Woodland Educator - Home Ed Group (ages 5-7)

Bee in the Woods Kindergarten; England; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

An outdoor kindergarten in England is seeking a passionate Forest School leader to guide 5-7 year-olds through nature-based education. This unique role involves designing sessions based on children's interests, ensuring safety in outdoor activities, and fostering a supportive learning environment. Ideal candidates will have Forest School Level 3 certification, experience with young children, and a strong commitment to sustainability and inclusive practices.

Benefits

Continuous professional development

Collaborative team environment

Opportunity to work outdoors

Qualifications

• Certification in Forest School Level 3 or equivalent is essential.
• Knowledge of outdoor safety and nature-based skills is critical.
• Experience working with young children, ideally as a teacher, is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver engaging Forest School sessions.
• Support children's development in a nature-focused environment.
• Ensure safety and risk management during outdoor activities.

Skills

Forest School Level 3 or equivalent certification

Nature-based skills

Experience with children aged 5-7

Communication skills

Risk awareness in outdoor settings

Environmental sustainability passion

Collaborative team player

Education

Forest School Level 3 or equivalent

Tools

Fire-making tools

Woodwork tools

Job description

A new role in a very special place!

Imagine infant education without walls, bells or a rigid curriculum. At Bee in the Woods – Brighton & Hove’s first exclusively outdoor kindergarten and Nursery of the Year 2022 – you'll guide curious 5-7 year-olds through an education rooted in nature, democracy and child‑led discovery.

This isn’t a classroom job. It’s a chance to embrace Forest School learning at its best. Based in a beautiful woodland and allotment site, where learning happens around campfires, through den‑building and in the quiet observation of seasonal change. If you’ve ever felt constrained by traditional education, this is your opportunity to do it differently.

Freedom to Lead Authentically

• Design sessions that follow children’s genuine interests and questions
• Use our 'Grow Wild' curriculum as a framework, not a script – progression happens through play, exploration and real‑world skills
• Practice democratic education: children are co‑creators of their learning journey through Floorbooks and Philosophy for Children techniques

Meaningful Impact

• Work intimately with a small group where you’ll truly know each child
• Support home‑educated children aged 5-7 who have chosen learning outside conventional school
• Collaborate with our SENCO to create inclusive experiences for children with complex needs
• Build confidence, resilience and environmental stewardship that lasts a lifetime
• Safeguard and champion every child’s wellbeing – creating a space where they feel safe, seen and free to explore

Nature as Your Classroom

• Lead fire‑making, shelter‑building, woodwork, nature art and storytelling in our stunning woodland setting
• Watch children develop physical, social, emotional and cognitive skills through authentic outdoor challenges
• Foster deep respect for biodiversity and sustainability – not as a lesson, but as a lived experience

Your Key Responsibilities

Forest School Leadership

• Plan and deliver nature‑based Forest School sessions with a small, collaborative team
• Create engaging, flexible environments that respond to children’s evolving needs and interests
• Contribute to the development of our 'Grow Wild' curriculum
• Facilitate group activities: campfire cooking, tool use, natural crafts, adventure walks and reflective practices
• Promote inclusive learning accessible to all abilities and learning styles

Child‑Centred Practice

• Empower children through democratic decision‑making and collaborative planning
• Observe, document and reflect on learning via our Famly platform
• Support individual needs with tailored approaches, working closely with our SENCO

Safety & Communication

• Manage risk thoughtfully – balancing adventure with wellbeing
• Write and review site, tool and activity risk assessments in collaboration with the team
• Communicate regularly with families about progress, plans and celebrations
• Maintain equipment and resources to high standards

Professional Growth

• Engage in continuous professional development
• Participate in team meetings, training and collaborative reflection
• Contribute to our close‑knit team culture and weekly planning sessions

Who You Are

Essential

• Forest School Level 3 or equivalent certification
• Strong knowledge of nature‑based skills: fire‑making, woodwork, natural crafts, outdoor safety
• Proven experience working with children aged 5‑7 (ideally as a qualified teacher or extensive practitioner)
• Deep understanding of SEND best practice and inclusive education
• Excellent communicator who can inspire children, families and colleagues
• Risk‑aware and safety‑conscious in outdoor settings
• Passionate about environmental sustainability and alternative education
• Flexible, creative and comfortable with child‑led learning
• Team player who thrives in collaborative environments

Desirable

• Current paediatric/outdoor first aid certification (we also provide training)
• Recent Safeguarding training
• Experience with democratic education approaches
• Background in home education or alternative settings