‍A new role in a very special place!

Imagine infant education without walls, bells or a rigid curriculum. At Bee in the Woods - Brighton & Hove’s first exclusively outdoor kindergarten and Nursery of the Year 2022 - you'll guide curious 5-7 year-olds through an education rooted in nature, democracy and child-led discovery.

This isn't a classroom job. It's a chance to embrace Forest School learning at it's best. Based in a beautiful woodland and allotment site, where learning happens around campfires, through den-building and in the quiet observation of seasonal change. If you've ever felt constrained by traditional education, this is your opportunity to do it differently.

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Freedom to Lead Authentically

• Design sessions that follow children's genuine interests and questions
• Use our 'Grow Wild' curriculum as a framework, not a script - progression happens through play, exploration and real-world skills
• Practice democratic education: children are co-creators of their learning journey through Floorbooks and Philosophy for Children techniques

Meaningful Impact

• Work intimately with a small group where you'll truly know each child
• Support home-educated children aged 5-7 who've chosen learning outside conventional school
• Collaborate with our SENCO to create inclusive experiences for children with complex needs
• Build confidence, resilience and environmental stewardship that lasts a lifetime
• Safeguard and champion every child's wellbeing - creating a space where they feel safe, seen and free to explore.

Nature as Your Classroom

• Lead fire-making, shelter-building, woodwork, nature art and storytelling in our stunning woodland setting
• Watch children develop physical, social, emotional and cognitive skills through authentic outdoor challenges
• Foster deep respect for biodiversity and sustainability - not as a lesson, but as a lived experience

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Your Key Responsibilities

Forest School Leadership

• Plan and deliver nature-based Forest School sessions with a small, collaborative team
• Create engaging, flexible environments that respond to children's evolving needs and interests
• Contribute to the development of our 'Grow Wild' curriculum
• Facilitate group activities: campfire cooking, tool use, natural crafts, adventure walks, and reflective practices
• Promote inclusive learning accessible to all abilities and learning styles

Child-Centered Practice

• Empower children through democratic decision-making and collaborative planning
• Observe, document and reflect on learning via our Famly platform
• Support individual needs with tailored approaches, working closely with our SENCO

Safety & Communication

• Manage risk thoughtfully - balancing adventure with wellbeing
• Write and review site, tool and activity risk assessments in collaboration with the team
• Communicate regularly with families about progress, plans and celebrations
• Maintain equipment and resources to high standards

Professional Growth

• Engage in continuous professional development 
• Participate in team meetings, training and collaborative reflection
• Contribute to our close-knit team culture and weekly planning sessions

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Who You Are

Essential

• Forest School Level 3 or equivalent certification
• Strong knowledge of nature-based skills: fire-making, woodwork, natural crafts, outdoor safety
• Proven experience working with children aged 5-7 (ideally as a qualified teacher or extensive practitioner)
• Deep understanding of SEND best practice and inclusive education
• Excellent communicator who can inspire children, families and colleagues
• Risk-aware and safety-conscious in outdoor settings
• Passionate about environmental sustainability and alternative education
• Flexible, creative, and comfortable with child-led learning
• Team player who thrives in collaborative environments

Desirable

• Current paediatric/outdoor first aid certification (we also provide training)
• Recent Safeguarding training
• Experience with democratic education approaches
• Background in home education or alternative settings

What We Offer

Competitive Package

• Salary based on experience and skills 
• 28 days annual leave (pro rata) + your birthday off 🎉
• Pension scheme
• Exceptional CPD opportunities - we invest in your growth
• Regular team-building events and social connection
• Staff wellbeing as a priority - we practice what we preach

Additional Perks

• Discounted childcare for your family
• Bike to Work Scheme
• Techscheme access
• Clear career progression pathways
• Work in one of the most beautiful outdoor settings in Brighton & Hove

The Team Culture

• Join 15+ qualified teachers and Forest/Beach School leaders
• Most staff stay 5+ years - this is a place people love to work
• Caring, supportive environment where your voice matters
• 1:5 staff-to-child ratio (vs. 1:30 in traditional reception classes)
• Protected non-contact time daily for planning, observation and professional work

The Pay

• We are a Real Living Wage employer
• Starting salary is £28k pro rata (£16,848 for 3 days a week)
• Additional pay for ‘specialisms in practice’ (eg; inclusion & equality lead, woodwork lead, gardening lead..etc)

About Bee in the Woods

We are proud to be award-winning and Ofsted Outstanding! As the first exclusively outdoor nursery in Brighton & Hove, we've proven that children thrive when education happens in nature, year-round, without walls.

Our Achievements:

• Ofsted Outstanding
• UK Nursery of the Year 2022
• Two woodland sites (Foredown Woods & Stanmer Park)
• Partnerships with Brighton & Hove Food Partnership and University of Sussex
• Inspired by Froebel, Reggio Emilia, Te Whāriki and Scandinavian Forest Schools

Our Philosophy: We believe in boosting happiness and health through immersive natural learning. Children lead, seasons guide and curiosity drives everything we do. Sustainability, creativity and community are how we live.

Ready to head to the woods?

If you're an educator who dreams of campfire circles instead of carpet time, who believes children learn best when they're muddy, curious, and free - we want to hear from you.

This role offers the rare opportunity to practice truly alternative education with the support, resources and community to do it exceptionally well.

Two days per week may be considered for an outstanding candidate.

DEADLINE TO APPLY 23rd January 2026