Job Introduction
Are you an inspiring and creative Forest School Leader looking for an opportunity to make a real difference?
Lee-on-the-Solent Infant and Nursery School is seeking an enthusiastic and committed Forest School Leader to join our dedicated team from September 2026.
Over the past 18 months, we have made a significant investment in establishing Forest School as a valued part of our curriculum and enrichment offer. Our well-equipped Forest School provision has quickly become an integral part of school life, providing inspiring outdoor learning opportunities for all our children.
This vacancy has arisen as our current Forest School Leader moves on to an exciting role. They leave behind a well-established provision with strong foundations, providing an excellent opportunity for a qualified Forest School Leader to build on its success and help shape its future.
At Lee-on-the-Solent Infant and Nursery School, our LEAP Values are at the heart of everything we do. We strive to develop children who are Enthusiastic Learners, Excellent Communicators, Active and Healthy, and Part of the Community. Our Forest School provision is a key part of bringing these values to life, encouraging children to explore, take appropriate risks, develop resilience, work collaboratively and foster a lifelong appreciation of the natural environment.
Our recent Ofsted inspection recognised the quality of education we provide, awarding the school Strong judgements for both Early Years and Inclusion. These outcomes reflect the dedication of our talented staff team, the enthusiasm of our children and the strength of our supportive school community.
Working for two days each week during term time, you will lead our Forest School provision across the school. You will be responsible for planning, delivering and evaluating an engaging programme of outdoor learning that supports children's confidence, resilience, independence and wellbeing, while complementing the wider curriculum.
We are looking for someone who:
- Holds a recognised Forest School Leader qualification.
- Has experience of planning and leading Forest School sessions (experience within an early years or primary setting is desirable).
- Is passionate about child-led outdoor learning and understands the Forest School ethos.
- Can independently plan engaging, progressive and inclusive Forest School experiences that reflect our LEAP Values.
- Has excellent organisational and communication skills.
- Enjoys working collaboratively with teachers, support staff and the wider school community.
- Is committed to creating a safe, nurturing and inspiring outdoor environment where every child can flourish.
This role offers the opportunity to:
- Lead and further develop an established and highly regarded Forest School provision.
- Inspire children through creative, hands-on outdoor learning experiences.
- Work within a supportive, ambitious and forward-thinking school.
- Develop wider opportunities for outdoor learning, including after-school clubs, family Forest School sessions and community engagement activities.
- Play a key role in enriching the educational experiences of children across the whole school.
Why join us?
- A well-established, fully equipped Forest School site with excellent resources.
- A dedicated, experienced and supportive staff team.
- Enthusiastic children who love learning beyond the classroom.
- A welcoming and engaged school community.
- A recent Ofsted inspection recognising the school's strengths with Strong judgements for Early Years and Inclusion.
- Opportunities to innovate and further develop our Forest School provision.
- A commitment to your professional development and wellbeing.
Prospective applicants are warmly encouraged to visit the school to experience our Forest School provision and meet our friendly team.
Email applications to Charlotte Heath at cheath@los-infants.co.uk. Support staff application form available on the school website.
Safer Recruitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.
