Forest school Lead

at  Bright Horizons Family Solutions

Nursery: Bright Horizons New Eltham Day Nursery and Preschool
Salary: £28,274.40 - £33,600.00(dependant on qualification/s and experience)
Location: New Eltham, London
We are looking for a full time, Level 3 qualified Forest School Leader to join our Bright Horizons New Eltham Nursery.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE:

• Significant experience of working with children under 8 years old within a Forest School and/or a Nature Kindergarden or similar natural outdoor learning environment
• Knowledge of the EYFS
• Expert knowledge of Forest School principles and philosophy
• Experience supporting and inspiring children of all abilities and backgrounds
• Working in a multi-disciplinary nursery team to achieve positive working relationships through effective communication, leadership, and guidance
• Record of on-going training and/or professional development
• Experience of child protection and safeguarding policies and procedures

EXPERIENCE DESIRABLE:

• Experience of leading Forest School sessions in a nursery or EYFS environment
• Experience working with SEN/EAL
• Coaching and mentoring

QUALIFICATIONS

• Level 3 Forest School Leadership qualification (or equivalent accredited outdoor learning qualification)
• Full and valid Early Childhood level 3 qualification
• Forest School First Aid
• Paediatric First Aid
• Level 2 Food Hygiene
• Relevant safeguarding/ child protection training undertaken, with a willingness to update training regularly

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing with a variety of audiences, adults and children
• Reflective, inspiring practitioner, seeking to continually improve and develop quality of practice
• Energy and resilience
• Ability to work in partnership with parents and other professionals
• Ability to build trust and develop cohesive teams, with strong empathy to understand child and parents view, clear expectations and fair-minded
• Ability to self-motivate, managing own time whilst being flexible, adaptable, and embracing new ways of working
  Bright Horizons are committed to creating inclusive environments where everyone has a sense of belonging and has the opportunity to contribute and thrive in meaningful and impactful ways. We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants. Please note, due to our sector all roles are subject to an Enhanced DBS.

PURPOSE OF ROLE:

As Forest School Leader, you will work alongside the Room Leader to deliver exceptional care and education to children, through the delivery of Forest School sessions.
The role of the Forest School Leader is to take responsibility for leading the Forest School aspects of the curriculum, working closely with other members of the nursery team to meet children’s specific interests, reviewing children’s progress, and offering specialist support in the Forest School area with colleagues, overseeing and supporting team members during these sessions.

RESPONSIBLE FOR:

• Delivering the highest quality teaching and care standards, supporting 121 meetings with colleagues, families, and other professionals to support each child’s development towards their personal milestones.
• Plan, prepare and deliver purposeful and productive Forest School activities for children to promote learning across all areas of the curriculum.
• Providing clear leadership in the forest/outdoor learning environment, including mentoring and coaching team members
• Acting as an approachable leader and effective role model and support to the nursery team
• Implementing the forest school approach, leading the process of observation and planning of forest school activities to meet the learning needs of all children and supports their interests.
• Leading a Health and Safety Culture during forest school activities, ensuring robust procedures are followed, and manage appropriate risks, so that regulatory standards set by the regulator are met and children learn how to manage their safety outdoors effectively.
• Ensuring relevant Keeping Everyone Safe in Forest School policies and procedures are followed, continuously demonstrating behaviours to children, colleagues and parents, which underpin a high performing safety culture.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues and the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to protect and safeguard children, families, and colleagues.
• Workings as part of a larger team to ensure all essential day-to-day tasks are completed in line with nursery demands i.e., hygiene standards and activity preparation.
• Continually identify and reflect on new ideas and initiatives, including feedback from external professionals, and colleagues within the organisation to positively impact on future practice.
• Continuation of personal professional development to ensure your knowledge and skills are up to date, and relevant to the role of Forest School leader.