Forest School Leader

Bright Horizons; Hertford Heath; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount 50%

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave + bank holidays

Pension

Wellbeing benefits

Career development programme

Job summary

Bright Horizons Bishops Stortford Nursery and Preschool is seeking a Forest School Leader to guide outdoor learning across six rooms, including a dedicated forest area. The role involves delivering engaging EYFS activities and ensuring a safe, inclusive environment for children to explore nature.

You will partner with families and staff to meet milestones while upholding Bright Horizons HEART values—Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork.

Qualifications

• Forest School qualification required.
• Early Years qualification at Level 3 or above.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection essential.

Responsibilities

• Create a safe, engaging outdoor learning space with forestry activities.
• Deliver EYFS curriculum activities and support nursery team.
• Foster a love of nature and independent learning in children.
• Build trusted relationships with parents and colleagues.

Skills

Forest School Level 3

Early Years Level 3

Safeguarding knowledge

Education

Forest School Level 3

Early Years Level 3+

Job description

Nursery – Bright Horizons Bishops Stortford Nursery and Preschool, Unit 1, Western Neighbourhood Centre, Rainbird Road, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 2AF

Salary – Starting from £32,500 per annum (dependent on qualification(s)/experience)
Hours - Full time, 40 hours, Monday - Friday (all year round)

Location – Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 2AF

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 Bishops Stortford nursery. The purpose-built nursery consists of six rooms, three baby rooms, two toddler rooms and a large pre‑school room. The nursery boasts a beautiful baby terrace on the first floor for under two's along with a well designed garden consisting of a Forest and growing area along with an area for relaxing/creating.

Our Benefits

• £32,500 per annum
• 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

*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.

We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all ages and backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants.

Bright Horizons is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to safer recruitment practice and pre‑employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, which will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

INDLEH

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