Little Forest Folk are looking for a Third in Charge to join London's leading Forest School nursery across south west London and Surrey.
Do you have a passion for adventure? Do you love the great outdoors and being connected to nature? If this sounds like you, Little Forest Folk is the place to be We provide children aged 2-5 years old an opportunity to explore the natural world around them. As a Third in Charge you will have the chance to develop our children's connection to nature, inspire their creativity, build their resilience and confidence to help them become children who are most likely to succeed in today's busy world
The Role
As a Third in Charge you will be tasked with:
* Ensuring the smooth running of the day in the forest and at the indoor site.
* You will role model and promote the setting's philosophy and ethos.
* You will bring your energy and creativity to the role.
* You will be the children's guide and assist in scaffolding an environment that encourages child-led, play-based learning.
Career Progression:
* Excellent opportunity for someone with room leader experience. Who is passionate about Early Years Education and the outdoors, to join an 'Outstanding' outdoor nursery organisation.
* Exciting career progression opportunities within the company.
* Amazing training opportunities i.e. Forest School Qualification.
Locations: Winkworth Arboretum, Godalming
Start date: September 2025
Salary: Up to £30,000, depending on experience.
What we are looking for in our ideal third in charge:
* A minimum of Early Years Level 3 qualification
* Experience working with 2-5 year olds
* Management / room leader experience
* Forest school or outdoor experience is desirable but not essential
* A real passion for nature play and engaging children with the outdoors
* Sound knowledge of the EYFS statutory framework
* Good knowledge and understanding of the safeguarding children obligations
* Someone who is highly organised, reliable and a driven team-player
* Strong relationship-building and communication skills to build a rapport with parents and practitioners alike
* The ability to adapt quickly to changes, is flexible and uses initiative
We believe in looking after the people who look after our children, so our educators enjoy a range of perks such as;
* Starting with 28 days annual leave, inclusive of public holidays
* PLUS 1 additional day of annual leave after each full year of employment
* AND a day off on your birthday – everyone should spend their birthday eating cake, not at work
* Funded Level 3 Forest School Qualification
* Career progression - gateway to growing into senior leadership roles
* Professional development and in house training
* Social events throughout the year
* A fit, healthy, active job
* Discounts at our favourite outdoor retailers
* Bike to Work Scheme (with Cycleschme)
* Techscheme
* Cash back health plan(with Paycare)
* Workplace nursery scheme
To apply please send your CV and a covering letter explaining why you would like to join our exciting venture.
Little Forest Folk are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful applicants will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check, and provide references that will be thoroughly vetted. We will also carry out a range of checks to ensure the suitability of candidates, including identity, full work history, right to work, and disqualification by association checks.
To learn more about what we do at Little Forest Folk, feel free to find us on Facebook or try our website on Should you have any questions about the role, we'd love to hear from you
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Pay: Up to £30,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Casual dress
* Childcare
* Company events
* Company pension
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee discount
* Health & wellbeing programme
* Referral programme
Application question(s):
* Please detail your relevant childcare qualification
Experience:
* Nursery: 1 year (required)
* Childcare: 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person