Are you passionate about wild learning by the sea?

Bee in the Woods is looking for an experienced Beach Educator to lead our weekly Beach School sessions across Rottingdean and Hove beaches.

As Brighton & Hove’s first year-round outdoor nursery and Ofsted Outstanding setting, we're seeking someone who understands the magic that happens when children connect with the natural world - especially the ever-changing coastal environment.

What Makes This Role Special

You'll be co-leading our beloved Beach School programme, where children aged 3-5 explore rock pools, build with driftwood, create art with natural materials and develop deep connections with the marine environment. This isn't just a job – it's a chance to shape how young children experience and understand our coastline.

Your role will include:

• Leading daily routines and ensuring high-quality care during weekly Beach School sessions
• Collaborating on seasonal planning that follows children's interests and the rhythms of the coast
• Assessing weather and beach conditions to keep everyone safe while maximising learning opportunities
• Managing beach resources and maintaining risk assessments
• Following children's lead to create rich, play-based experiences
• Linking beach and woodland play through child-led documentation approaches (floorbook/Mosaic methods)
• Supporting children's individual development and sharing insights with their key person

What We're Looking For

Essential:

• Hold a Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education and Childcare (or equivalent)
• Have a Wild Beach Leader qualification (or are excited to train with us)
• Bring experience from Early Years settings and understand the EYFS framework
• Know when to step in and when to step back – trusting children to set their own safety limits
• Can read the weather, the tides and the children with equal skill
• Build warm, respectful relationships with children, families and colleagues
• Are passionate about child-initiated learning and the Beach School movement
• Understand safeguarding and child protection procedures inside out

Bonus points for:

• Forest School Level 3 qualification
• Paediatric First Aid certification (required before starting)

What You'll Receive

Hours & Pay:

• Part-time: 24-30 hours per week across Rottingdean or Hove beaches
• £13.50 per hour
• Opportunities for additional hours as Woodland Educator or Holiday Club cover

The Benefits:

• 28 days annual leave plus Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year
• 5 paid INSET days per year
• Your birthday off 🎂
• Pension scheme
• Exceptional CPD opportunities 
• Regular team building events
• A caring team who prioritise staff wellbeing
• Discounted childcare if needed
• Bike to Work Scheme
• Techscheme
• Career progression opportunities

Why Bee in the Woods?

We're not your typical nursery. We're a social enterprise that's been running exclusively outdoor provision since 2018, and we were named UK Nursery of the Year 2022. Our team of 15+ qualified teachers and Forest/Beach School leaders share a commitment to:

• Year-round outdoor learning (yes, even in winter!)
• Child-led, play-based curriculum inspired by Froebel, Reggio Emilia, and Scandinavian Forest Schools
• Sustainability and environmental stewardship
• Inclusion and community support
• Staff retention and wellbeing (most of our team stay 5+ years)

You'll be joining a team that genuinely values your expertise, supports your professional growth and celebrates the incredible work you do with children every single day.

About Beach School at Bee in the Woods

Our Beach School runs weekly during the summer term, offering children immersive experiences in the marine environment. From cooking on the beach to exploring tidal zones, building shelters with driftwood to creating nature art with shells and seaweed – every session is an adventure shaped by the children's curiosity and the coastal landscape.

We maintain a 1:4 staff-to-child ratio on the beach (compared to 1:8 or 1:13 in typical indoor settings), ensuring every child receives the attention and support they need to thrive.

Ready to Make Waves?

If you're excited about leading meaningful outdoor experiences, supporting children's natural curiosity and being part of an Outstanding team that's redefining early years education – we'd love to hear from you.

Start date: March 2026

Application deadline: 30th January 2026