Stanmer Kindergarten Educator
| Posting date: | 10 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | Part time |
| Closing date: | 12 March 2026 |
| Location: | Quiet Garden, Stanmer Park, Stanmer, Brighton BN1 9SE |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Bee in the Woods Kindergarten |
| Job type: | Temporary |
| Job reference: |
Summary
About Bee in the Woods
Bee in the Woods is a unique, fully outdoor Forest Kindergarten where children learn with nature, not just about it. Our practice is grounded in play, relationships, risk-benefit thinking and deep respect for children as capable, curious and full of potential. We work outdoors all year round, in all seasons and our team are as much a part of the woodland as the children themselves.
We’re looking for a warm, reflective and passionate Kindergarten Educator & Key Person to join our Stanmer team - someone who believes that muddy boots, campfires and child-led play can sit proudly alongside high-quality Early Years practice.
The Role
As a Kindergarten Educator & Key Person, you will play a central role in creating a safe, inspiring and nurturing woodland environment where children can thrive physically, emotionally, socially, creatively and cognitively.
You will:
- Build strong, trusting relationships with your key children and their families
- Champion child-initiated, play-based learning in a natural environment
- Use observation, reflection and professional knowledge to support each child’s development and next steps
- Work collaboratively within a skilled, values-driven team that is committed to continuous improvement
Key Responsibilities
Children & Curriculum
- Provide high-quality care and education in an outdoor setting, ensuring children feel safe, secure and inspired
-Support meaningful play by knowing when to step in and when to step back
-Develop and deliver a responsive, child-centred curriculum rooted in children’s interests, development and the natural world
-Encourage children as independent thinkers, capable risk-takers and confident communicators
-Ensure a thoughtful balance of child- and adult-initiated experiences
Observation & Assessment
- Observe, document and reflect on children’s learning and development
- Use observations to inform planning, provision and practice
- Share children’s learning meaningfully with parents and carers
Safeguarding & Wellbeing
- Follow safeguarding procedures rigorously to ensure children’s safety and wellbeing
- Promote emotional security, resilience and respectful relationships
- Remove barriers to participation and promote inclusion, equality and diversity
Partnership Working
- Work closely with families, valuing their knowledge of their children
- Communicate warmly and professionally with parents, carers and external professionals
- Support parents in understanding and strengthening their relationship with their child
Team & Professional Practice
- Work collaboratively as part of a reflective, supportive team
- Act as an advocate for Forest School and nature-based, child-led learning
- Engage in regular professional development, supervision and appraisal
- Stay up to date with EYFS guidance, Forest School practice and current thinking in - - Early Years education
Sustainability & Ethos
- Model respect for the natural environment
- Support sustainable and environmentally responsible practices within the woodland
- Contribute positively to Bee in the Woods’ culture of listening, reflection and care
Qualifications & Experience
Essential
- Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education & Childcare (or equivalent)
- Experience working in an Early Years setting
- Secure knowledge of the EYFS
- Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- A genuine passion for outdoor learning
Desirable
- Forest School Leader qualification (or willingness to train)
- Paediatric First Aid
What We Offer
- A rare opportunity to work fully outdoors in a beautiful woodland setting
- A caring, values-led team that prioritises staff wellbeing
- Competitive salary
- 28 days annual leave
- Your birthday off
- Ongoing CPD and training opportunities
- Career progression within a growing organisation
- Discounted childcare (where applicable)
- Bike to Work Scheme & Techscheme
Bee in the Woods is a unique, fully outdoor Forest Kindergarten where children learn with nature, not just about it. Our practice is grounded in play, relationships, risk-benefit thinking and deep respect for children as capable, curious and full of potential. We work outdoors all year round, in all seasons and our team are as much a part of the woodland as the children themselves.
We’re looking for a warm, reflective and passionate Kindergarten Educator & Key Person to join our Stanmer team - someone who believes that muddy boots, campfires and child-led play can sit proudly alongside high-quality Early Years practice.
The Role
As a Kindergarten Educator & Key Person, you will play a central role in creating a safe, inspiring and nurturing woodland environment where children can thrive physically, emotionally, socially, creatively and cognitively.
You will:
- Build strong, trusting relationships with your key children and their families
- Champion child-initiated, play-based learning in a natural environment
- Use observation, reflection and professional knowledge to support each child’s development and next steps
- Work collaboratively within a skilled, values-driven team that is committed to continuous improvement
Key Responsibilities
Children & Curriculum
- Provide high-quality care and education in an outdoor setting, ensuring children feel safe, secure and inspired
-Support meaningful play by knowing when to step in and when to step back
-Develop and deliver a responsive, child-centred curriculum rooted in children’s interests, development and the natural world
-Encourage children as independent thinkers, capable risk-takers and confident communicators
-Ensure a thoughtful balance of child- and adult-initiated experiences
Observation & Assessment
- Observe, document and reflect on children’s learning and development
- Use observations to inform planning, provision and practice
- Share children’s learning meaningfully with parents and carers
Safeguarding & Wellbeing
- Follow safeguarding procedures rigorously to ensure children’s safety and wellbeing
- Promote emotional security, resilience and respectful relationships
- Remove barriers to participation and promote inclusion, equality and diversity
Partnership Working
- Work closely with families, valuing their knowledge of their children
- Communicate warmly and professionally with parents, carers and external professionals
- Support parents in understanding and strengthening their relationship with their child
Team & Professional Practice
- Work collaboratively as part of a reflective, supportive team
- Act as an advocate for Forest School and nature-based, child-led learning
- Engage in regular professional development, supervision and appraisal
- Stay up to date with EYFS guidance, Forest School practice and current thinking in - - Early Years education
Sustainability & Ethos
- Model respect for the natural environment
- Support sustainable and environmentally responsible practices within the woodland
- Contribute positively to Bee in the Woods’ culture of listening, reflection and care
Qualifications & Experience
Essential
- Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education & Childcare (or equivalent)
- Experience working in an Early Years setting
- Secure knowledge of the EYFS
- Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- A genuine passion for outdoor learning
Desirable
- Forest School Leader qualification (or willingness to train)
- Paediatric First Aid
What We Offer
- A rare opportunity to work fully outdoors in a beautiful woodland setting
- A caring, values-led team that prioritises staff wellbeing
- Competitive salary
- 28 days annual leave
- Your birthday off
- Ongoing CPD and training opportunities
- Career progression within a growing organisation
- Discounted childcare (where applicable)
- Bike to Work Scheme & Techscheme