Below are a list of current vacancies and links to full job descriptions. For further details and an informal chat about the roles, please contact our School Administrator, Mrs Estelle Szasz, from whom an application pack is available. Please call on 023 8025 2440, or by emailing recruitment@sherbornehouse.co.uk to arrange an informal visit. You can use our SHS Application Form .doc and submit your CV.
JOB DESCRIPTION
POST TITLE: Forest School Leader
SALARY: Salary dependant on qualifications and experience
WORKING HOURS: Part-Time (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday)
START DATE: As soon as possible
Sherborne House School is a forward-thinking, nurturing environment where outdoor learning is an integral part of our educational approach. We believe in the power of nature to inspire confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. Our Forest School programme plays a vital role in supporting children’s development—emotionally, socially, and academically.
We are currently seeking an experienced and passionate Forest School Leader to deliver engaging, inclusive, and enriching sessions for pupils.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and deliver high-quality Forest School sessions in line with Forest School Association principles from Nursery age to Year 6.
Foster a safe, nurturing, and stimulating outdoor learning environment for pupils of all ages and abilities.
Lead and support a small team of staff, promoting collaboration and good practice.
Carry out risk assessments and ensure all activities comply with health and safety standards.
Maintain tools and equipment, and support sustainable woodland management practices.
Build positive relationships with pupils, families and colleagues.
Uphold safeguarding, inclusion, and equality principles in all aspects of your work.
Support monitoring, assessment, and communication with stakeholders as needed.
Essential Skills & Experience
Level 3 Forest School Leader qualification (required).
Experience working with children and young people in educational or playwork settings.
Confident and adaptable approach to behaviour management across different ages and abilities.
Strong organisational and time-management skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Able to work independently and collaboratively in a flexible and responsive way.
Knowledge & Qualifications
Knowledge of outdoor education and sustainable woodland management.
Current Paediatric and Outdoor First Aid certification (essential).
Enhanced DBS check (required).
Strong awareness of safeguarding, health & safety, and welfare responsibilities.
Personal Qualities
Passionate about outdoor learning and connecting children with nature.
Resilient, adaptable, and self-motivated.
A positive role model who leads with empathy and integrity.
Committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
What We Offer
Option to take on additional paid extra-curricular responsibilities.
Supportive, welcoming, and dedicated school community.
Beautiful outdoor learning environment with the freedom to be creative.
Opportunities for continuous training and professional development.
The chance to make a meaningful impact on children’s lives through nature-based education.
JOB DESCRIPTION
POST TITLE: Early Years Practitioner – Apprentice
RESPONSIBLE TO: Nursery Manager/ Deputy Manager / Room Leader
SALARY: £13,500
WORKING HOURS: 40 Hours per week all year round. Excluding bank holidays and between Christmas and New Year.
The Nursery Practitioner will be working as part of a team to ensure the daily needs of children between the ages of 6 months and five years are met within the Nursery setting.
Purpose of Post
To provide a safe, interesting and stimulating environment for the children in a variety of ways.
To work under the Room Leader to achieve the aims and objectives of the Nursery.
To ensure a high standard of physical, emotional, social and intellectual care for children placed in Sherborne House School Nursery.
To give support and respect to other personnel within Sherborne House Nursery.
To implement the daily routine in the Nursery.
Key Areas
Safeguarding – observe and be alert and report immediately any signs of abuse or neglect.
Act as a positive role model, using appropriate tone of voice and body language.
Team work – supporting colleagues in meeting every child’s needs.
Liaise with parents and staff.
Duties and Responsibilities
Be punctual and reliable.
Ensure all children and parents are met with a warm welcome.
Operate a programme of activities suitable to the age range of children attending the Nursery in conjunction with the Room Supervisor on a weekly basis.
Adjust activities according to the child’s needs.
Support all staff and contribute to the team. Follow instructions of the Room Leader or Nursery Manager.
Liaise with and support parents and other family members.
Attend staff meetings and training events outside working hours if required.
Undertake certain domestic jobs within the Nursery, for example, serving snacks and meals, occasionally loading and emptying the dishwasher and laundry as part of a daily routine.
Variable shifts between the hours of 7:30am-6pm over 5 days with a half an hour unpaid lunch break.
To develop your role within the team.
To engage in reflective practice, use constructive feedback to continually improve.
Carry out any reasonable request given to you by any senior Member of Nursery or School Staff.
Skills and Abilities
A happy enthusiastic and positive person.
Be able to work as part of a professional childcare team
Have an understanding of equal opportunities.
Ability to communicate confidently with a wide range of people.
Good organisational skills.
To be able to understand and meet the needs of individual children and families.
Understand the need to provide a stimulating, caring and consistent environment for young children.
To be flexible with regard to working hours and shifts.
For further details and an informal chat about the above roles, please contact our School Administrator, Mrs Estelle Szasz, from whom an application pack is available. Please call on 023 8025 2440, or by emailing recruitment@sherbornehouse.co.uk
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We are an Equal Opportunities employer. The successful candidate will be subject to a rigorous recruitment procedure, including an enhanced DBS check.
