Job Description

Senior Forest Early Years Educator - Be a Forest Leader in our New Permanent Forest School

Oak Wood Forest school, 251 Clapgate Lane, IP3 0RH
Full-time | 38 hours per week | All year round OR Part Time | 20 hours per week | All year round
13.73 per hour
Application Deadline: End of August

Are you

Someone who loves the outdoors? Someone who likes to be active? Someone who does not mind getting muddy? Passionate about supporting children to become capable, confident individuals? Ready to lead an motivate others?
Then this is the opportunity for you!

We are looking for a passionate forest school leader to shape and deliver our brand new permanent forest school provision, Oak Wood Forest Schools. Opening in January 2026, our permanent forest school will offer all day preschool provision in our beautiful woodland with bespoke buildings, fire pit and much more.

Starting in October 2025, we want the senior leader to be an integral part of the design, development and set up of our site, shaping high quality outstanding practice which has nature connections and play at the heart of it

About Us

Oak Wood Forest School is located at the back of Oak Wood Nursery and is part of the

Bows and Arrows Group

, a not-for-profit organisation with seven nurseries and one mission: to ensure every child flourishes. All our profits are reinvested into our settings - because great childcare starts with great people, great spaces, and great support.

We believe in

outdoor play all day, every day

- rain or shine. Building on our existing mobile forest school provision, we are so excited to see a long term dream actualised in having a full-time base.

What You'll Do

As our

Senior Forest Early Years Educator

, you'll work closely with the Nursery Manager to lead a team of educators. You'll ensure every child receives high-quality care and education, and that every day is filled with fun, creativity, and opportunity.

We are looking for either one full time person at 38hrs a week, all year round OR we would consider two part time people at approximately 20hrs each.

Lead, support and inspire your team to deliver outstanding early years practice, with an outdoor focus Create and maintain a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment Champion child development, learning through play, and inclusive education Promote a positive culture that values kindness, respect, and curiosity Work in partnership with families to build trust and strong relationships Promote daily forest school activities focusing on positive risk taking

What You'll Bring

A Level 3 qualification (or higher) in Early Years / Childcare A Level 3 Forest school qualification Deep understanding of; The EYFS, Child development theory, The HighScope approach to behaviour Safeguarding and SEN Knowledge Health & safety in early years environments Strong leadership, communication, and team collaboration skills A passion for learning, adventure, and making a real difference

What We Offer

We care deeply about our team's wellbeing and development. As part of the Bows and Arrows family, you'll benefit from:

Additional leave and

sick pay

Casual dress

and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere

Childcare discounts

Regular

company events

A supportive

health & wellbeing programme

Pension scheme

Free parking

And most importantly -- the chance to do meaningful work every single day

Ready to Join Us?

If you're ready to inspire, lead, and grow alongside a dedicated team of professionals -- we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now

!

Application deadline:

End of August

We're serious about safeguarding. - All roles require an Enhanced DBS check and a strong commitment to the safety and welfare of children.

AIM HIGH! - The Bows & Arrows Group

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 13.73 per hour

Benefits:

Additional leave Bereavement leave Casual dress Childcare Company events Company pension Employee discount Health & wellbeing programme Sick pay
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Education:

Certificate of Higher Education (required)
Experience:

Early childhood education: 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 29/08/2025
Reference ID: Senior Early Years Educator
Expected start date: 06/10/2025