About Us
We are an indoor–outdoor nursery inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach and Forest School ethos. Backing onto Highgate Woods, we believe in nurturing children’s natural curiosity and creativity, with a strong focus on learning through play, exploration, and connection with nature.
We are open four days per week, Monday to Thursday from 8.15 am to 4.30 pm. This shorter week reflects our child-centred philosophy: we believe young children should not spend excessively long hours in any setting, and that time with family is just as important for their wellbeing and development as time in nursery.
Our small and passionate team is committed to providing high-quality early years education in a safe, inspiring, and caring environment.
The Role
We are seeking an Early Years Educator with a passion for outdoor learning and the Forest School approach. You will work closely with the team to create a nurturing, stimulating and inclusive environment, supporting children to develop holistically through child-led learning, play, and exploration of the natural world.
This is a hands-on role, both indoors and outdoors, where your creativity, reflective practice, and enthusiasm for early years education will shine.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, deliver, and reflect on engaging activities that support the EYFS and are inspired by Forest School and Reggio Emilia principles.
- Promote children’s independence, resilience, and curiosity through both structured and child-initiated learning.
- Support children’s emotional wellbeing and development of strong relationships.
- Maintain a safe, secure, and stimulating environment, conducting regular risk assessments, particularly during outdoor learning.
- Record observations and assessments, ensuring individual learning journeys are meaningful and up to date.
- Build strong, respectful relationships with families, sharing children’s progress and supporting their learning at home.
- Work collaboratively with the team, contributing ideas and supporting a culture of reflective practice.
About You
- Qualification in childcare, desired but not essential.
- Experience of working with children aged 1–5.
- A passion for outdoor learning, ideally with Forest School training (or a willingness to undertake this).
- Strong knowledge of the EYFS and child development.
- Excellent spoken and written English.
- Enthusiasm, creativity, and the ability to inspire young children.
- A reflective and collaborative approach, committed to continuous professional development.
- Good communication skills with both children and adults.
- A commitment to safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare.
Benefits
- Opportunity to work in a unique indoor–outdoor setting inspired by Reggio Emilia and Forest School.
- Ongoing professional development and training.
- Supportive, passionate team and strong ethos of wellbeing for both staff and children.
- Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temp to perm
Contract length: 6 months
Pay: £21,000.00-£30,000.00 per year
Expected hours: 20 – 40 per week
Benefits:
- Childcare
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
Education:
- GCSE or equivalent (required)
Experience:
- Childcare: 1 year (required)
Language:
- fluent English (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person