responsibilities
- Forest School Delivery: Plan and deliver engaging Forest School sessions for early years children following recognised Forest School principles. Create a safe, stimulating, and inclusive outdoor learning environment. Encourage exploration, child-led learning, and risk-managed play. Adapt activities to meet the developmental needs of individual children.
- Curriculum and Learning: Link Forest School experiences with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Support children’s development in communication, physical development, problem-solving, and emotional wellbeing through outdoor learning.
- Safety and Risk Management: Conduct and review risk assessments for outdoor activities and the woodland site. Ensure safe use of tools, natural materials, and equipment when appropriate. Maintain safeguarding and health and safety standards in line with setting policies.
- Environment and Resources: Maintain the Forest School area and ensure resources are safe, sustainable, and well organized. Promote respect for the natural environment and sustainable practices. Develop the outdoor learning space to support year-round learning.
- Team Collaboration: Work collaboratively with early years staff to embed outdoor learning across the setting. Support and mentor colleagues in delivering outdoor learning activities. Communicate with parents about the benefits of Forest School and children’s experiences.
- Administration: Keep accurate records of sessions, observations, and risk assessments. Ensure compliance with safeguarding, first aid, and outdoor learning policies. Contribute to planning, evaluation, and development of the Forest School programme.
Essential Skills And Qualifications
- Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education or equivalent.
- Recognised Forest School Leader Level 3 qualification.
- Experience working with children aged 3-5.
- Experience planning and delivering outdoor learning sessions.
- Understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures.
Ready to make a difference? Apply today. We can’t wait to hear from you. The Old Station Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references, and verification of right to work in the UK and essential qualifications. If successful, our recruitment and compliance team will guide you through onboarding. We are an inclusive employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments will be considered to ensure fairness and accessibility for all candidates.
Forest School Leader in Bishopthorpe employer: The Old Station Nursery Group
Join us at Little Green Rascals Children's Day Nursery, where we foster a nurturing and inspiring environment for both our staff and the children in our care. With generous benefits including free childcare for the first month, 31 days of holiday, and access to extensive career development resources, we prioritise employee wellbeing and growth. Our charming nursery setting in Bishopthorpe, complete with beautiful outdoor spaces and a home-from-home ethos, makes this an exceptional place to work for those passionate about early years education and outdoor learning.
Contact Details:
The Old Station Nursery Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Forest School Leader in Bishopthorpe
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before your interview, take a stroll around the area or check out their social media. This will help you understand their vibe and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some engaging questions! Think about what you want to know about their Forest School approach or how they support staff development. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you figure out if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for outdoor learning! During your chat, share specific examples of how you've inspired children through nature-based activities. This will highlight your experience and commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Forest School Leader in Bishopthorpe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Outdoor Learning:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for outdoor learning shine through! Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your love for nature and how it connects to your teaching style.
Tailor Your Application to the Role:Make sure to align your skills and experiences with the key responsibilities listed in the job description. Use specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to create engaging Forest School sessions and support children's development.
Highlight Your Qualifications:Don’t forget to mention your Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education and any relevant Forest School Leader qualifications. This is crucial for us to see that you meet the essential criteria for the role!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on board as soon as possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Old Station Nursery Group
✨Know Your Forest School Principles
Make sure you’re well-versed in the principles of Forest School. Be ready to discuss how you would create a safe and stimulating outdoor learning environment, and share examples of how you've encouraged child-led learning in your previous roles.
✨Link to EYFS Framework
Familiarise yourself with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Prepare to explain how you would link Forest School experiences to support children's development in communication, physical skills, and emotional wellbeing.
✨Showcase Your Safety Knowledge
Safety is key in outdoor learning. Be prepared to talk about your experience with risk assessments and how you ensure the safe use of tools and natural materials. Highlight any specific instances where you managed risks effectively.
✨Engage with Team Collaboration
Demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively with other staff members. Think of examples where you’ve supported or mentored colleagues in delivering outdoor learning activities, and be ready to discuss how you communicate with parents about their children’s experiences.
