Forest school practitioner

LITTLE OWL CHILDCARE LIMITED; Stafford; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

LITTLE OWL CHILDCARE LIMITED in Staffordshire is seeking a Forest School Practitioner to plan and deliver outdoor learning sessions for young children.

You will lead nature-based activities, observe progress, and maintain safety and safeguarding standards while working closely with families and colleagues. This is a full-time, on-site role in Staffordshire, offering professional development and involvement in curriculum activities, transitions, mealtimes, and daily care practices.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in outdoor or forest school education for young children.
• Solid understanding of early years development and child-centered practice.
• Knowledge of risk assessment, safeguarding and health and safety procedures.
• Effective communication and collaboration with families and colleagues.
• Forest School Leader qualification or equivalent and related childcare qualification.
• Basic IT skills for record-keeping and planning.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver outdoor learning sessions in woodland/natural environments.
• Lead groups of children in nature-based exploration and play.
• Observe and record children’s progress and adapt activities to needs.
• Ensure sessions follow safeguarding and health and safety guidelines.
• Collaborate with colleagues and families, and contribute to wider curriculum and nursery routines.

Skills

Outdoor education

Early years development

Risk assessment

Safeguarding

Communication

Forest School certification

Job description

Company Description

LITTLE OWL CHILDCARE LIMITED is an education management company committed to providing high-quality early years care and learning. Based at Burntwood Rugby Club Burntwood near Cannock in Staffordshire, United Kingdom, the organization supports children’s development through play, exploration, and nurturing relationships. The company focuses on creating safe, stimulating environments that encourage curiosity and independence. Team members work collaboratively to deliver consistent, child-centered care that meets local community needs.

Role Description

The Forest school practitioner is a full-time, on-site role based in Staffordshire responsible for planning and delivering outdoor learning sessions in a woodland or natural environment. Day-to-day tasks include preparing resources and activities, leading groups of children in nature-based exploration, and supporting their physical, emotional, and social development. The practitioner observes and records children’s progress, adapts activities to individual needs, and ensures all sessions follow safety, safeguarding, and health and safety guidelines. The role involves close collaboration with colleagues and families, maintaining clear communication, and contributing to the wider curriculum and nursery routines such as transitions, mealtimes, and care practices. The practitioner also participates in team meetings, ongoing training, and continuous improvement of forest school provision.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in outdoor or forest school education, including planning and leading nature-based activities for young children.
• Sound understanding of early years development, child-centered practice, and positive behavior support approaches.
• Ability to maintain safe outdoor learning environments, with knowledge of risk assessment, safeguarding, and health and safety procedures.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills for working with children, families, and colleagues in a team-focused setting.
• Relevant forest school or outdoor education certification (e.g., Forest School Leader qualification) and a recognized early years or childcare qualification.
• Basic IT skills for record-keeping, planning, and communication, and strong organizational skills to manage resources and schedules.
• Enhanced DBS check (or equivalent) and eligibility to work in the UK; first aid training is highly beneficial.