Early Years Practitioner (Level 3+) Verified listing

Learning in Nature CIC & Beccles Forest Schools

Company Number: 11747933 Ofsted URN: 2610910 Setting ref: 2610909

Job Description: Early Years Practitioner (Level 3+) (assisting hours)

Variable hour contract with hours available in :

Kindergarten: Fridays (term time) 8:30am to 2:30pm, plus hours in holiday groups and as bank staff, if desired.

The post of Early Years Practitioner (Level 3+) primarily involves:

Provide an inspiring outdoor play environment that meets the wide range of needs of the children attending
Ensure our provision is learner-centred, and protects the children’s right to play freely
Support the Forest School risk assessment, planning and preparation process at the beginning and endings of each session, sharing responsibilities with EY Deputy Manager(s), where appropriate
Hold the Forest School Ethos at the centre of all that we do

Early Years at Beccles Forest Schools:

A wonderful blend of the Early Years Foundation Stage and Forest School, we are a totally outdoors early years provision for children aged 3 to 6. Rated as Outstanding in all areas at our last inspection, we maintain a wholly child-led ethos and prioritise the natural space as inspiration for play. Children have ownership of the space and the adults facilitate whatever adventures the children would like to embark on. Our team is made up of highly enthusiastic and skilled staff who are passionate about their roles.

Our Forest School is based on The Wild Meadow, near Beccles Common- a beautiful space with old trees for climbing, a dyke for paddling and pond-dipping, and a wide re-wilding meadow, bursting with native species of plants and insects. Within The Wild Meadow, we have our Early Years Area, a space surrounded by a beautiful willow ‘fedge’, containing a mud kitchen, The Grey Willows- complete with swing and low climbing branches, and the Hygge Shed, where we can cosy up with a story.

Essential Attributes:

Early Years Qualification at Level 3 or above, or Qualified Teacher Status
Experience being outdoors for prolonged periods across all seasons and in all weathers
A good understanding of the Forest School Ethos
Value of wholly child-led approach
Understanding of the benefit of "risky play" in child development
Enhanced DBS certificate, subscribed to the Update Service, or willingness to apply for this before employment commences
Safeguarding Training at Level 2+, Level 2 Food Hygiene Training Certificate, Prevent Awareness Training Certificate, or willingness to complete these in the first three months of employment and renew every 2/3 years, as appropriate
Knowledge of child development and the EYFS Statutory Framework
Excellent professional communication skills with children and adults
Punctual, organised
Driving license or ability to arrive at work independently and reliably

Desirable:

Current Paediatric First Aid certificate, or willingness to attend at own expense before employment commences (requirement if your EY qualification needs this to be counted in ratios)
Experience working in a Forest School environment
Bushcraft skills
Experience of working with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

Please note that this post will involve working with children/vulnerable adults, and we take our responsibility to safeguarding our attendees very seriously. Your appointment is subject to a rigorous Safer Recruitment Procedure, including you providing a satisfactory Enhanced DBS clearance on the Update Service.

Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract, Temp to perm, Zero hours contract

Contract length: 12 months
Pay: £12.25 per hour
Expected hours: No less than 6 per week

Benefits:

Casual dress
Company pension
Employee discount
Free parking

Application question(s):

Do you have an Early Years Qualification at Level 3 or above, or Qualified Teacher Status?
Do you have experience being outdoors across all seasons and in all weathers?
Are you familiar with the Forest School Ethos, and taking a wholly child-led approach to Early Education?

Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 08/09/2025

Interview date: TBC

Expected start date: 07/11/2025