Forest School Leader jobs

Qualified Forest School & Woodland Lead

Salary starting at £27,000 dependant on experience, could range up to £32,000

Own transport essential, due to location.

A woodland. A blank canvas. A chance to create something extraordinary.

Not everyone is right for this role.

Some people see a woodland and think about maintenance.

Some people see mud and think about cleaning.

Some people see rain and think about cancelling plans.

We see adventure, curiosity, resilience and endless opportunities for children to learn.

At our nursery, we believe children need more than classrooms. They need space to climb, build, explore, wonder, imagine, take risks, solve problems and connect with the natural world. Our woodland is at the heart of that vision, and we are looking for an exceptional Forest School & Woodland Lead to take full ownership of it.

This is not simply a Forest School practitioner role.

This is an opportunity to shape an outdoor learning environment, develop a woodland provision from the ground up, and create experiences that children will remember for years to come.

• The Role

As our Forest School & Woodland Lead, you will have full responsibility for our woodland area and outdoor learning provision.

You will be trusted to develop, manage and lead a woodland environment that inspires curiosity, confidence and a lifelong connection with nature.

You'll have the freedom to bring your ideas, expertise and passion to the role, creating an outdoor learning experience that becomes a defining feature of our nursery.

From campfire circles and den building to seasonal projects, wildlife exploration and child-led adventures, you'll be responsible for ensuring our woodland is a place where children thrive.

• What You'll Be Responsible For

Woodland Leadership

Taking full ownership of the planning, development and day-to-day management of the woodland area.

Creating a vision for how the woodland evolves and grows over time.

Maintaining a safe, engaging and inspiring outdoor environment.

Managing resources, equipment and woodland learning spaces.

Conducting risk-benefit assessments and ensuring safe practice while preserving challenge and adventure.

Forest School & Outdoor Learning

Planning and leading high-quality Forest School sessions.

Delivering child-led learning experiences rooted in curiosity and exploration.

Supporting children to develop resilience, independence and confidence through managed risk-taking.

Introducing activities such as den building, fire lighting, tool use, nature crafts, wildlife observation and seasonal exploration.

Ensuring outdoor learning is accessible, inclusive and meaningful for all children.

Leadership & Collaboration

Working closely with nursery leaders to embed outdoor learning across the setting.

Inspiring and supporting colleagues to develop confidence in outdoor education.

Acting as the nursery's champion for nature-based learning.

Building positive relationships with children, families and the wider team.

We're Looking For Someone Who...

Believes childhood should be filled with adventure, wonder and exploration.

Understands that some of the most important learning happens when children are following their own interests.

Can balance risk and safety without removing challenge.

Sees a stick as more than a stick.

Is equally enthusiastic about a muddy January morning and a sunny July afternoon.

Has the creativity and vision to make a woodland come alive.

Can lead with confidence while remaining deeply child-centred.

• Essential Requirements

Forest School qualification (Level 3 preferred) or significant experience in outdoor education.

Strong understanding of child development and early years practice.

Experience leading groups of children outdoors.

Knowledge of risk-benefit assessment and outdoor safety procedures.

Excellent communication and organisational skills.

A genuine passion for outdoor learning and nature connection.

What We Offer

A choice of a 40-hour or 42.5 hour working week.

A regular half or full day off each week to support a healthy work-life balance.

A competative salary, dependant on qualification and experiance.

Ongoing training and professional development.

A welcoming, supportive team who genuinely care about one another.

The opportunity to make a lasting differnce during the most important years of a child's life

A unique opportunity to take full ownership of a woodland provision.

Freedom to shape, develop and leave your mark on an exciting outdoor learning environment.

A supportive leadership team that values creativity and innovation.

Ongoing professional development opportunities.

The chance to make a lasting impact on children's confidence, wellbeing and love of learning.

Before You Apply...

Ask yourself:

Can you see learning in a puddle?

Can you turn a fallen branch into an adventure?

Can you help children discover confidence, resilience and wonder through nature?

If the answer is yes, we'd love to hear from you.

Location: Handcross Road, RH13 6NX

Pay: £27,000.00-£32,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company events
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking
• Sick pay

Application question(s):

• Can you get to this postcode?
• Can you work these hours?

Education:

• Diploma of Higher Education (preferred)

Experience:

• forest school: 1 year (required)
• Leadership: 1 year (required)
• Early childhood education: 1 year (required)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person