Forest School Practitioner

About the role

Join Our Team at Weston Way Nursery School

Welcome to Weston Way Nursery School, one of just fourteen unique Maintained Nursery Schools in Hertfordshire. We are thrilled to offer an exciting opportunity for a Forest School Practitioner to join our team of co-adventurers and help continue to inspire our Forest School approach to teaching and learning across our setting, where we are proud of our warm, Home-from-Home ethos.

What We're Looking For:

We are seeking a passionate early years educator who is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of young children through high-quality core provision. Our new Forest School Practitioner will play a key role in supporting the wider aims of the nursery, ensuring every unique child experiences a nurturing, safe, and stimulating environment. This role supports our school’s core values:

Happiness – Opportunities – Magical Moments – Engagement

About the Role:

As the Forest School Practitioner, you will lead the nursery's approach to Forest School through our shared vision, values, and aims. This post is one day a week, ideally on a Tuesday to coincide with our staff meeting (8.30am-4.30pm with a 45 minute lunch break, equating to 7.25 hours per day). Your responsibilities will include:

• Delivering high-quality Forest School teaching and learning in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

• Engaging in meaningful play with children 

• Conducting observations and using assessments to inform planning

• Adapting the curriculum to meet the needs of all learners

• Maximising the nursery environment to support exploration and learning

• Contribute to the holistic development of every unique child

Why Join Us?

At Weston Way, we prioritise both professional development and staff well-being. Here’s what we offer:

• Weekly planning and preparation time

• Ongoing CPD opportunities tailored to support your growth and career aspirations

• A supportive and solution-focused leadership team and governing body

• Mental Health Leads and Well-being Representatives to support staff wellbeing, including access to external wellbeing services

• A friendly, collaborative team—and yes, we celebrate with cake on birthdays and treats during special events!

Essential Requirements:

• A level 3 Forest School training certificate

• A commitment to inclusive education and safeguarding

• A readiness to contribute positively to our leadership team

Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification for further details on required qualifications and experience.

How to Apply:

To apply, please complete the application form and person specification, along with a covering letter, via the Teach in Herts website only. Be sure to provide clear examples of how you meet the criteria to enhance your chance of being shortlisted.

Please note: We reserve the right to interview prior to the closing date, so early applications are encouraged.

Weston Way Nursery School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.  All applicants are expected to disclose any convictions, cautions, court order, reprimands and warnings that may affect their suitability to work with children.

We are an inclusive employer and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, or marital status. As part of our commitment to reducing unconscious bias, all applications will be anonymised.

We would be delighted to welcome you for a visit!

If you have any questions or would like to arrange a visit, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We look forward to meeting you!