Forest School & Pre-School Room Lead

Portland Nurseries Limited is a family-owned group of day nurseries dedicated to providing the highest standard of early years care and education. We are a warm, child-centred early years setting with a strong focus on outdoor, nature-based learning. Our Forest School approach encourages children to explore, take risks, and thrive in a nurturing woodland environment. We are now looking for an enthusiastic and experienced practitioner to lead our Forest School sessions and oversee our pre‑school room.

As our Forest School and Pre‑School Room Lead, you will:

• Plan and deliver engaging, child‑led Forest School sessions in line with the Forest School ethos.
• Lead the pre‑school room, ensuring rich learning opportunities both outdoors and indoors.
• Create a safe, stimulating, and inclusive learning environment that promotes curiosity, independence, and confidence.
• Support and mentor staff within the pre‑school team and model outstanding practice.
• Build strong relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
• Oversee planning, observations, and assessments in line with the EYFS.
• Ensure all safeguarding, health & safety, and risk assessment procedures are followed.
• Permanent/Full time position

• We are looking for someone who is:
• Passionate about outdoor learning and early childhood development.
• An excellent communicator with strong leadership skills.
• Creative, reflective, and able to inspire both children and staff.
• Confident in delivering Forest School programmes year‑round.
• Level 3 Forest School Leader qualification (or working towards it).
• Experience working with children aged 3–5 in an early years setting.
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS.
• Up-to-date paediatric first aid and safeguarding training (or willingness to undertake).

• A supportive, friendly team and positive working environment.
• A beautiful outdoor learning environment and well‑resourced pre‑school room.
• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.

NOTE:

The Job Description is to provide a clear and concise statement of the MAJOR TASKS and ACTIVITIES of the post. It is not intended as an exhaustive list of every aspect of the post holder's duties.

Portland Nurseries is an equal opportunities employer committed to safeguarding children. DBS check essential.