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Work Somewhere
Extraordinary
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Join an award-winning Forest & Farm School nursery group, where children learn through nature, creativity and real-world experiences every day.
Little Barn Owls Nursery & Farm School offers a creative, nurturing workplace culture built on collaboration, outdoor learning and genuine support for every childcare professional, including supportive teams, clear progression, and award-winning nurseries across West Sussex.
What Little Barn Owls staff
say about working here

LBO is truly a wonderful place to work, the management are supportive and everyday you learn something new. It’s by far the best nursery I ever worked in. You really are part of a family. It’s such a happy place to work, a great team of staff, the best resources and most importantly the way children are cared for. Giving each child confidence to explore their environment and grow into beautiful curious little people.

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Nursery Educator - Horsham, West Sussex
Employers reviews verified on Indeed
I have never felt so supported by a workplace. Higher management take time to get to know you personally and always ask how you are. I have had the pleasure of working in all sites and the children are all so happy and staff are so passionate about what they do across the board. This is by far the best nursery I have worked in, in my 10 years of childcare.

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Forest School Leader - Farlington
Employee reviews verified on Indeed
The senior leadership team here is incredibly supportive and always willing to step in when needed. They genuinely care about their staff and have established an academy to help enhance and broaden our knowledge within the sector. This award-winning nursery has certainly earned its accolades, and joining has been the best decision I have ever made.

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Nursery practice Lead - West Grinstead, West Sussex
Employers Reviews Verified on Indeed
LBO has an amazing ethos and vision for both staff and children alike. This is what drew me to work for the company! As a new Deputy I have felt nothing but warm welcomes from my team and Manager. LBO feels like one big family and I am grateful to be a part of that!

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Deputy Manager - Southwater, West Sussex
Employers Reviews Verified on Indeed
LBO is everything I was looking for including CPD training, Management support and a friendly & professional culture. Children have outstanding environments to discover & explore, research and grow in, enjoying the Farm School and Forest School elements which teaches independence, autonomy & self resilience! My experience with LBO has been nothing short of 'AMAZING!" I Love LBO!

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Nursery Manager - Horsham, West Sussex
Employers Reviews Verified on Indeed

WHY WORK AT
LITTLE BARNS OWLS

From private woodland adventures to immersive farm school experiences, Little Barn Owls provides unique outdoor learning opportunities that help children build confidence, resilience and a lifelong connection with nature, encouraging curiosity, independence and exploration every single day.

Forest & Farm School Experiences

Inspired by the internationally recognised Reggio Emilia approach, Little Barn Owls empowers children to learn through curiosity, creativity and exploration. Educators work alongside children in beautiful learning environments designed to inspire discovery and self-expression.

Reggio Emilia Inspired Learning

Join an award-winning nursery group that invests heavily in its people through mentoring, leadership development, specialist training and clear career progression opportunities, creating an inspiring environment where educators are supported to flourish every day.

Award-Winning Training & Career Development

WHY BUILD YOUR CAREER WITH
LITTLE BARN OWLS

Little Barn Owls Nursery & Farm School is an award-winning early years provider inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach and enriched by Forest and Farm School learning. Across its unique settings in West Sussex, Little Barn Owls creates exceptional environments where children are encouraged to explore, create and thrive.

As an employer, Little Barn Owls is equally committed to helping its people grow. Through supportive leadership, industry-leading training, clear progression pathways and a culture built on creativity, collaboration and wellbeing, team members are empowered to develop rewarding long-term careers in childcare. Whether you're starting your journey in early years, leading a room, delivering outdoor learning experiences or progressing into management, Little Barn Owls provides the support, development and opportunities to help you succeed.

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT
LITTLE BARN OWLS

Little Barn Owls offers an industry-leading benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, professional development and long-term career growth. From international learning opportunities to exceptional childcare support, every benefit has been created to help employees thrive both personally and professionally.

  • 80% Childcare Discount
  • International CPD & Learning Opportunities
  • Fully Funded Further Education
  • Reward Schemes & Performance Bonuses
  • Flexible Working Patterns
  • Generous Annual Leave Allowance
  • Little Barn Owls Training Academy
  • 1:1 Mentoring & Leadership Development
  • Christmas Shopping Bonuses
  • Health & Wellbeing Support
  • Long Service Rewards
  • Team Building Events & Staff Socials
  • Career Progression Opportunities
  • Free Hot Meals & Refreshments
  • Supportive, Family-Focused Culture
  • Employee Recognition Awards

A Beautiful Place
to Work

Nature at the
Heart of Every Day

Purpose-Designed Learning Spaces

SUPPORTING LITTLE BARN OWLS RECRUITMENT
ACROSS WEST SUSSEX

Our dedicated childcare recruitment team at Recruit by Nature supports Little Barn Owls Nursery & Farm School in attracting exceptional Early Years professionals across West Sussex. From Nursery Practitioners and Room Leaders to Forest School Leaders, Deputy Managers and Nursery Managers, we help connect passionate childcare professionals with rewarding career opportunities across the Little Barn Owls group.

Areas we support:
  • Horsham
  • Southwater
  • West Grinstead
  • Worthing
  • Crawley
  • Haywards Heath
  • Midhurst
  • Burgess Hill
  • Pulborough
  • Billingshurst
  • Shoreham-by-Sea
  • Littlehampton
  • Surrounding West Sussex areas

What our candidates say about the recruitment process
for Little Barn Owls

"Recruit by Nature and Little Barn Owls could not have been any more helpful! They were friendly on the phone and incredibly prompt and efficient with messaging at every stage of the recruitment process. I felt really supported!"
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Forest School Leader at Little Barn Owls
R.H

What our partner Little Barn Owls say about working
with Recruit by Nature

"We’ve found Recruit by Nature very easy to work with and communicate with throughout the recruitment process. They have taken the time to understand our clinics and the type of Physiotherapists we are looking for, and the candidates they have introduced have been of a good quality and relevant to our roles. As Physiolistic continues to grow and open new clinics, they have been a helpful support with our recruitment."
owl
Team Lead Physiotherapist
Physiolistic

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AT
LITTLE BARN OWLS

Little Barn Owls offers a wide range of rewarding childcare and early years roles across its Reggio Emilia-inspired Forest & Farm School nursery settings. 

Nursery
Assistants

Nursery
Practitioner

Nursery Room Leaders

Forest School Leaders

Deputy Nursery Managers

Nursery
Managers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

The qualifications required depend on the role you're applying for. Many Nursery Practitioner, Room Leader and management positions require a recognised Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification, while leadership roles may require additional experience and qualifications. Some entry-level opportunities may also be available for those looking to begin a career in childcare. Each vacancy will clearly outline the specific requirements.

Little Barn Owls combines the internationally recognised Reggio Emilia approach with Forest School and Farm School learning to create truly unique early years environments. Children are encouraged to learn through curiosity, creativity and exploration, while staff work within beautiful purpose-designed settings supported by a collaborative culture, award-winning training and clear career progression opportunities.

Yes. Professional development is a key part of working at Little Barn Owls. Team members benefit from the Little Barn Owls Training Academy, funded qualifications, mentoring, leadership development and ongoing CPD opportunities designed to help employees continually develop their skills and progress their careers.

Little Barn Owls is committed to promoting from within wherever possible. Whether you're starting as a Nursery Assistant or Nursery Practitioner, there are opportunities to progress into Room Leader, Forest School Leader, Deputy Nursery Manager, Nursery Manager and wider leadership positions as your experience and skills develop.

Not always. While previous Forest School or outdoor learning experience can be beneficial for some roles, it isn't essential for every position. Little Barn Owls provides training and support to help employees develop confidence in delivering outdoor learning experiences where required.

Little Barn Owls offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support both your professional and personal wellbeing. Benefits include an 80% childcare discount, funded qualifications, international learning opportunities, flexible working options, mentoring, leadership development, reward schemes, wellbeing support, free hot meals, career progression opportunities and a supportive family-focused culture.

Working hours vary depending on the role and nursery location. Most full-time positions are based on rotating shifts across the nursery's opening hours, with both full-time and selected flexible working opportunities available. Individual vacancies will provide full details of the working pattern and hours.

Please click on browse jobs button at the top or View Little Barn Owls Jobs at the bottom of Little Barn Owls showcase page where you will be taken to a list of current live jobs for Little Barn Owls where you can further filter you search

APPLY FOR
LITTLE BARN OWLS JOBS TODAY

Whether you're experienced in childcare or just starting your early years career, Little Barn Owls offers opportunities to suit a range of skills and experience levels. Explore current vacancies and take the next step in your childcare career 

If you would like to discuss Little Barn Owls Nursery & Farm School in more detail, or have specific job requirements, please contact one of our childcare recruitment specialists on
0118 334 8423.

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