Forest School Practitioner

Forest School Practitioner - for two locations

Start Date: September 2026

Contract: Term Time Only, 38 weeks per year

Working Pattern: Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays (additional days available)

Hours:

Tuesdays: 8.30am - 3.30pm (Terling site)

Wednesday: 8.15am – 3.15pm (Barn site)

Thursday: 8.45am – 3.45pm (Barn site)

Additional hours available across our other Hillside Gems sites.

Pay: £12.98 per hour + £1.57 per hour holiday pay

Total: £14.55 per hour

About the Role

We are looking for a warm, enthusiastic and nurturing Forest School Practitioner to support our beautiful Nursery provisions from September 2026.

The Barn is a special part of Hillside Gems, set within the peaceful grounds of a quiet 11th-century church in a small, caring community. Within walking distance, there is a stunning nature park with streams, walking paths, woodland space and a beautiful river, offering rich opportunities for children to explore, discover and connect with the natural world.

The Terling site is also surrounded by a peaceful woodlands village with idyllic streams and quiet walks. The perfect place for nature exploration and forest school adventures.

This role is ideal for someone who loves working with children outdoors and understands the value of nature, movement, curiosity and hands-on experiences in early childhood. Working alongside the Outdoor Learning Manager, the successful candidate will help create a safe, calm and inspiring learning environment where children aged 3+ can build confidence, independence, resilience and school readiness.

At The Barn, children attend from 9.00am – 3.00pm. The working hours include supporting the daily set-up, running of sessions and pack-away of the provision.

At Terling, the children currently attend 9-2pm. Successful candidates to be available to 3.30pm.

About The Barn

The Barn is a small, outdoor-focused preschool provision for up to 16 children. Its size allows for thoughtful, personalised learning where every child can be known, supported and encouraged.

The sessions will gently support school readiness through outdoor exploration, fine motor activities, PE sessions, name-writing opportunities and everyday independence skills, such as learning to change independently.

At The Barn, the outdoors becomes the classroom. Children will have opportunities to question, investigate, experiment and learn through nature in a practical and meaningful way.

Key Responsibilities

The Outdoor Learning Educator will:

• Support the Outdoor Learning Manager in delivering high-quality outdoor learning experiences
• Help create a safe, engaging and inspiring outdoor environment for children aged 3+
• Support child-led, nature-based learning that encourages curiosity, confidence and independence
• Lead and join in with practical outdoor activities, including exploring, building, investigating, storytelling, movement and creative play
• Support children to take appropriate risks and develop resilience through outdoor play
• Build warm, positive and secure relationships with children
• Help children develop independence skills, including changing, toileting, handwashing, snack routines and managing belongings
• Support children’s communication, social skills and emotional wellbeing
• Work as part of a small team to set up and pack away the outdoor learning environment
• Follow health and safety procedures, daily checks and risk assessments
• Support snack preparation and routines, ensuring children’s dietary needs are followed carefully
• Contribute to observations and children’s learning journeys in line with the EYFS
• Communicate positively and professionally with parents, carers and colleagues
• Support inclusive practice and respond to children’s individual needs
• Work closely with the wider Hillside Gems team to reflect our shared values and approach

Skills and Experience

We are looking for someone who has:

• A full and relevant Level 2 or 3 childcare or Early Years qualification
• Has a L2/3 Forest School qualification
• A good understanding of young children’s development
• A warm, calm and encouraging approach
• Confidence working outdoors in all seasons
• A positive and practical attitude
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• A willingness to learn and develop within the role
• A commitment to safeguarding and professional practice
• Is confident in leading sessions or part of sessions

What We Offer

• A rare opportunity to support children’s learning in a beautiful outdoor setting
• A warm, supportive and values-led team environment
• The chance to be part of shaping and growing The Barn provision
• Opportunities to work alongside and learn from an experienced Outdoor Learning Manager
• Opportunities to work alongside and learn from a qualified teacher
• Opportunities for training and development in outdoor learning approaches
• Term-time working, with salary paid across 12 months
• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children’s confidence, wellbeing and connection to nature
• An employee assistance programme focused on health and wellbeing support
• Discounts for holidays and shopping through Bright Exchange

Our Ideal Candidate

Our ideal candidate will be someone who enjoys being outdoors with children and sees the value of nature in helping children grow, learn and thrive. They will be warm, reliable, practical and playful, with a calm approach and a genuine interest in supporting children’s confidence, curiosity and independence.