We are looking for our next Nursery Practitioner
Join a team that does things differently - outdoors, every day, in every season.
Hidden Valley is a unique, fully outdoor Forest School nursery set within 30 acres of beautiful private woodland in Grayshott. Our children spend every day immersed in nature - exploring, learning and growing outside in all weathers, on a stunning private estate unlike anywhere else in the area.
Having opened in January 2026, we're already operating close to full capacity with a growing waiting list. We're a small, passionate and close-knit team, and we're looking for a practitioner who shares our love of the outdoors and our belief that children thrive when they're given real space, freedom and trust to explore.
If you've ever looked around an indoor setting and thought there has to be more to this - Hidden Valley might be exactly what you've been looking for.
The Role
We are looking for a qualified or experienced Nursery Practitioner to join our team on a permanent basis. This is a hands-on, outdoor role - you'll spend your days in the woodland alongside the children, supporting their learning, wellbeing and development in a genuinely natural environment.
We're a small team, which means every member of it really matters. You'll be valued, listened to and supported, and you'll have the opportunity to develop your skills and grow with us over time.
We're looking for someone who:
✔ Holds a minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification (or is actively working towards one)
✔ Loves being outdoors and is genuinely happy working outside throughout the year — rain, mud and all
✔ Has a warm, calm and nurturing approach with children aged 2–5
✔ Is a reliable, positive and supportive team member
✔ Takes safeguarding seriously and understands their responsibilities
✔ Has Forest School experience or an interest in developing it (desirable, not essential)
✔ Brings energy, curiosity and kindness to everything they do
What a job with us looks like
- A truly unique outdoor working environment - woodland, fresh air and nature every single day
- A highly competitive salary, well above the sector average - we believe that quality early years work deserves to be properly valued
- A warm, supportive team with strong leadership and a clear ethos
- The chance to be part of an exciting, growing nursery from an early stage
- Flexible working patterns - we're happy to talk about days and hours
- Opportunities to develop Forest School skills and progress your career over time
Our commitment to safeguarding
Hidden Valley is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and we expect all staff to share this commitment. This post involves working in regulated activity with children. All appointments are subject to:
- An enhanced DBS check for regulated activity, including a barred list check
- A minimum of two references, including your current or most recent employer, taken up prior to appointment
- Verification of identity, qualifications and right to work in the UK
- Online and social media checks as part of our safer recruitment process
- Exploration of any gaps in employment history at interview
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings must be declared. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Interested?
We'd love to hear from you. Send a short introduction about yourself and why Hidden Valley appeals to you to [email protected], or call us on 07476 135 435 for an informal chat. We'll then send you our application form to complete.
Pay: £16.00-£17.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Childcare
- Free parking
Work Location: In person
