Outdoor Lead – Nursery
Pumpkin Patch Nursery, a family‑owned company operating six nurseries on the South Coast, is seeking an Outdoor Lead. The role supports our Reggio Emilia and Scandinavian Forest School approaches, delivering imaginative outdoor experiences that enrich children’s learning.
Responsibilities
* Design and lead rich, varied outdoor experiences that engage and motivate children.
* Collaborate with Pedagogical Leaders to integrate outdoor learning with the nursery curriculum.
* Create a safe, welcoming, inclusive environment where all children feel valued.
* Plan and run Forest School sessions, ensuring activities reflect Reggio Emilia and Forest School philosophies.
* Build trusting relationships with parents and carers, encouraging open communication and involvement.
* Act as a professional role model, demonstrating positive behaviour and excellent interpersonal skills.
* Vigilantly safeguard children, reporting any concerns immediately.
Qualifications
* NVQ Level 3 in Child Care and Education or equivalent.
* Expert knowledge of child learning and development.
* Strong understanding of safeguarding, child protection, health and safety.
* Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills with a people‑first approach.
Job Details
* Contract: Permanent, Full‑time (40 hours/week, including paid breaks)
* Salary: £27,352 – £30,680 (FTE, depending on experience)
* Location: 1 & 2 Chanctonfold, Horsham Road, Steyning BN44 3AA
* Safeguarding: Enhanced DBS and rigorous pre‑employment checks
Benefits
* Fully funded Forest School or Beach School qualification during a 6‑month probationary period
* Paid breaks, flexible working, and real living wage employer
* Discounted childcare, company‑funded qualifications, and annual pay enhancements
* Bonus and voucher schemes, in‑house workshops, and continuous development programmes
* Two‑week induction programme, educational tours to Italy and Iceland, and social events (summer, Christmas, New Year’s)
* Charity of the year, fundraising activities, mental health and wellbeing support, and paid overtime up to 5 hours per week (then TOIL)
* Company‑funded holidays and pension scheme
* Childcare, company events, employee discount, referral programme, and sick pay
Application Questions
* Do you have a Level 3 childcare qualification?
* How many years of nursery experience do you have?
* Do you hold a Forest School qualification?
We are an equal opportunities employer. To apply, please contact HR: 01273 568798 or lucy.dann@pumpkinpatchnursery.com.
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