Forest School Leader

Forest School Leader – Horsham, West Sussex, RH12
Join an award-winning nurseries & early years setting in Horsham, West Sussex, RH12, where outdoor learning is central to children's everyday development. As a Forest School Leader, you will create engaging woodland experiences that encourage curiosity, confidence, independence and resilience. This position suits an experienced childcare professional with a Level 3 Early Years or Childcare qualification who is passionate about forest school, child-led exploration and nature-based learning.

Employment Type
Full Time | Permanent | All Year Round

Salary
£27,000 to £29,000 per year, dependent on experience + benefits

Benefits

• 33 days annual leave including bank holidays
• Up to 80% childcare discount
• Seasonal bonuses and staff reward schemes
• All-expenses-paid CPD trips abroad
• Training Academy and specialist development pathways
• Clear career progression opportunities
• Company pension scheme
• Wellbeing support programme
• Free on-site parking
• Enhanced maternity and paternity support
• Staff social events and team activities

Working Hours & Shift Pattern
Full-time, permanent, all-year-round position.
Based in Horsham, RH12, within a woodland outdoor learning setting.

• Monday to Friday working pattern
• Rotational shifts between 7:30am and 6:00pm
• 51-week nursery operation
• Daily forest school and outdoor learning delivery
• Supportive leadership team with ongoing mentoring and development

Job Description
As a Forest School Leader, you will deliver engaging outdoor learning experiences for children within a highly regarded early years and childcare setting in Horsham. You will facilitate meaningful forest school sessions in immersive woodland spaces, creating safe and stimulating opportunities for children to explore, learn and develop through nature. Working alongside nursery practitioners and the wider leadership team, you will support children's development in line with EYFS principles while encouraging confidence, resilience and independence through child-led outdoor learning.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging forest school and outdoor learning sessions for children
• Create safe, stimulating and child-led experiences within woodland learning spaces
• Encourage children's confidence, resilience, curiosity and independence through nature-based learning
• Support children's learning and development in line with EYFS principles
• Maintain woodland learning areas, equipment and outdoor resources
• Promote safeguarding, wellbeing and health and safety standards throughout daily practice
• Work collaboratively with nursery practitioners and leadership colleagues
• Build positive and professional relationships with children, families and colleagues
• Contribute to observations, learning progress and children's developmental outcomes
• Maintain clear professional communication, records and documentation

Essential Requirements

• You must already have the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available for this role.
• Level 3 Early Years or Childcare qualification
• Previous experience working within a nursery, childcare or early years setting
• Interest or experience in forest school, outdoor learning or nature-based early years education
• Confidence delivering outdoor activities and facilitating child-led exploration
• Strong communication skills with a calm and proactive approach
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of the wider nursery team
• Also suitable for: Forest School Practitioner, Outdoor Learning Practitioner, Early Years Educator, Nursery Practitioner, Childcare Practitioner, Forest School Assistant

Company Culture
As a Forest School Leader, you will be part of a welcoming, award-winning early years setting with Outstanding Ofsted standards and a strong commitment to creativity, curiosity and outdoor learning. The team values reflective practice, staff wellbeing and continuous professional development, with mentoring, specialist training pathways and clear progression opportunities available. The woodland environment gives practitioners the opportunity to make nature-based learning a meaningful part of children's everyday experiences.

Apply Today
Bring your early years experience and enthusiasm for outdoor learning to a Forest School Leader position where your skills and ideas will be valued. Based in the Horsham area of West Sussex, this permanent position offers the opportunity to develop within a supportive setting while helping children build confidence and independence through meaningful woodland experiences. If this matches your experience and approach to childcare, apply today to take the next step in your forest school career.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so early interest is warmly encouraged.

Contact Details
Recruit by Nature
George Francis
George@recruitbynature.co.uk
Direct Line: 0118 334 8424
WhatsApp: 07782217154