Forest School Leader

Forest School Leader – Southwater, West Sussex, RH13
Spend your working day helping children learn through woodland exploration, outdoor adventure and meaningful experiences with nature. This Forest School Leader position is based within an award-winning Forest & Farm School nursery in Southwater, West Sussex, RH13, combining early years childcare with nature-based education. It is well suited to an early years professional who is passionate about Forest School principles, child-led learning and developing children's confidence, resilience and curiosity outdoors.

Employment Type
Permanent, full-time position within a nurseries & early years childcare setting.

Salary
£29,000 per annum + benefits

Benefits

• Competitive salary of £29,000 per annum
• Work within an award-winning Forest & Farm School environment
• 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 position within a Forest & Farm School nursery environment
• Hands-on outdoor learning and woodland-based activities
• Daily involvement in nature-focused learning experiences
• Collaborative working with nursery and early years teams

Job Description
As a Forest School Leader, you will deliver inspiring outdoor learning experiences within a distinctive Forest & Farm School nursery in Southwater. You will help children explore, investigate, problem-solve and build a meaningful connection with the natural world through woodland activities, nature-based learning and animal encounters. Working within a nurseries & early years childcare environment, you will encourage risk-aware play, independence, confidence and resilience while supporting children's emotional, social and physical development. The setting combines Forest School and Reggio Emilia-inspired principles, creating a child-led environment where outdoor discovery forms an important part of everyday early years education.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead engaging Forest School sessions and outdoor learning activities
• Support children's learning and development through meaningful nature-based experiences
• Create safe, stimulating outdoor environments that encourage exploration and discovery
• Deliver woodland learning experiences that develop curiosity, resilience, independence and confidence
• Complete appropriate risk assessments and maintain high health and safety standards
• Follow safeguarding and child protection procedures throughout daily practice
• Encourage risk-aware play and age-appropriate opportunities for children to investigate their surroundings
• Work collaboratively with nursery practitioners and leadership colleagues
• Maintain accurate observations and developmental records where required
• Contribute to the continued development of Forest School provision across the setting

Essential Requirements

• You must already have the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available for this role.
• 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 plan and deliver engaging outdoor activities and learning experiences
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with an enthusiastic approach to nature-based learning
• Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative nursery team
• Also suitable for: Forest School Practitioner, Outdoor Learning Practitioner, Outdoor Education Practitioner, Early Years Forest School Practitioner, Outdoor Nursery Practitioner, Early Years Educator

Company Culture
As a Forest School Leader, you will be part of a team that embraces outdoor learning as an integral part of everyday early years practice. Inspired by Forest School and Reggio Emilia principles, the Southwater setting encourages children to learn through exploration, creativity, curiosity and meaningful experiences in nature. Staff work within a collaborative culture alongside experienced early years professionals, with ongoing development opportunities and a shared commitment to child-led learning and high-quality childcare.

Apply Today
If you want to combine your early years experience with a genuine passion for outdoor education, this Forest School Leader position offers the chance to make nature-based learning central to your working day. Your skills will help children develop confidence, resilience, independence and curiosity through memorable experiences in woodland and natural environments. Apply today to join this Forest & Farm School setting in Southwater, West Sussex, RH13.

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