Outdoor Learning Manager
Location: The Barn at Hillside Gems
Start Date: September 2026
Contract: Term Time Only, 38 weeks per year
Working Pattern: Wednesday and Thursday
Hours:
- Wednesday: 8.15am – 3.15pm
- Thursday: 8.45am – 3.45pm
Additional hours may be available across our other Hillside Gems sites.
About the Role
We are looking for a warm, confident and inspiring Outdoor Learning Manager to lead our beautiful Barn provision from September 2026.
The Barn is a special part of Hillside Gems, set within the peaceful grounds of a quiet 11th-century church in a small, caring community. Within walking distance, there is a stunning nature park with streams, walking paths, woodland space and a beautiful river, offering rich opportunities for children to explore, discover and connect with the natural world.
The Barn has previously been home to outdoor learning and Forest School sessions for children attending our current nursery provisions. We are now excited to continue developing this unique space into a nurturing, nature-rich learning environment for children aged 3+.
This is a wonderful opportunity for someone who believes that children learn deeply through nature, movement, curiosity and meaningful hands-on experiences. The successful candidate will lead engaging outdoor learning sessions that support children’s confidence, independence, resilience and school readiness.
The children will attend The Barn from 9.00am – 3.00pm. The working hours include set-up time on Wednesdays and pack-away time on Thursdays, as The Barn is a pack-away provision.
About The Barn
The Barn is a small, outdoor-focused preschool provision for up to 16 children. Its size allows for thoughtful, personalised learning where every child can be known, supported and encouraged.
The sessions will gently support school readiness through outdoor exploration, fine motor activities and a more structured approach to ease into big school.
At The Barn, the outdoors becomes the classroom. Children will have opportunities to question, investigate, experiment and learn through nature in a practical and meaningful way.
Key Responsibilities
The Outdoor Learning Manager will:
- Lead and deliver high-quality outdoor learning experiences at The Barn
- Plan and facilitate child-led, nature-based learning that supports curiosity, resilience and independence
- Create a safe, engaging and inspiring outdoor environment for children aged 3+
- Support children to take appropriate risks and build confidence through outdoor play
- Lead a small team, offering guidance and modelling strong early years practice
- Build strong, positive relationships with children, families and colleagues
- Work as part of the team to set up and pack away the outdoor learning environment
- Ensure activities are inclusive and responsive to children’s individual needs
- Oversee health and safety, daily checks and risk assessments within the outdoor environment
- Organise and prepare the daily snack, ensuring it is safe, healthy and suitable for all children
- Contribute to observations and children’s learning journeys in line with the EYFS
- Communicate regularly with parents about their child’s progress, development and experiences
- Work closely with the wider Hillside Gems team to ensure consistency in values and practice
Skills and Experience
We are looking for someone who has:
- A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above
- Experience or a strong interest in outdoor learning, nature-based learning or Forest School approaches
- A good understanding of the EYFS framework
- Confidence leading activities and supporting a small team
- Knowledge of risk-benefit play and outdoor safety
- A warm, calm and encouraging approach with children
- Strong communication and organisational skills
- A commitment to safeguarding and professional practice
A Forest School qualification would be welcomed but is not essential.
What We Offer
- A rare opportunity to lead learning in a beautiful outdoor setting
- A warm, supportive and values-led team environment
- The chance to shape and grow The Barn provision
- Opportunities to work alongside and learn from a qualified teacher
- Opportunities for training and development in outdoor learning approaches
- Term-time working, with salary paid across 12 months
- The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children’s confidence, wellbeing and connection to nature
- An employee assistants programme focused on health and well-being support.
- Discounts for holiday and shopping through Bright Exchange
Our Ideal Candidate
Our ideal candidate will be someone who sees the magic in outdoor learning and understands how nature can support children’s confidence, curiosity and development. They will be warm, organised, reflective and excited by the opportunity to help shape something special at Hillside Gems.
Pay: From £15.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
