Forest School Lead

Bright Horizons; Reading; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare provider in Reading is seeking a Forest School Leader to create an engaging environment for children to learn outdoor skills. This role involves supporting the nursery team and enriching children's experiences. Candidates should have a Level 3 Forest School qualification and a relevant Early Years qualification. Join a company recognized for its positive workplace culture.

Benefits

Childcare discount of 50% for first child

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Pension

Financial and wellbeing benefits

Professional development programme access

Qualifications

• Ideally suited for someone with a Level 3 Forest School qualification.
• Full and relevant Level 3 or above Early Years qualification is essential.
• A strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection is required.

Responsibilities

• Curate a safe, engaging and stimulating environment for children.
• Support the wider nursery team with the EYFS curriculum.
• Create engaging activities to encourage children to meet their individual milestones.

Skills

Passion for creating fun and inclusive learning environments

Strong understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

Strong knowledge of safeguarding and child protection

Education

Level 3 Forest School qualification

Full and relevant Level 3 or above Early Years qualification

Job description

Nursery: Bright Horizons Sonning Lane Day Nursery and Preschool

Salary: £28,392 to £33,800 per annum (dependant on qualification/s and experience)

Location: Sonning, Reading

Are you looking to work for an organisation whose culture is driven by our HEART principles – Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork? Where you can be yourself, feel supported, and help to make a difference to the next generation? Somewhere you can say: “I did that.”

We’re looking for a Forest School Leader to join our Bright Horizons Sonning Lane Day Nursery, situated in Sonning.

Our Sonning Lane Day Nursery has been rated Outstanding by Ofsted! Our spacious garden offers lots of space to explore and provides a wealth of exciting learning opportunities in the great outdoors. From a forest area for going on mini beast hunts, a planting area to learn about how plants grow, and a treehouse climbing frame, there is always something new to discover.

Our Benefits

• Childcare discount of 50% for first child
• Enhanced parental leave
• 20 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and paid Christmas closure. Ability to also purchase additional leave
• Pension
• Financial and wellbeing benefits including 24/7 virtual GP appointments, early access to wages, and more
• Professional development programme access for every stage of your career, including access to a careers coach
• Shift options: 40 hours over 4 or 5 days, 24 hours over 3 days, or 16 hours over 2 days

All benefits are subject to T&Cs.

The Role

As a Forest School Leader, you will curate a safe, engaging and stimulating environment for children to learn a wide range of forestry skills, and develop a love of the great outdoors. This role may also include supporting the wider nursery team with the EYFS curriculum, where you will develop and deliver engaging activities, to encourage the children to meet their individual milestones. You will create a safe environment that allows children the freedom to express themselves, engage their minds, and help to foster a lifelong love of learning.

What we’re looking for

• Level 3 Forest School qualification
• Full and relevant Level 3 or above Early Years qualification
• Passion for creating fun and inclusive learning environments
• Strong understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
• Strong knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection
• Ability to develop trust and strong working partnerships with both colleagues and parents/ carers

We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all ages and backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants. Please note, due to our sector all roles are subject to an Enhanced DBS.

If you want to make a difference, with a company who has been voted Great Place to Work every year since 2006, apply today!

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates. We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and accommodate all applicants.