Forest School Lead

Bright Horizons; Sonning; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading early years childcare provider in Sonning is seeking a Forest School Leader to create engaging outdoor learning experiences for children. In this role, you'll cultivate a safe environment while developing activities that align with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Candidates should have a Level 3 Forest School qualification and a passion for fostering children's love of nature. Join a supportive team in a nursery rated Outstanding by Ofsted, offering competitive benefits, including childcare discounts and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

50% childcare discount for first child

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Pension

Financial and wellbeing benefits

Professional development access

Flexible shift options

Qualifications

• Must have a Level 3 Forest School qualification.
• Full and relevant Level 3 or above Early Years qualification is essential.
• Passionate about creating a fun and engaging learning environment.

Responsibilities

• Curate a safe environment for children to learn forestry skills.
• Support the wider nursery team by developing engaging activities.
• Create opportunities for children to express themselves and engage.

Skills

Level 3 Forest School qualification

Passion for creating fun and inclusive learning environments

Strong understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

Strong knowledge of safeguarding and child protection

Ability to develop trust with colleagues and parents

Education

Full and relevant Level 3 or above Early Years qualification

Job description

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.

• 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.

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
• Subject to T&Cs