We are excited to be advertising for a multi-site Forest School Leader to join our wonderful Atherton House Nursery Group family This role will be based across our four nurseries in the Cheshire area:
Richmond House Kindergarten, Hale, WA15
Altrincham Day Nursery & Homeland Day Nursery, Altrincham, WA14
Rainbow Day Nursery, Lymm, WA13
Travel is required on a weekly basis between all four nursery sites. This is a full-time position, working 40 hours a week all year round.
As a Forest School Leader, you will be excited by the opportunities that outdoor Forest School learning brings to the early years sector. As a unique educational experience, we love how it teaches children confidence, social skills, new physical skills and so much more You will have a keen interest in following and developing on our curriculum that embraces nature and the outdoor environment.
We have different outdoor environments at our separate sites, and you will be inspired by each to develop and create outdoor learning that inspires and educates young minds. While also teaching fellow staff members how to use a Forest School led approach in their own teaching.
You will need to demonstrate a commitment to outdoor learning within a natural environment whilst encouraging and developing children's individual interests in the outdoors. An ability to connect with young children with a background in outdoor learning, you will have the ability to develop new concepts using projects and natural materials.
Main duties & responsibilities:
* Work with the Managers and Nursery Directors to follow and develop our Forest School Curriculum to lead on our Forest School Provision
* Work with our Forest School Leaders at other sites, to collaborate on teaching and develop different outdoor areas
* Teach new skills to staff and children and continue to introduce a wide range of outdoor experiences that both stimulate and interest the children who attend the settings
* Provide in-house training on the role of outdoor learning to fellow colleagues to inspire them to utilise the Forests School Provisions in their own teaching
* Setup displays of children's work and encourage children to explore the outdoors and manage risks in a safe ways to spark new ways of working and inspiration for the children
* Speak with confidence to others about Forest School and the outdoors in the curriculum and your job role
* Document children's learning and sharing with parents and the nursery team. Take part in assessing children's development and sharing this with parents
* You will take pride in keeping your learning environments well equipped, safe, organised and inspirational for young children whilst allowing children a sense of ownership
Requirements for the role:
* Hold or working towards an Early Years Forest School Qualification
* Minimum of Childcare Level 3 Qualified
* Enthusiastic and proud to work in a Forest School Led approach
* Excellent knowledge of the EYFS
* Good knowledge of safeguarding
* Driver with access to own vehicle (expenses between sites paid for)
Benefits of working for the Atherton House Group:
* We place a huge emphasis on wellbeing, with access to the BUPA helpline
* Join the children for breakfast, be a positive role model whilst save time in the morning. We provide cereal and fruit for our practitioners each morning
* Free DBS on appointment to a role
* Holiday entitlement that increases with service
* Regular team treats
* Childcare provision with substantial childcare discount
* Annual staff BBQ with free bar and Christmas night out
* Dress down Friday every week
* Competitive salary from £12.90 per hour (£26,832) depending on experience, with April pay review
* Rewards and recognition gifts for performance
* Excellent in-house training and career progression opportunities