At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting outdoor learning sessions and inspire children to explore nature.
- Company: A brand-new nursery focused on outdoor education and creativity.
- Benefits: Up to £32,000 salary, pension scheme, discounted childcare, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Join a modern setting designed to inspire exploration and imaginative learning.
- Why this job: Shape a unique outdoor learning programme and foster a love for nature in children.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years qualification and passion for outdoor education.
The predicted salary is between 27255 - 30000 £ per year.
Job Description
- Forest School Leader
- Up to £32,000 per year | Full Time | All Year Round | Level 3 Early Years
If you believe the best learning happens outdoors, this could be the perfect opportunity.
A brand-new nursery is looking for a passionate Forest School Leader to create exciting outdoor learning experiences where children are encouraged to climb, explore, investigate, and most importantly get muddy.
This is a fantastic opportunity to shape an outdoor learning programme from the very beginning, helping children build confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of nature.
Inside, the nursery offers bright, purposeful learning spaces designed to spark creativity and imagination.
Outside is where the adventure really begins.
Through its dedicated Outdoor Forestry Learning programme, children are given the freedom to discover the natural world, take managed risks, solve problems, and develop independence through hands-on experiences.
As Forest School Leader, you'll lead inspiring outdoor sessions while working closely with the wider nursery team to ensure nature-based learning becomes an integral part of every child's early years journey.
What We're Looking For
- Full and relevant
- Level 3 Early Years qualification
(or equivalent).
- Previous experience working within a
Forest School , woodland nursery, outdoor learning environment, or similar setting.
- A genuine passion for outdoor education and connecting children with nature.
Forest School qualification or a willingness to undertake the qualification.
- Strong knowledge of the EYFS framework and safeguarding requirements.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
- A creative and enthusiastic approach to planning engaging outdoor experiences.
- What You'll Receive
- Salary of up to £32,000 per year
- Full-time, all-year-round position
- Pension scheme
- Discounted childcare
- Benefits portal
- Health and wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Ongoing CPD and professional development support
- Opportunity to help shape the outdoor learning provision within a brand-new nursery
- Work within a modern setting designed to inspire creativity, exploration, and imaginative learning
Your Role
- Lead engaging Forest School and outdoor learning sessions throughout the year.
- Create safe, exciting, and child-led experiences that encourage curiosity, resilience, confidence, and independence.
- Inspire children to explore the outdoors through activities such as nature walks, den building, seasonal exploration, storytelling, sensory play, and gardening.
- Encourage children to embrace adventure, get muddy, solve problems, and develop practical life skills through outdoor play.
- Assess and manage risks to ensure outdoor activities remain safe while allowing children to explore and challenge themselves appropriately.
- Work collaboratively with the nursery team to embed outdoor learning throughout the curriculum.
- Build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
- Ensure safeguarding, health and safety, and nursery policies are followed at all times.
All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements, including an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and verification of the right to work in the UK, in line with safeguarding responsibilities.
INDCHI
Forest School Leader in Maidenhead employer: Willingcare
Willingcare in Winchester is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing environment for its staff. With competitive salaries, benefits like daily lunch and discounted childcare, and a strong commitment to employee development, this Outstanding nursery fosters a culture of collaboration and passion for early years education. Join a dedicated team where your contributions are valued and you can grow professionally while making a meaningful impact on young children's lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Forest School Leader in Maidenhead
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Hit up local horticulture fairs, plant shows, and farmer’s markets. These gatherings are a goldmine for networking and usually attract employers looking for passionate candidates. Chat with the vendors and fellow enthusiasts; you never know who might know about a full-time opening at a place like Willingcare.
✨Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities
Become part of local gardening clubs or online forums where like-minded folks share tips and job leads. These communities can often clue you in on upcoming vacancies. Remember, people in these groups often work in the industry and can help us get our foot in the door at places like Willingcare.
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
Consider creating a public portfolio showcasing your gardening projects, designs, or any unique plants you've cultivated. A well-documented journey through your horticulture experiences can make you stand out when chasing full-time roles. It’s basically your way of shouting, 'Look at what I can do!' to potential employers.
✨Apply Early and Often!
The horticulture field can be competitive, especially for full-time roles. Keep an eye on seasonal hiring trends and don’t hesitate to apply as soon as positions open up. Check out our website regularly for openings at Willingcare; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Forest School Leader in Maidenhead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, it's all about showcasing your hands-on experience. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant gardening, landscaping, or plant care roles you've held. Also, don’t forget to mention any specific skills like plant identification or pest management that make you a great fit for the position at Willingcare.
Include Certifications and Training:If you've got any horticulture-related certifications, such as in organic gardening or landscape design, be sure to include them. This will set you apart from other applicants and show that you’re committed to expanding your knowledge in the field, which is crucial for a full-time role like Forest School Leader.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Willingcare is looking for. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or challenges you've overcome in previous horticultural roles to demonstrate your suitability for the full-time position.
Be Ready to Talk Numbers:When applying for a full-time role in horticulture, it's helpful to quantify your achievements. Did you increase crop yields or reduce waste in a previous job? Highlight these metrics in your CV to give hiring managers at Willingcare a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Willingcare
✨Get to Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge! Be prepared to discuss specific species, their growth requirements, and potential pests. Remember, the role involves practical horticultural skills – so don’t be shy about sharing your hands-on experience with various plants and gardening techniques.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
If you've worked on garden designs, landscaping projects, or community gardens, bring along a portfolio showcasing your work. Visuals speak a thousand words, and this will help us see your creativity and practical skills in action. Plus, don’t forget to have a few stories about challenges you faced and how you overcame them!
✨Be Ready for a Plant Quiz
Prepare for some technical questions related to horticulture! We may ask you about soil types, plant propagation methods, or pest management strategies. This helps us assess your depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills – so don’t skip the revision!
✨Passion for Sustainability
Horticulture often revolves around sustainability practices, so be ready to discuss any experience you have with eco-friendly gardening methods or sustainable designs. This role at Willingcare might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
