Forest School Leader – Southwater, West Sussex (RH13)
Imagine spending your working day surrounded by woodland, nature and outdoor adventure rather than four nursery walls. This is an exciting opportunity to join an award‑winning Forest & Farm School nursery in Southwater (RH13), where children learn through exploration, animal encounters, woodland experiences and meaningful connections with the natural world every single day. If you are passionate about outdoor education, Forest School principles and helping children develop confidence, resilience and curiosity through nature‑based learning, this could be the perfect next step in your childcare career.
Employment Type
Permanent, Full‑Time position within a Nurseries & Early Years childcare setting.
Salary
£29,000 per annum + benefits
Pay & Benefits
* Competitive salary of £29,000 per annum
* Work within an award‑winning Forest & Farm School environment
* Opportunity to deliver learning in woodland and outdoor settings every day
* Strong focus on professional development and training
* Career development opportunities within an established nursery group
* Supportive and collaborative nursery team
* Reggio Emilia‑inspired learning environment
* Work alongside experienced early years professionals
* Access to extensive outdoor learning spaces and natural environments
* Creative, child‑led and nature‑inspired learning culture
Working Hours & Shift Pattern
Permanent Full‑Time position
Based in Southwater, West Sussex (RH13)
* 36 or 40 hours per week
* On‑site role within a Forest & Farm School nursery environment
* Hands‑on outdoor learning and woodland‑based activities
* Daily engagement with nature‑focused learning experiences
* Collaborative working with nursery and early years teams
Job Description
As a Forest School Leader, you will play a central role within a unique Forest & Farm School nursery in Southwater, West Sussex (RH13). This is far more than a traditional childcare role. You will help create engaging outdoor learning experiences that encourage children to explore, investigate, problem‑solve and develop a lifelong appreciation for the natural world. The setting is part of an award‑winning Nurseries & Early Years group recognised for its commitment to outdoor learning, creativity and high‑quality early years education. Children benefit from woodland exploration, nature‑based activities, animal encounters and child‑led learning opportunities that support their emotional, social and physical development.
As a Forest School Leader, you will have the opportunity to deliver inspiring Forest School experiences, encourage risk‑aware play, support children's confidence and independence, and create memorable learning experiences that simply cannot be replicated within a traditional indoor nursery environment.
This role may suit an experienced Forest School Leader, Forest School Practitioner, Outdoor Learning Practitioner, Early Years Educator or Nursery Practitioner with a strong interest in outdoor nursery education, Forest School provision and nature‑based childcare.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead Forest School sessions and outdoor learning activities
* Support children's learning and development through nature‑based experiences
* Promote safe, engaging and stimulating outdoor environments
* Deliver woodland learning experiences that encourage exploration and discovery
* Complete risk assessments and maintain health and safety standards
* Support safeguarding and child protection procedures
* Encourage curiosity, resilience, independence and confidence in children
* Work collaboratively with nursery practitioners and leadership teams
* Maintain accurate observations and developmental records where required
* Contribute to the continued development of Forest School provision across the setting
Requirements
* Right to work in the UK
* Relevant Early Years, Forest School, CACHE, NVQ or equivalent qualification
* Experience working within nursery, early years, preschool, EYFS or childcare environments
* Knowledge of Forest School, outdoor learning or nature‑based education
* Ability to safely deliver engaging outdoor activities and learning experiences
* Strong communication and relationship‑building skills
* Able to work independently while contributing positively to a wider team
* Also suitable for: Forest School Practitioner, Outdoor Learning Practitioner, Outdoor Education Practitioner, Early Years Forest School Practitioner, Outdoor Nursery Practitioner, Forest School Teacher, Early Years Educator, Nursery Practitioner
Company Culture
As a Forest School Leader, you will be joining a team that genuinely embraces outdoor learning as part of everyday practice. Inspired by both Forest School and Reggio Emilia principles, the setting encourages children to learn through exploration, creativity, curiosity and meaningful experiences in nature. Staff are supported through ongoing development opportunities and work within a collaborative culture that values innovation, child‑led learning and exceptional early years education.
For professionals who are passionate about outdoor education, this offers the opportunity to spend more time in woodland environments, supporting children through hands‑on experiences and helping them build confidence, resilience and a connection with the world around them.
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