Forest School and Outdoor Education Practitioner

Nurtured Childcare; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Nurtured Childcare in Shiregreen is seeking a passionate Forest School & Outdoor Education Practitioner who loves nature and outdoor learning for young children. You will split time between outdoor education and nursery support, helping children explore, play and learn in natural environments.

Working with our Outdoor Education Lead, you will design engaging Forest School sessions, promote wellbeing and curiosity, and embed sustainability across nurseries.

Qualifications

• Forest School training and a genuine passion for outdoor education.
• Strong understanding of children’s wellbeing and development.
• Commitment to safeguarding, EYFS and health & safety standards.
• Ability to create engaging, inclusive learning experiences for young children.
• Positive, collaborative, child-centred approach to outdoor learning.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver engaging Forest School and outdoor education experiences.
• Create outdoor environments that encourage curiosity, exploration and discovery.
• Use nature-based learning to support wellbeing, confidence and development.
• Promote sustainability through hands-on activities and community projects.
• Embed outdoor ethos across the nursery and support two days of in-nursery care.
• Complete risk assessments and ensure activities are delivered safely.
• Follow safeguarding, EYFS, health and safety and nursery policies.

Skills

Forest School trained

Outdoor education

Inclusive learning

Child development

Safeguarding EYFS health & safety

Collaborative approach

Creative outdoor learning

Education

Level 3 Childcare qualification

Job description

Inspire Curiosity, Cultivate Wonder – Join Nurtured Childcare as a Forest School & Outdoor Education Practitioner!

Love nature, outdoor learning and creating unforgettable experiences for children?

At Nurtured Childcare, we believe the best classrooms don’t always have walls. We’re looking for a passionate, creative and nature-loving Forest School & Outdoor Education Practitioner to bring outdoor learning to life at our Shiregreen nursery.

If you’re someone who loves getting outdoors, encouraging curiosity and helping children discover the world around them, we’d love to hear from you.

Forest School & Outdoor Education Practitioner

Location: Shiregreen
Salary: £29,300
Hours: Full-time (3 days dedicated to outdoor education and 2 days supporting within a nursery room)

Why Join Nurtured Childcare?

At Nurtured Childcare, we believe that children learn through curiosity, exploration, creativity and meaningful experiences. Our outdoor education programme gives children the opportunity to connect with nature, develop confidence and discover the world around them.

You’ll join a supportive, values-driven team where your ideas are encouraged and you’ll have the opportunity to help shape the future of outdoor education across our nurseries.

The Role:

As our Forest School & Outdoor Education Practitioner, you’ll work alongside our Outdoor Education Lead to create exciting, inclusive and inspiring experiences that bring learning to life through nature.

With three days focused on outdoor education and two days supporting within a nursery room, you’ll have the opportunity to combine your passion for the outdoors with high-quality early years practice.

You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Support the Outdoor Education Lead in designing and delivering engaging Forest School and outdoor education experiences.
• Create exciting outdoor environments that encourage curiosity, exploration and discovery.
• Use nature-based learning to support children’s wellbeing, confidence and development.
• Encourage children to explore and develop their understanding of the natural world.
• Promote sustainability through hands-on activities, community allotments and the principles of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
• Support stay-and-play sessions, open days and community activities that connect families with nature.
• Help embed Nurtured Childcare’s outdoor ethos across the nursery.
• Support children within the nursery room for two days each week, contributing to their care, learning and development.
• Complete appropriate risk assessments and ensure outdoor activities are delivered safely.
• Follow safeguarding, EYFS, health & safety and nursery policies at all times.
• Every day will bring a new adventure, making this the perfect opportunity for someone who wants to combine early years education with their passion for nature and outdoor learning.

What We’re Looking For:

We’re looking for someone who is creative, enthusiastic and passionate about giving children meaningful experiences in the great outdoors.

Essential

• Forest School Trained.
• Genuine passion for outdoor education, nature and Forest School learning.
• Ability to create engaging and inclusive learning experiences.
• Strong understanding of children’s wellbeing and development.
• Commitment to safeguarding, EYFS and health & safety standards.
• A positive, collaborative and child-centred approach.
• Willingness to get involved, get creative and embrace outdoor learning!

Desirable

• Level 3 Childcare qualification
• Experience promoting sustainability or environmental education.
• Experience working with community projects, allotments or nature-based activities.

Our Values:

The people who thrive at Nurtured Childcare share our core values:

• We Keep Our Pinky Promises
• We Think Outside the Box
• We Go to Infinity & Beyond
• Curiosity Fuels Our Ability to Learn & Grow
• We Celebrate Unique Journeys
• We Change the World, One Smile at a Time

What We Can Offer You:

• Competitive salary of £29,300 per year.
• Dedicated time to develop your outdoor education expertise.
• Forest School and Outdoor Education training.
• Ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Supportive and experienced leadership team.
• The opportunity to shape the future of outdoor education across our nurseries.
• A values-led and inclusive working environment.
• The chance to make a genuine difference to children’s wellbeing, confidence and development.
• The opportunity to inspire children to love, respect and learn from the natural world.

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