Overview
Location: Bristol, Keynsham
Hours: Full-Time 38 hours per week over 4 days
Salary: Up to £14.60 per hour
Avon Valley Nursery is part of the Attraction Nurseries family — a growing childcare group that focuses on outdoor learning and Forest School as part of early years education. We believe childhood should be filled with adventure, muddy boots, curious minds and unforgettable experiences. Our Forest School programme gives children the opportunity to explore, take risks safely, solve problems, build confidence and develop a lifelong love of the outdoors.
Ethos: Happy Children. Happy Parents. Happy Staff. We are expanding our outdoor learning provision and are looking for someone to lead it.
The Role
We are looking for an enthusiastic Forest School Lead to inspire children through outdoor learning and nature-based experiences. You will lead Forest School sessions, create outdoor learning opportunities, and encourage children to become confident, resilient and curious learners. You will also remain an important part of the nursery team, supporting high-quality childcare and learning throughout the day.
Benefits
- Badge scheme — earn an additional +30p per hour through WOW moments, planning & checklists
- Up to 6 weeks holiday plus your birthday
- Volunteer day — support a charity of your choice
- 50% childcare discount
- Wellbeing support (Health Assured and attendance rewards)
- 100+ training courses including SENCO
- £100 welcome bonus for resources
- Free uniform & DBS
- Referral bonuses up to £750
- Free family access to Avon Valley Farm Attraction and Play Barn
What You’ll Actually Be Doing
Leading Forest School Adventures
- Plan and deliver engaging Forest School sessions for children of all ages
- Inspire curiosity through nature, exploration and child-led learning
- Create exciting seasonal activities that encourage confidence, resilience and independence
- Develop outdoor learning opportunities linked to the EYFS
- Continuously improve and develop the Forest School provision
Managing the Forest School Environment
- Complete and review Forest School risk assessments before every session
- Carry out daily safety checks of the outdoor learning environment
- Ensure tools, equipment and natural resources are used safely
- Maintain Forest School equipment and outdoor resources
- Follow all weather and environmental safety procedures
Delivering Outstanding EYFS Practice
- Deliver rich learning experiences through both indoor and outdoor play
- Support children’s development through observations, assessments and planning using Famly
- Act as a key person for a group of children
- Promote inclusive practice so every child can participate and thrive
- Encourage children to become confident, independent learners
Safeguarding & Child Welfare
- Safeguard children at all times
- Follow nursery safeguarding procedures and report concerns immediately
- Carry out dynamic risk assessments throughout Forest School sessions
- Maintain safe adult-to-child ratios
- Ensure children can explore safely while encouraging healthy risk-taking
Working Together
- Work closely with the nursery team to embed outdoor learning across the setting
- Support colleagues to build confidence delivering outdoor activities
- Attend meetings, training and nursery events
- Share ideas and best practice to continually improve the provision
Building Parent Partnerships
- Share children’s Forest School achievements with families through Famly
- Build positive relationships with parents and carers
- Promote the benefits of outdoor learning
- Support nursery events and community activities
Growing Our Forest School
- Help shape and develop our Forest School provision
- Introduce exciting new ideas and projects
- Support Holiday Club outdoor activities where required
- Be an ambassador for outdoor learning throughout the nursery
The Perfect Candidate
You’re someone who…
• Loves being outdoors in all seasons
• Brings creativity and energy every day
• Inspires curiosity and confidence
• Enjoys getting muddy just as much as the children
Essential
- Level 3 (or above) Early Years qualification
- Forest School qualification (Level 3 preferred, or willingness to work towards)
- Excellent knowledge of the EYFS
- Strong understanding of safeguarding
- Passion for outdoor education
Bonus Points If…
- You’ve delivered Forest School sessions before
- You’re confident carrying out outdoor risk assessments
- You have experience using tools, campfires or woodland activities safely
Ready for Your Next Adventure?
If you believe childhood should include muddy puddles, bug hunts, campfire stories, den building, climbing trees (safely), and endless curiosity, we would love to hear from you.
Apply today and help us create unforgettable childhoods. Let’s inspire the next generation of explorers.
Attraction Nurseries is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references and safer recruitment procedures.
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