Woodentops has been part of south-west London family life for 40 years. Family-run and proudly independent, our three nurseries are part of the White House Family, which has been educating children in south-west London for generations. The same commitment to kindness, resilience and the development of confident, independent young people that defines the White House Preparatory School runs through everything we do at Woodentops— because we believe that the habits of a lifetime are built in the earliest years.
We are looking for an experienced, Level 3-qualified practitioner or QTS who is ready to take real ownership: shaping and leading our outdoor environment, creating the 5th classroom of the nursery and being the person families trust to know their child inside out. You will be responsible for the planning, resourcing and maintenance of the outdoor space. This is a role with genuine responsibility, genuine support — and a salary that reflects both.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
- To lead outdoor learning throughout the nursery with all age ranges.
- To be responsible for all outdoor resources.
- To set up the garden spaces on a daily basis to support planned activities for each classroom.
- To complete planning for the outdoor environment every week
- To liaise with staff in each room regarding planning in the outdoor area and ensuring a clear vision within the team of how outdoor activities should be delivered.
- To ensure that outdoor learning covers book based work, important festivals and cultural events alongside the children’s interests
- To role model outstanding quality of teaching through daily teaching outdoors, helping to coach other members of staff.
ABOUT YOU
- Full and relevant Level 3 (or above) qualification in Early Years Education or the Children’s Workforce (essential)
- At least one year’s experience in a senior or supervisory role within a nursery
- Deep knowledge of EYFS, child development and safeguarding
- Confident, calm and organised — you lead by example and bring people with you
- Excellent communication skills with children, families and colleagues
- Paediatric First Aid certificate (or willingness to obtain)
- Eligibility to work in the UK
WHAT WE OFFER
- £32,000+ per year, reviewed annually — among the highest for this role in south-west
London
- 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service
- Benenden Healthcare (private health cover), available after 6 months’ service
- Individual training plan with a dedicated external training budget
- Funded support for Level 5, EYITT and further qualifications for those looking to
progress
- 2 INSET days per year for professional development
- Regular team dinners and a close-knit, supportive leadership team
- Generous staff childcare discount
- Company pension and cycle to work scheme
- Senior leadership opportunities within our growing family of settings
GETTING HERE
Woodentops Abbeville, 1 Poynders Road, SW4 8NX — nearest tube is Clapham South
(Northern line, 5 min walk). Buses 50, 137 and 355 stop directly on Poynders Road.
Pay: £32,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Discounted or free food
- Private medical insurance
- Referral programme
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
