Early Years Practitioner

Learning in Nature CIC & Beccles Forest Schools Company Number: 11747933 Ofsted URN: 2610910 Setting ref: 2610909 **Job Description: Early Years Practitioner (Level 3+) (assisting hours)** Variable hour contract with hours available in: Kindergarten: Fridays (term time) 8:30am to 2:30pm, plus additional hours in holiday groups and as bank staff, if desired. The post of Early Years Practitioner (Level 3+) primarily involves: - Provide an inspiring outdoor play environment that meets the wide range of needs of the children attending - Ensure our provision is learner-centred, and protects the children’s right to play freely - Support the Forest School risk assessment, planning and preparation process at the beginning and endings of each session, sharing responsibilities with EY Deputy Manager(s), where appropriate - Hold the Forest School Ethos at the centre of all that we do Early Years at Beccles Forest Schools: A wonderful blend of the Early Years Foundation Stage and Forest School, we are a totally outdoors early years provision for children aged 3 to 6. Rated as Outstanding in all areas at our last inspection, we maintain a wholly child-led ethos and prioritise the natural space as inspiration for play. Children have ownership of the space and the adults facilitate whatever adventures the children would like to embark on. Our team is made up of highly enthusiastic and skilled staff who are passionate about their roles. Our Forest School is based on The Wild Meadow, near Beccles Common - a beautiful space with old trees for climbing, a dyke for paddling and pond-dipping, and a wide re-wilding meadow, bursting with native species of plants and insects. Within The Wild Meadow, we have our Early Years Area, a space surrounded by a beautiful willow ‘fedge’, containing a mud kitchen, The Grey Willows - complete with swing and low climbing branches, and the Hygge Shed, where we can cosy up with a story. Essential Attributes: - **Early Years Qualification at Level 3 or above, or Qualified Teacher Status**: - **Experience being outdoors for prolonged periods across all seasons and in all weathers**: - **A good understanding of the Forest School Ethos**: - Value of wholly child-led approach - Understanding of the benefit of "risky play" in child development - Safeguarding Training at Level 2+, Level 2 Food Hygiene Training Certificate, Prevent Awareness Training Certificate, or willingness to complete these in the first three months of employment and renew every 2/3 years, as appropriate - Knowledge of child development and the EYFS Statutory Framework - Excellent professional communication skills with children and adults - Punctual, organised - Driving license or ability to arrive at work independently and reliably Desirable: - Current Paediatric First Aid certificate, or willingness to attend at own expense before employment commences (requirement if your EYFS qualification requires PFA to be included in ratios) - Experience working in a Forest School environment - Bushcraft skills - Experience of working with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities **Job Types**: Part-time, Fixed term contract, Temp to perm, Zero hours contract Contract length: 12 months Pay: £12.25 per hour **Benefits**: - Casual dress - Company pension - Employee discount - Free parking Application question(s): - Do you have an Early Years Qualification at Level 3 or above, or Qualified Teacher Status? - Do you have experience being outdoors across all seasons and in all weathers? - Are you familiar with the Forest School Ethos, and taking a wholly child-led approach to Early Education? Work Location: In person Application deadline: 08/09/2025 Reference ID: Early Years Practitioner (Level 3+) November 2025 Expected start date: 07/11/2025