Outdoor Nursery Lead

· They will oversee the running of the Outdoor Adventure Education Program including visits to Forest School and Beach School.
· To contribute to the creation of a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all children.
· Work with the Pedagogocial Leaders on the curriculum and learning to reflect the Reggio Emilia/ Scandinavian Forest School approach of the nursery and how these can compliment.
· Value the outdoor environment and outdoor classroom as the third teacher; provide children with spaces that are beautiful and purposeful, for them to explore, through as many "languages" as possible.
· To work in partnership with all parents/carers, building and maintaining relationships that encourage trust, open communication and involvement in nursery life.
· To be professional and a good role model to the children and other staff members, at all times.
· To be vigilant and protect children from harm or abuse, reporting any concerns immediately

This is intended to give you an indication of the main duties but is not meant to be an exhaustive list.

At Pumpkin Patch Nursery we have robust safeguarding and safer recruitment policies therefore all positions are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks including an enhanced DBS. We are an equal opportunities employer.

Pumpkin Patch is a family-owned company that operates six nurseries in the South Coast. This year, all of our nurseries in Brighton and Hove have achieved an Outstanding rating from Ofsted, which we are so excited about! We are looking for an Outdoor Lead who share our passion for the Reggio Emilia and Scandinavian Forest School approaches.

• Two-week Induction programme both in the room and with your mentor but also online with our Education Team to allow time to get to know our policies and practices


• Flexible working with part-time hours available to help your work-life balance.


• Ongoing bonus scheme


• Real Living Wage Employer


• Christmas to New Year off every year


• Yearly pay reviews


• Paid breaks


• Time out every six weeks for Lead Educators to meet with other Leads at other sites and have development time with our Pedagogistas who have been trained/ worked in Reggio Emilia.


• A dedicated Wellbeing Team to provide special events such as Wellbeing Week with Yoga and Arts and Crafts evenings.


• Mental Health Reps to support you


• International Trips to Reggio Emilia in Italy to learn about our ethos but also enjoy time out of the nursery, which is fully funded


• Three Inset Days a year with workshops to develop your skills such as Digital Workshops, Fabrics Workshops, Mark Marking Workshops


• Evening classes available in the Arts to develop your skills (currently, we have a group attending Clay workshops, which are fully funded.)


• Ability to work alongside artists in our Ateliers (art studios)


• Forest School program at our dedicated site in Steyning


• Staff events such as a Christmas Ball at the Hilton and Summer BBQ


• Fundraising events such as climbing the O2 or participating in a colour run to raise funds for a local hospice.


• Ongoing training to help you achieve your goals includes Forest School Training, Beach School Training, Levels 4 and 5 and fully funded SEND training.


• Coffee, snacks and drinks included in our cosy staff rooms


• Free sanitary products in the staff toilets


Hours: Can be flexible for the right person, 20 - 40 hours per week (our core opening hours are 7:30am to 6:30pm)