Lead Teacher

Role overview

An exciting opportunity for a Level 6 Qualified Setting Manager is available at Tiny Wilds, a beautiful outdoor based provision, combining a vibrant nursery with an alternative education setting located on an organic smallholding on the edge of Dartmoor.

Working Pattern: Monday to Thursdays or Friday 8.30 am - 5 pm, in Devon Local Authority school term time.

Location: Tiny Wilds, Sampford Spiney

Hourly Rate: from£20 per hour, depending on experience

Who we are

Tiny Wilds operates from a wild and rugged garden on an organic farm and wildlife project during term times. We are located in a river valley on the edge of Dartmoor, 4 miles from Tavistock. Although we like to spend much of the time outdoors, we have a number of warm and secure indoor spaces for when the weather calls for cosy indoor learning. Tiny Wilds has a strong emphasis on being sustainable and ethical in our day to day activities, as well as encouraging children to respect and connect with their natural surroundings. The extraordinary nature accessible to Tiny Wilds is hard to find anywhere in the UK and our children have access to the ancient forests, SSSI land, boulder-strewn river and bluebell meadows that belong to the founders, as well as open moorland and organically farmed animals.

Who we are looking for

At Tiny Wilds we havea strong interest in diverse educational approaches; we are open to old and new, mainstream, alternative, national and international methods of education, to help us offer the best to our children. We're seeking a passionate, experienced leader with a commitment to holistic childcare and education - someone eager to guide and develop our entire Wilds community across Tiny Wilds, Mighty Wilds, and Magic Mighties.

Tiny Wilds (ages and Mighty Wilds (ages are Ofsted-registered and offer funded places for children up to 5. The new Setting Manager will lead and teach within Tiny Wilds alongside two assistants, while Mighty Wilds is led by a qualified Primary Teacher. Magic Mighties (ages is an Alternative Provision also led by a qualified Primary Teacher.

Tiny Wilds (the overall name for the whole setting) focuses on creative, active and nature-based learning. We are looking for a qualified (Level 6/ QTS) teacher with managerial experience who is fun, enthusiastic and confident, with an interest in outdoor play. The role offers a blend of teaching and leadership - three days each week spent working directly with the children, and one day focused on managing and supporting the wider setting across all groups. The right applicant will be kind, gentle, relaxed and intelligent, whilst also being conscientious, organised and efficient, with good initiative and a natural enjoyment of engaging with children.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a small, passionate team of four staff, including one completing a Level 3 qualification under your supervision.
• Ensure the highest standards of care, learning, and safeguarding.
• Oversee daily operations, curriculum planning, and compliance with EYFS and Ofsted requirements.
• Modelling excellent practice and supporting staff development through regular in class mentoring.
• Nature based and indoor lesson planning and preparation
• Curriculum development across all three groups, ensuring a seamless and consistent approach throughout the setting.
• Build positive relationships with families, professionals, and the wider community.
• Liaise with local schools for children who attend on a flexi-school basis.
• Organise regular celebrations and events with families and the community.
• Administrating the enrolment process for new children, and session changes for existing children.
• Resourcing and supplying all groups within a set budget.
• Manage and claim funding for eligible children through DCC provider portal
• Work alongside a larger team of staff including the owner, communicating clearly.
• Undertake other reasonable duties of a similar level as required.

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• Level 6 in Early Years or childcare - Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or experience in primary education beneficial
• Proven experience in a leadership or management role within an early years or primary education setting
• Experience leading a team, including mentoring or supervising staff
• Strong understanding of EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) and primary curriculum for ages 5 - 8
• Knowledge of safeguarding legislation, Ofsted requirements, and health & safety in educational settings
• Current Clear Advanced DBS check
• Fluent in English
• Driving with full licence

Essential Skills & Attributes

• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• Confidence in yourself and the ability to perform in the role
• Good organisational and time-management skills
• Energy, enthusiasm, stamina, patience, dedication, resilience and self-discipline
• Initiative, leadership, supervisory skills and team working abilities
• Imagination, creativity and a sense of humour
• Good judgement and an analytical mind
• A satisfactory health record and criminal record check

Desirable Experience

• Experience in alternative education settings
• Familiarity with nature-based, creative, or holistic learning approaches
• Knowledge of SEN
• Experience developing an educational setting

Benefits

• Health & Wellness Package
• Comprehensive BUPA Wellbeing Package with 24/7 support and access to scheduled counselling sessions
• Aviva Pension Scheme
• 28 days holiday, inclusive of bank holidays
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Perkbox Membership
• Company Events & Team Activities
• Work in a stunning natural environment with hands-on, nature-based learning opportunities

Application Process

If you would like to apply for this role, please send us your CV and covering letter.

Deadline

December 22nd 2025

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: From £20.00 per hour

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 22/12/2025