Inspirations Nurseries and Forest School provided pay range
This range is provided by Inspirations Nurseries and Forest School. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range
Direct message the job poster from Inspirations Nurseries and Forest School
Bachelor's degree at Leeds Trinity University
Purpose of role
To provide high‑quality care, education and support for children (aged from 3 months up to school age) in line with the nursery’s ethos (Reggio‑Emilia inspired, strong outdoor/Forest School element) and the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). You will work as part of the team to create a stimulating, safe, inclusive environment where children learn through their interests, exploration and play.
Key responsibilities
* Provide a caring, nurturing and safe learning environment both indoors and outdoors, including in designated forest/woodland or outdoor areas. (The Horsforth site has nature reserve, yurt, outdoor classroom and woodland access.)
* Work within the EYFS framework: planning, observation, assessment, recording children’s progress, supporting next steps in learning.
* Deliver high‑quality early years education with a focus on children initiating their learning, supported by skilled practitioners and the environment (in keeping with Reggio Emilia approach) and outdoor/Forest School experiences.
* Support children with a wide range of needs and abilities, fostering inclusion, equality and anti‑discriminatory practice. (The nursery emphasises inclusive practice and SEND support.)
* Liaise with parents/carers to share information about children’s learning and development, key‑person system support, and work in partnership with families.
* Work collaboratively with colleagues (room team, Training Manager, senior staff) to maintain high standards of professionalism and continuous professional development (CPD).
* Ensure health, safety, hygiene, safeguarding and well‑being of children at all times (both in indoor rooms and the outdoor/woodland setting).
* Contribute to the preparation and maintenance of resources, rooms, outdoor areas, the forest school site, ensuring they are safe, stimulating and well‑organised.
* Participate in team meetings, training sessions and supervision as required, staying up to date with best practice in early years, forest school pedagogy and outdoor learning.
Person Specification – Skills / Qualifications / Experience
* A recognised early years qualification: e.g., Level 2/3 Diploma in Early Years Care & Education (or equivalent) – depending on role. (Inspirations advert referenced Level 2/3)
* Good understanding of the EYFS framework and how young children learn and develop in the early years.
* Experience working with children aged 0‑5 (or willingness to learn) in a childcare/nursery setting.
* A commitment to inclusive practice and children’s welfare and safeguarding.
* Good interpersonal skills: able to communicate with children, parents, colleagues; nurture positive relationships.
* Willingness to work outdoors and support outdoor/forest based learning – comfortable with the ethos of forest school/outdoor play.
* A ‘can‑do’ attitude, flexible, reliable, committed to quality, continuous improvement and professional development.
* Experience or training in Forest School or outdoor learning.
* Understanding of the Reggio Emilia approach or similar child‑led, emergent learning pedagogies.
* Knowledge or experience of working with children with SEND.
* First Aid, Food Hygiene, or other relevant CPD certificates.
* Experience of using digital systems for observations/assessment (if relevant).
Working hours & conditions
* The Horsforth setting is open Monday‑Friday, 7.30am‑6.00pm, 51 weeks a year.
* Both full‑time and part‑time roles available according to adverts.
* Salary competitive, above industry standard (as noted by the setting) and reviewed annually.
* Benefits may include: staff discount on childcare, daily cooked lunch option, CPD and training opportunities, etc.
Key values and ethos
* The setting emphasises outdoor play, creativity, child‑centred learning, and forest school experiences.
* Encourage children’s agency: children lead their learning, staff provide the environment and resources for them to thrive.
* High value placed on staff development, training, and creating a supportive and stable team environment.
Safeguarding & professional responsibilities
* All staff must hold, or be willing to obtain, an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.
* Must adhere to all policies and procedures regarding safeguarding children, health & safety, behaviour management, risk‑assessment (especially with outdoor/forest activities).
* Undertake continual professional development, attend mandatory training and keep up to date with best practice.
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Education and Training
Industries
Higher Education
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