A unique leadership opportunity in Worcestershire.
Are you ready to make a big impact in a truly unique setting? Do you crave the chance to shape a clear vision for growth in early childhood education?
At Nurture Outdoor Kindergarten, we offer something completely different—a progressive, nature-based approach that stands out from traditional nursery environments.
Imagine leading a kindergarten set in an evergreen forest, complete with a warm cabin and log burner. Picture children joyfully engaged in free play with natural materials, from sandpits and mud kitchens to water play and a magical hill perfect for running, rolling, or riding. It's a truly enchanting place where everyone comments on how welcoming, joyful, and different it feels.
This exciting opportunity has arisen due to a promotion, and we're seeking a visionary leader with unfulfilled ambition, ready to take the reins and steer our rapid growth plans. If you're motivated by the chance to have a real say in the direction of our progressive setting and want to be part of something truly special, we'd love to hear from you.
At Nurture Outdoor Kindergarten, we uphold the following core values across all aspects of our work:
Advocacy…We stand up for what is right, raise concerns, challenge the status quo and improve Early Years education and care at all times.
Respect…We respect the thoughts, words, feelings and opinions of our children.
Growth…We are continually learning and contributing learnings to a greater understanding of human development.
Compassion…We see the child - and their behaviour - with compassion, graciousness, and generosity.
Efficiency…We are professional, organised and unrushed.
Sustainability…We are conscious of the resources we use on a daily basis.
What You'll Do:
- Lead and inspire our dynamic team of outdoor practitioners
- Manage daily kindergarten operations, ensuring compliance with EYFS and Ofsted standards
- Create a safe, nurturing environment where children can thrive
- Partner with parents to support child development
- Drive continuous improvement and uphold our core values
- Shape the future of our innovative, nature-based learning approach
Who We're Looking For:
- Minimum Level 3 qualification in early years; Level 5 or 6 is a plus
- Experience in leadership within an early years setting
- Strong organisational and communication skills
- A proactive problem solver who can guide and support our team with confidence and empathy
- Passion for outdoor and nature-based learning approaches
- Commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful community
- Alignment with our core values and excitement to champion our unique approach
What We Offer:
- A chance to shape young lives and contribute to innovative education
- Professional development and support for further qualifications
- A unique, nature-based learning environment that values your growth and well-being
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) with 24/7 support
- Statutory holiday entitlement with mandatory closure weeks in winter and summer
- Company pension and onsite parking
If you're ready to break free from the norm and be part of something truly magical, where you'll have the freedom to shape our future, apply now! Whether you're interested in part-time or full-time hours, this is your chance to grow with us.
Join us at Nurture Outdoor Kindergarten and be part of a joyful, impactful, and rapidly growing community.
To apply, please submit your CV, a cover letter detailing your vision for progressive outdoor early education, and three professional references to:
Closing Date: 30th September
Setting Type: Day Nursery - open 8.00am to 5.30pm
Where: Nurture Outdoor Kindergarten, Top Barn Farm, Holt Heath, Worcester, WR6 6NH
Personal Qualities: Love and enthusiasm for working with young children and being part of a team, excellent communication skills, flexible, friendly, and approachable
Hours: 28 hours per week, with potential for full-time
Salary: Starting at £31,616 - £37,050 pro rata, depending on qualifications and experience
How to apply: Submit your CV, a cover letter detailing your vision for progressive outdoor early education, and three professional references to:
"Since an initial telephone conversation with Helen, where I was introduced to RIE, I feel that I have embarked upon a new and exciting learning journey. Each step has brought something new to my attention, something to improve my skills for working with children and build a better foundation to understanding and responding to children's needs more calmly. The RIE workshop was amazing and brought home to me the positive effects of slowing down, of respecting children and of listening carefully.
As a direct result of the RIE workshop, we have ditched our family rules and now have only four that we agree will help to shape a positive family culture; 1) No blame, no shame; to help us to be more positive with each other. 2) Play; to help us to have fun and humour together. 3) Respect; to help us develop mutual respect and understanding, we are a diverse group! 4) Listen; to help us to pay our full attention to each other. A quote from Magda Gerber was shared during the workshop; "How we care for our children is how we express our love."
I have begun to adapt my practices to incorporate the RIE philosophy and am eager to work with colleagues who share the same values so that we can develop a super team together and create a truly wonderful experience for the children who attend."
-T, Practitioner