Nature Nursery Third in Charge/Senior Practitioner

Essex Wildlife Trust embarked on an inspiring venture in 2021 to provide a new kind of childcare where children have meaningful experiences with nature at the most formative stage of their development and in doing so, secure a healthier, happier, and more sustainable future.

Rated “Outstanding” in our latest inspection, our pioneering outdoor nursery provides exceptional year-round holistic childcare and outdoor education for 2–5-year-olds, based on learning through nature and inspired by the Scandinavian approach.

Set in the beautiful grounds of Abbotts Hall on the Blackwater Estuary, our Nature Nursery creates an environment that inspires children to be confident, curious and independent learners, developing a rich and lifelong love and understanding of the natural world. Children have an opportunity to play in the woodland, explore in the meadow and collect fruit and vegetables from the garden, all within secure boundaries. For more information on our Nature Nursery, including our Ofsted report, please visit essexwt.org,uk/what-we-do/outdoor-learning/nature-nursery.  

As a Nature NurseryThird in Charge/Senior Practitioner, the post holder will support the Nursery Manager and Deputy Nursery Manager through delivering the statutory EYFS framework and our curriculum, which will be followed by encompassing the extensive research from leading countries and educational theorists such as Reggio, Montessori and Scandinavian Forest school approaches.  The successful person will be part of a team of skilled practitioners who will facilitate, support and allow children to lead and develop key skills needed to encounter life experiences including those skills essential for a successful start into school life.

The post holder will use their existing skills, experience and passion for child-led learning, modelling outstanding practice, following children’s interests, enhancing their learning in a beautiful natural environment. We have high aspirations that the post holder will use their own personal interests and skills to influence the delivery of Forest School and early years’ outdoor curriculum. 

It is essential that applicants have substantial knowledge and experience of the EYFS and KCSIE statutory frameworks and hold at minimum a Level 3 Early Years qualification (or equivalent) together with, if possible, a Level 3 Forest School certification. Experience of working in a Forest School or outdoor environment would be advantageous but not essential.

The Nature Nursery is open 51 weeks of the year (closed between Christmas and New Year), including school holidays. The working hours are on a rota basis to ensure provision is available from 8:00am to 5:30pm Monday to Friday. The starting salary is £25,626.00 per annum. Our Nature Nursery is a fully outdoor provision with the children and nursery practitioners predominately working outside in all weather conditions. A good pair of wellies is required!

Essex Wildlife Trust are the county’s leading conservation charity, committed to protecting wildlife and inspiring a lifelong love of nature; and we would love you to join our committed and enthusiastic team. Our values are Impactful, Collaborative, United and Proactive.

Essex Wildlife Trust is committed to equal opportunities and maintaining a safe and secure environment for all children and young people. Therefore, the successful applicant for this position will be subject to pre-employment checks including a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Please note, it is an offence to apply for this position if barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

To apply, please complete the application form on our website by 9.00am on Monday 26 February 2024. Interviews will be held week commencing 07 March 2024.

Essex Wildlife Trust is committed to equal opportunities and maintaining a safe and secure environment for all children and young people. Therefore, the successful applicant for this position will be subject to pre-employment checks including a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Please note, it is an offence to apply for this position if barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

Essex Wildlife Trust is committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone is welcome. As a conservation charity, we know how important diversity is, both in our natural world and amongst the people we employ. We want everyone to feel valued and empowered to contribute to our vision of “A county rich in wildlife with people connected to nature”.

As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to offering an interview to anyone with a disability that meets all the essential criteria for the post. Please let us know if you require any adjustments to make our recruitment process more accessible.