Forest School Lead – Nursery – Lewisham

We are seeking a passionate, hardworking, and versatile Level 3 Forest School Leader to join a busy and dynamic team. In this role, you will play a vital part in inspiring young minds through outdoor learning and nature-based activities. You will be responsible for planning and delivering high-quality Forest School sessions, ensuring a safe, engaging, and stimulating environment for children to thrive. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children’s development while working in a supportive and welcoming setting.

If you are a passionate Forest School Leader looking for a fulfilling role in outdoor education, we would love to hear from you!

• Plan, prepare, and deliver engaging Forest School sessions in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and primary curriculum.
• Ensure sessions and activities are well-prepared, considering the individual needs and interests of children, age-appropriate and promote physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development.
• Provide a safe and stimulating environment for children to explore and develop confidence through outdoor learning.
• Monitor and record the progress of each child, maintaining accurate records and documentation.
• Uphold confidentiality and professionalism at all times.

• Supervise and support children and practitioners during sessions, ensuring inclusivity and adaptability.
• Supervise meals and mealtimes and where appropriate.
• Ensure that the allergy and dietary requirements of all children within the nursery are adhered to.
• Ensure the safety and welfare of the children at all times.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards.
• Maintain and manage Forest School equipment and resources including conducting daily health and safety checks on the Forest School vicinity and equipment.
• Promote and uphold safeguarding policies, ensuring the welfare of all children in your care. Report any concerns to the designated safeguarding lead.
• Administer basic first aid as required.
• Adhere to all nursery policies and procedures especially including health and safety regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Work collaboratively with nursery and school staff to integrate Forest School activities into broader learning objectives.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to create a cohesive team environment.
•  Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and continuous professional development activities as required.
•  Support the Management Team in the daily running of the Forest School / nursery.
• Establish and maintain strong, positive relationships with parents and caregivers, updating them on children’s progress and experiences.
• Willingness to contribute to extra-curricular activities and whole-school development.
•  Perform any other duties as required by the Management Team.

• Minimum of two years of experience working in a Forest School and outdoor environment.
• Experience in managing and maintaining outdoor learning spaces.
• Knowledge of risk assessments and health & safety procedures in outdoor learning environments.
• Knowledge and experience in inclusive education and suppo
• Passionate about outdoor education and child development.
• Excellent organisation, time management, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to use ICT effectively to engage children in learning.
• Organised, proactive, and adaptable in a dynamic learning environment.
• Strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare.
• Positive, patient, enthusiastic, and motivated to inspire young learners.
• Ability to engage with parents and build strong relationships with families.
• Enthusiastic for creative, cross-curricular approaches to teaching.

• Level 3 Forest School Leader qualification (or equivalent).
• NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce
• GCSE Maths / English at Grade C or above or Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths.

• Current Paediatric First Aid certification.
• Current Safeguarding certification.
• Current COSHH certification.
• Current Food and Hygiene certification.

• Commitment to continuous professional development.
• Physically able to carry out the requirements of the role.
• Flexibility to work various shifts as needed.
• Enhanced DBS on the update service (or willingness to apply for one)*.