Woodland Educator - Home Ed Group (ages 5-7)
| Posting date: | 15 December 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £28,000 per year, pro rata |
| Hours: | Part time |
| Closing date: | 14 January 2026 |
| Location: | BN41 2GW |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Bee in the Woods Kindergarten |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: |
Summary
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.
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
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-Centred 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
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
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.
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
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-Centred 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
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