Sustainable Garden & Outdoor Learning Assistant
Employer: The Forest Tree Nursery
Location: Oldham
Hours: 15–20 hours per week
Salary: National Minimum Wage, dependent on age and experience
Contract Type: Part-time
Reports to: Nursery Manager and Senior Leadership Team
About The Forest Tree Nursery
The Forest Tree Nursery provides a nurturing, child-centred environment where children are encouraged to learn through play, nature and meaningful real-life experiences.
Our ethos is inspired by outdoor learning, sustainability and a holistic approach to early childhood education. We believe that regular access to nature supports children’s physical development, confidence, curiosity, emotional wellbeing and understanding of the world.
Purpose of the Role
We are looking for a practical, enthusiastic and environmentally conscious Sustainable Garden and Outdoor Learning Assistant to help develop and maintain our nursery garden and outdoor learning environment.
The successful candidate will work alongside the nursery team to create safe, engaging and sustainable outdoor spaces where children can explore nature, grow plants, learn about wildlife and take part in age-appropriate gardening activities.
The role will involve a combination of garden maintenance, outdoor resource development and supporting children’s learning through practical activities.
Key ResponsibilitiesGarden and Outdoor Area Maintenance
- Maintain the nursery garden and outdoor learning areas to a high standard.
- Plant, water, weed, prune and care for flowers, herbs, fruit and vegetables.
- Maintain raised beds, planters, sensory areas and growing spaces.
- Keep outdoor areas clean, safe, organised and welcoming.
- Help manage leaves, compost, soil, natural materials and garden waste.
- Identify and report damaged equipment, hazards or maintenance concerns.
- Support seasonal preparation of the garden throughout the year.
- Ensure tools and gardening resources are cleaned, stored safely and kept away from children when not in use.
Sustainable Practice
- Support the nursery’s commitment to environmentally friendly and sustainable practice.
- Develop composting, recycling and waste-reduction initiatives.
- Encourage the use of natural, recycled and reusable materials.
- Support water conservation and responsible use of resources.
- Help create habitats for birds, insects and other local wildlife.
- Promote children’s understanding of caring for the environment.
Outdoor Learning
- Work with nursery practitioners to plan simple, age-appropriate gardening and nature activities.
- Support children to plant seeds, grow food and care for plants.
- Encourage children to explore seasonal changes, weather, insects, wildlife and the natural environment.
- Help create sensory, imaginative and investigative outdoor learning opportunities.
- Support activities such as mud play, den building, nature crafts, bug hunting and collecting natural materials.
- Model safe and respectful behaviour when working outdoors.
- Encourage children to develop confidence, independence and responsibility.
Health, Safety and Safeguarding
- Complete visual safety checks before children access gardening areas.
- Follow all nursery safeguarding, health and safety, risk assessment and accident-reporting procedures.
- Ensure all plants, materials and substances used are suitable and safe for young children.
- Use gardening tools, equipment and substances safely and in accordance with nursery procedures.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with children and families.
- Report any safeguarding or welfare concerns immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
- Follow allergy, infection-control and hygiene procedures when supporting food-growing or outdoor activities.
Teamwork
- Work positively with nursery staff, children, parents and visitors.
- Communicate planned gardening activities and maintenance work with the nursery management team.
- Support nursery events, outdoor projects and family gardening activities where required.
- Share ideas for improving the outdoor environment.
- Take part in relevant meetings, training and supervision sessions.
- Carry out other reasonable duties appropriate to the role.
Person SpecificationEssential
The successful candidate must:
- Have a genuine interest in gardening, sustainability and outdoor learning.
- Be practical, reliable, organised and able to use initiative.
- Enjoy working in an early years environment.
- Be confident working outdoors in different weather conditions.
- Have good communication and teamwork skills.
- Understand the importance of safeguarding children.
- Be able to carry out physical tasks such as lifting, digging, bending, planting and moving light garden equipment.
- Be willing to complete required training.
- Be able to work safely and follow instructions, policies and risk assessments.
- Be suitable to work with children and willing to undertake an enhanced DBS check.
Desirable
It would be beneficial for applicants to have:
- Previous gardening, horticultural or grounds-maintenance experience.
- Experience working with young children or in an educational setting.
- Knowledge of sustainable gardening, composting or food growing.
- A qualification in horticulture, outdoor learning, forest school, early years or a related subject.
- Paediatric first-aid training.
- Knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
- Experience creating sensory or wildlife-friendly gardens.
Skills and Personal Qualities
We are looking for someone who is:
- Warm, friendly and approachable.
- Patient and positive around young children.
- Creative and enthusiastic about outdoor learning.
- Environmentally responsible.
- Dependable and punctual.
- Able to work independently and as part of a team.
- Committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Willing to contribute ideas and take pride in the nursery environment.
Safeguarding Statement
The Forest Tree Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants will be expected to share this commitment.
The successful applicant will be subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, identity checks, references and verification of employment history and qualifications.
Equality and Inclusion
The Forest Tree Nursery is committed to providing equal opportunities and creating an inclusive working environment. Applications are welcomed from all suitably qualified candidates.
Additional Information
This job description provides an overview of the main responsibilities of the role. Duties may be reviewed and amended in consultation with the employee to reflect the changing needs of the nursery.
Pay: From £13.00 per hour
Benefits:
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Chadderton OL9 0HW: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Gardening: 1 year (required)
Language:
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
