At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting outdoor learning sessions for children aged 3-5 in a magical forest setting.
- Company: Join a nurturing nursery that values creativity and exploration.
- Benefits: Enjoy free childcare, generous holiday, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Inspire young minds while enjoying the great outdoors every day.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education and Forest School Leader certification required.
The predicted salary is between 28912 - 28912 £ per year.
Do you love muddy puddles, den building, bug hunting, and watching children discover the magic of nature? We’re looking for an enthusiastic Early Years Forest School Lead to inspire our youngest explorers through exciting outdoor learning experiences. If you believe childhood should include climbing trees, storytelling around a fire circle, and learning through curiosity and play, we’d love to hear from you!
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: we are unable to offer sponsorship 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: Enjoy Perkbox discounts, wellbeing tools, and online medical services.
- Recognition & Rewards: Refer a friend or family for exciting bonuses and celebrate milestones with long-service awards.
- 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 our nursery, we offer three beautiful gardens and onsite Forest School. We have a home from home feel and strive to create an enabling environment that our Rascals thrive in. As part of our ethos all of our food is organic and made daily on site by our kitchen team to provide healthy and fresh meals for both the children and staff. We also have our own Out of School and Holiday Club attached to our local school which has various arts and crafts activities for children to enjoy along with plenty of outdoor adventures to keep children engaged! We also have our very own Nursery dog; Mabel who is training to be a Therapy dog for children. She does two days a week and loves snuggles with both the Staff and the children!
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 organised. 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, and we expect all applicants to share this commitment. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references, and verification of your right to work in the UK and any essential qualifications. If successful, our recruitment and compliance team will guide you through every step of the onboarding process. 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
At Little Green Rascals Children's Day Nursery, we pride ourselves on fostering a nurturing and inspiring environment for both our staff and the children in our care. With generous benefits such as free childcare for the first month, 31 days of holiday, and a strong focus on professional development through access to training courses, we ensure that our team feels valued and supported. Our unique setting, complete with beautiful gardens and a dedicated Forest School area, allows for creative outdoor learning experiences that not only enrich the lives of our young explorers but also promote a collaborative and rewarding work culture.
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 way, you can chat about what excites you about their outdoor learning approach and show them you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Bring your passion for nature to the forefront! During your interview, share personal stories about your experiences with outdoor learning or working with young children. This will help you connect with the team and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your creativity! Think of fun, engaging activities you could lead in the Forest School setting. Presenting your ideas will not only impress them but also show that you’re proactive and ready to jump in.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that keeps you on their radar and shows your professionalism.
We think you need these skills to ace Forest School Leader in Bishopthorpe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Nature:When writing your application, let your love for the outdoors shine through! Share experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for muddy puddles, bug hunting, and all things nature-related. We want to see how you inspire children to explore the great outdoors!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to mention any previous roles or experiences working with children aged 3-5, especially in outdoor settings. Talk about your Forest School qualifications and how you've successfully delivered engaging sessions in the past. This will help us see how you fit into our team!
Be Yourself:We’re looking for someone who can connect with our little rascals, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine! Use a friendly tone in your application and share anecdotes that reflect your unique approach to teaching and learning in nature.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to review your details and get back to you. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Little Green Rascals!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Old Station Nursery
✨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.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Nature
Let your enthusiasm for outdoor learning shine through! Share personal stories about your experiences with nature and how they’ve shaped your approach to teaching. This will help demonstrate your genuine love for the role and the environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like managing risk during outdoor activities or adapting sessions for different developmental needs. Think of examples from your past experience that highlight your problem-solving skills and adaptability.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about their approach to outdoor learning and how they support staff development. This shows you’re not just interested in the job, but also in being part of their community.
