JOB TITLE: Forest School Practitioner
ABOUT US:
Nature Garden Nursery & Forest School is a place where children laugh, learn, and grow every single day.
In short, we help families feel completely at ease, knowing their little ones are in the safest, most caring hands possible.
We strongly believe that our biggest classroom is the outdoors, and we place a massive focus on outdoor learning and nature-based play. If you love getting muddy, teaching safe risk-taking, and exploring the natural world with the children, you will fit right in!
THE ROLE (IN PLAIN ENGLISH):
Due to our success, we are currently looking for an enthusiastic, reliable, and passionate Forest School Practitioner to join our family. Whether you're already qualified or ready to embark on an exciting training journey with us, we want to hear from you.
We want someone who takes pride in doing a great job, and making sure the children in their care are thriving. You won't be stuck indoors all day. You'll be the one leading the charge outside - building dens, teaching tool safety, and lighting the occasional campfire. You'll be in an environment where getting muddy is encouraged, surrounded by the sounds of happy children, and doing work that genuinely matters.
This role will see you working across both Nature Garden Nursery & Forest School and our sister setting, Rosebank Day Nursery - don't worry, we haven't sent you on a commute. They're literally on the same road.
WHY THIS ROLE IS GREAT:
This is a solid, rewarding job for someone who loves being active and making a real difference. Here's why you'll enjoy it:
* Real Support: You'll be working directly with an experienced team. If you aren't yet qualified, we provide full support and funding for your Level 3 Forest School Leader qualification.
* Meaningful Work: Your work directly shapes little lives. You'll guide children through enriching outdoor experiences, from nature art to building with natural materials, and help them develop resilience and confidence.
* The Environment: You get to work in a setting that values fresh air, nature, and outdoor exploration as much as you do. You'll be the champion of our outdoor ethos.
REASONS WHY WE'RE A GREAT PLACE TO WORK:
* Flexible working: We can figure out what works best for you!
* Joyful Atmosphere: A genuinely happy workplace where a good giggle and a cup of tea (or hot chocolate by the fire) are highly valued.
* Oh, and the usual good stuff is all there too - holidays, pension, rewards, childcare discounts, cycle to work scheme, discounted or free food, free flu jabs, and free parking. Once you join us, you'll get your hands on our Team Benefits Brochure, which covers everything in full.
PLUS: we actually help shape the future generation - and that feels pretty damn good.
THE PERFECT CANDIDATE WILL TICK THE BOXES BELOW:
You're great at: Engaging with children, inspiring curiosity, and leading outdoor activities that promote physical development, safe risk-taking, and environmental awareness.
You're the kind of person who: Is proactive, unflappable, and always one step ahead of the process - whether that's risk-assessing a climbing tree or planning a muddy puddle jump.
You can handle: An environment with occasional interruptions (nurseries are lively places!) and absolutely all weather conditions - there's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing!
You read this and thought “OMG this is the job for me!!”
You're reliable, hard-working, and all the usual stuff too.
If you've got the right attitude, a love for the outdoors, and a reliable nature, we'd love to hear from you.
WHAT YOUR TYPICAL DAY WILL LOOK LIKE:
7:55am: Arrive at Nature Garden Nursery & Forest School, hang up your coat, sign in, and say hi to your colleagues.
8:00am: Warmly welcome the children and their parents, ensuring a smooth, comforting start to the day. Boom.
8:30am: Quick catch-up with the room leader to set priorities, check the weather, and conquer the day.
8:35am: Get stuck into outdoor learning - leading a forest school session, teaching children how to safely use a bow saw, or building a magnificent bug hotel.
Focus mode: activated. 10:30am: A child asks a completely random question about the natural world and their surroundings; you are efficient, polite and answer their question (and maybe look up what kind of beetle they just found).
10:45am: Snack time! Encouraging healthy eating and independence, perhaps even roasting something over a small, safe fire if it's that kind of day.
11:00am: Bathroom Break (you can do this whenever you want, this is just an example!!)
11:15am: Time to do some focused observations and update the children's learning journeys based on their outdoor explorations and newfound confidence.
12:00pm: Lunchtime — it's all about encouraging independence, healthy habits, and chatting with your friends.
LUNCH 12:45pm: Go for a walk, reset, and enjoy the fresh air, or use our on-site staff room.
1:30pm: Focused work - setting up a stimulating natural resource activity, like mud kitchen recipes or knot-tying, for the afternoon session.
2:50pm: Bathroom Break! (again… no pressure to schedule these!!)
3:00pm: Leading a very enthusiastic outdoor story or imaginative play session under the trees.
4:00pm: Quick wins - tidying the outdoor gear, cleaning down, making sure all tools are safely stored, and prepping for tomorrow.
4:45pm: Provide thoughtful handovers to parents, sharing the funny stories, muddy achievements, and newfound skills. Plan tomorrow, wrap up the loose ends, feel content about a productive day.
6:00pm: Head home! *
*Every day will be different!
Job Type: Full-time / Part-time
Licence/Certification:
* Level 3 Forest School Leader (Qualified or willing to train)
Work Location: In person
Pay: Up to £13.52 per hour
Benefits:
- Childcare
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounted or free food
- Free flu jabs
- Free parking
Licence/Certification:
- Level 3 Qualification (required)
Work Location: In person
