Outdoor Learning Specialist

Step into a role where you’ll inspire a lifelong love of nature and learning in young children. This is an opportunity to shape engaging outdoor experiences in Maidenhead’s local environments, combining Early Years education with Forest School principles to create safe, stimulating, and memorable sessions. You’ll play a key part in promoting children’s wellbeing, confidence, and curiosity through high-quality outdoor provision.

About the Role:

You will plan, deliver, and evaluate outdoor learning sessions for Early Years children, embedding Forest School approaches within a structured educational framework. Working closely with colleagues and families, you will ensure that all activities are safe, inclusive, and aligned with child development goals. Your work will directly influence the quality of outdoor education, children’s progress, and the setting’s reputation for outstanding practice.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and lead age-appropriate outdoor learning sessions that support Early Years development and curriculum outcomes.
• Apply Forest School principles to design activities that foster independence, resilience, and problem-solving skills.
• Conduct thorough risk assessments for outdoor environments and activities, implementing effective safety controls.
• Monitor and promote children’s wellbeing, safeguarding, and emotional security during all outdoor sessions.
• Manage behaviour positively in outdoor settings, using consistent strategies that encourage cooperation and respect.
• Use knowledge of local natural environments to create varied, seasonally relevant learning experiences.
• Observe and record children’s progress in outdoor learning, providing feedback to colleagues and parents as required.
• Maintain outdoor learning resources and spaces to ensure they are safe, engaging, and well-organised.

Key Requirements:

• Strong, up-to-date knowledge of child safeguarding and welfare practices in an educational setting.
• Demonstrable experience working with Early Years children in outdoor or nature-based learning environments.
• Proven ability to conduct and apply risk assessments and safety management for outdoor activities.
• Confident behaviour management skills specifically suited to outdoor group settings.
• Practical understanding of Forest School methodologies and child-led learning approaches.
• Familiarity with local natural habitats, flora, and fauna, and how to use them as learning opportunities.
• Ability to plan structured, purposeful outdoor sessions that align with Early Years learning objectives.
• Clear and effective communication skills for working with children, colleagues, and parents.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience developing outdoor learning programmes or schemes of work for Early Years settings.
• Skills in using natural materials and tools safely to enrich sensory and exploratory play.
• Ability to adapt outdoor activities for children with diverse needs and abilities.
• Experience contributing to setting-wide initiatives to improve outdoor provision and practice.

Qualifications:

• Relevant Early Years qualification (e.g. Level 3 Early Years Educator or equivalent).
• Forest School Leader qualification (Level 3) or willingness to work towards this.
• Recognised safeguarding training appropriate to Early Years settings.
• First Aid qualification, ideally including paediatric first aid, preferred.

If you are passionate about outdoor learning and ready to make a tangible impact on young children’s development, we invite you to apply and bring your expertise to this permanent role in Maidenhead.

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