If your idea of great early years practice involves muddy boots, open-ended creativity and letting children ask the questions, this one is worth a look.
Tiny Tots Recruitment is recruiting a Level 3 Nursery Practitioner for an established nursery and Forest School in Horsforth, Leeds.
This isn't a nursery where outdoor learning means taking the same indoor activity into the garden.
The setting has a genuine Forest School ethos, with children encouraged to explore, take appropriate risks, investigate nature and direct elements of their own learning. Its approach combines outdoor education with Reggio Emilia-inspired practice, putting children's ideas, interests and creativity at the centre of the nursery experience.
The Horsforth site includes a nature reserve, yurt, outdoor classroom, art studio and fire pit, with woodland just a short walk away.
What you'll be doing:
Supporting children from baby age through to preschool Creating learning opportunities around children's own interests and questions Delivering high-quality care and education in line with the EYFS Spending meaningful time learning and playing outdoors throughout the year Supporting Forest School and nature-based experiences Encouraging children to investigate, experiment and solve problems independently Completing observations and identifying appropriate next steps Building strong relationships with your key children and their families Creating inspiring indoor and outdoor environments Supporting children with a range of individual needs and abilities Promoting inclusive and anti-discriminatory practice Working collaboratively with colleagues across the nursery Taking part in training, team meetings and professional development Maintaining excellent safeguarding, health, safety and hygiene standards
What we're looking for:
A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years or Childcare qualification A good understanding of the EYFS Previous nursery or early years experience Someone genuinely comfortable spending time outdoors in all seasons A child-centred approach to early years practice Strong communication skills with children, parents and colleagues An understanding of safeguarding responsibilities A positive and dependable approach An interest in Forest School, outdoor learning or Reggio Emilia-inspired practice Someone who enjoys allowing children freedom to explore rather than directing every activity
What's on offer:
£28,080 to £29,765 per year based on a 40-hour week Permanent, full-time employment Salary above National Living Wage Additional leave Sick pay Bereavement leave Childcare and employee discounts Discounted or free food Health and wellbeing programme Employee mentoring programme Cycle to Work scheme Company events Paid volunteer time Free or subsidised travel Shuttle service Casual dress Ongoing professional development Access to specialist Forest School and outdoor learning expertise
This is a particularly interesting opportunity for a practitioner who wants to develop a different kind of early years CV.
The nursery specialises in outdoor learning and Forest School practice and also delivers professional training in this area. Its core values are outdoor play, creativity and self-directed learning, so these aren't simply phrases added to a job advert. They shape how the setting actually works.
If you're looking for a Level 3 Nursery Practitioner job in Horsforth, an Early Years Educator job in Leeds or a Forest School nursery job in West Yorkshire, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today through Tiny Tots Recruitment for a confidential conversation about the opportunity.