Early Years Practitioner – Outdoor Kindergarten
Discover Outdoors Ltd | Coleorton, Leicestershire
Hours: 8:30am – 3:30pm | 2–5 days per week (flexible)
Salary: Above National Minimum Wage (depending on experience and qualifications)
Love the outdoors? Passionate about inspiring young children?
At Discover Outdoors, we're looking for a caring, enthusiastic and dedicated Early Years Practitioner to join our unique outdoor kindergarten. If you believe children learn best through exploration, adventure and meaningful experiences in nature, we'd love to hear from you.
This is an exciting opportunity to work within a supportive and professional team where your ideas are valued, your development is encouraged, and every day is different.
About the Role
As an Early Years Practitioner, you'll play a key role in delivering outstanding early education within our Forest School-inspired setting. Working alongside experienced practitioners, you'll create engaging, child-led learning opportunities while ensuring every child feels safe, supported and inspired to thrive.
You'll be responsible for:
- Delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum through high-quality outdoor learning.
- Acting as a Key Person, observing, assessing and supporting children's individual development.
- Creating safe, stimulating and inclusive learning environments.
- Building positive partnerships with parents and carers.
- Promoting children's physical, emotional, social and intellectual wellbeing.
- Maintaining high standards of safeguarding, health & safety and welfare.
- Working collaboratively as part of a passionate and supportive team.
- Contributing to the continued development of our unique Forest School ethos.
What We're Looking For
Essential
- Relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification.
- Experience working with children in an Early Years setting.
- Sound knowledge of the EYFS and child development.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
- Positive, reliable and flexible attitude.
Desirable
- Forest School Level 3 qualification.
- Paediatric First Aid.
- Food Hygiene Certificate.
- Experience working closely with parents and families.
Don't worry if you don't yet hold a Forest School qualification—we'll support you to gain it.
What We Offer
We believe our staff are our greatest asset and invest heavily in their wellbeing and professional development.
Benefits include:
- 30 days paid annual leave (pro rata)
- Above National Minimum Wage pay
- Workplace pension
- Fully funded Forest School training
- Regular in-house training and ongoing CPD
- A supportive, friendly team where staff are trusted and treated as professionals
- Opportunities to develop your career within a growing organisation
- The chance to work in a beautiful outdoor environment every day
Working Hours
- 8:30am – 3:30pm
- 2–5 days per week
- Flexibility is essential.
- All staff are expected to participate in ongoing CPD and complete Forest School training as part of their professional development.
Safeguarding
Discover Outdoors is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and all relevant pre-employment checks.
Ready to Join Us?
If you're passionate about giving children the very best start in life through outdoor learning and want to be part of an inspiring, supportive team, we'd love to hear from you.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Pay: £23,500.00-£25,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
Experience:
- Childcare: 2 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person
