The North London Forest School Nursery
Position: Early Years Practitioner Level 3 in Childcare and Education and Forest School Leader, Term Time
Rate of Pay: From £14 per hour (depending on experience), 39 weeks per year, school term time.
Hours of Work: 42 hours per week on a shift basis from 7:30 am to 4 pm and 8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday
We are open 39 weeks a year, term time only
Contract term: 78 weeks contract term, with the possibility of becoming permanent, subject to 6 months probation.
Start date: September 2026
Place of Work: The North London Forest School Nursery, All Hallows’ Church, Savernake Road NW3 2JP
Website: www.nlforestschoolnursery.com
We are currently recruiting for a full time Level 3 Early Year Practitioner and Forest School Leader to join our forest school nursery in Hampstead NW3.
We are a small nursery setting, based on outdoor education in all weather.
The successful candidate will be passionate about children’s learning outdoors, have a love of nature and physical activity.
To apply for this position please request an application form and send your CV as well.
Applicants should demonstrate the following qualifications & experience:
· This role involves a high degree of physical activity, walking and playing outdoors with the children every day for most of the day, in all weather conditions. Good physical stamina and a love for the outdoors is a must.
· The role involves the need for strict supervision and the ability of ensuring the safety of the children at all times, both indoors and outdoors, at local parks and in the outdoor environment. Candidates must be experienced in managing groups of young children outdoors.
Job description and person specification:
- Full and relevant Level 3 Childcare qualification
- Forest School Leader qualification. We may consider a Forest School Assistant qualification for the right candidate.
- A minimum of 3 years post Early Years qualification experience required.
- Experience of OFSTED inspection in previous settings desired, but not essential.
- Solid knowledge and experience of Safeguarding procedures. The right candidate will be able to demonstrate their experience and understanding of Safeguarding children and safe practices: safe eating, safer sleeping, nutrition and allergies, vulnerable children and children with additional educational needs.
- The right candidate will be able to demonstrate solid experience and knowledge of supporting positive behaviour and conflict resolution for children, including helping children to manage their own behaviour and feelings.
- The right candidate will be able to demonstrate solid experience and knowledge of the role of a key person, working in partnership with parents and professionals, observing learning and development, assessing, writing observations and reports, and planning for next developmental steps for their key children.
- Consistently deliver and plan rich learning opportunities and exceptional care that helps all children to develop and meets their individual needs.
- Ensuring an enabling environment is providing consistent stimulating and inspiring activities for the children in both the indoors and outdoors.
- Ensure that British Values are incorporated and demonstrated through Early Years Foundation Stage learning and play.
- Safeguard and promote the health, safety, and welfare of children.
- Ensure internal policies and procedures are adhered to whilst also meeting the external legislation and guidelines from governing bodies.
- Continually work in partnership with colleagues, parents and/or carers or other professionals to meet the individual needs of the children ensuring a diverse and inclusive approach is maintained at all times.
- Enthusiasm to work with young children
- A positive approach to learning and gaining new skills through teamwork and training opportunities
- Punctuality and good attendance
- Reliability and trustworthiness
- A respectful attitude towards children, parents and colleagues
- Excellent team work skills
- A positive approach to inclusive practice with colleagues and children
- A positive approach to completing relevant courses and qualifications.
- This post requires 2 satisfactory references from a current childcare and education employer and also from a former childcare and education employer, which will be obtained prior to a job interview.
- Position to start in September 2026
- This post is subject to a satisfactory 6 months probation period.
- This post is subject to a clear enhanced DBS check. Our organisation is committed to Safeguarding children.
Benefits:
- Regular training opportunities paid for by the nursery
- Allocated non-contact time for admin tasks, planning and record keeping
- Paid overtime
- Statutory paid holiday during school holidays only
- Company private pension
- Employee Assistance Programme - access to wellbeing support helpline for staff and their family members
- Birthday vouchers
- Christmas and end of academic year restaurant meal with team
- £100 work clothing allowance
Work remotely:
Job Types: Full-time, Contract
Contract length: 78 weeks
Pay: From £14.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Health & wellbeing programme
Application question(s):
- What is your postcode?
- Do you have a Forest School qualification?
- Are you willing to work with children outdoors in all weather?
- Are you currently working in a childcare and education setting? How long have you been with your current childcare and education employer?
Education:
- A-Level or equivalent (preferred)
Experience:
- Childcare: 3 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- current clear enhanced CRB check (preferred)
Work Location: In person
