Early Years Educator

Do you love working with children and enjoy spending time outdoors? This might be the ideal role for you! We are seeking enthusiastic individuals to join us at The Shepherd’s Hut, with opportunities available for both newcomers and those with a relevant level 2 or 3 qualification.

We have both part-time and full-time positions available and can be flexible to suit you!

Full time hours: 40hrs per week.

Part time hours: A minimum of 2 days per week, 6 hours per day.

Salary: Up to £26,000 per annum dependent on qualifications and experience

Benefits Include:

• Paid day off on your birthday
• Free parking
• Staff incentives
• Staff summer & holiday events
• Well-being support
• Childcare discount for staff
• Staff uniform
• Nest Pension Scheme offered

The Shepherd’s Hut Outdoor Nursery is a growing group of children’s outdoor day nurseries in Buckinghamshire.

We first opened our doors in August 2018 in Wendover where we are located on an enclosed and picturesque piece of farmland in the foothills below Coombe Hill. Designed with children at heart, we have a heated yurt for indoor activities, quiet time and inclement weather. In 2021, we introduced our Baby Barn for 0-2 year olds where they can play, rest and eat together when not exploring the outdoor area. Alongside this we have a designated Forest School area, mud kitchen, a fruit and vegetable patch where we grow, cultivate and eat our harvest.

In September 2024 we will be opening our second site at the iconic Peterley Manor Farm in Prestwood. A bespoke, double wooden yurt has been handcrafted for us at this site and provides the perfect cosy indoor space for our children aged 0 to 5 years. Alongside the double yurt, we have a light and beautiful polytunnel where our children can remain warm and dry whilst enjoying the thrill of watching nature work its wonders . . .whatever the season.

Through the combination of our innovative settings and our high adult to child ratio, children at our nurseries are inspired and engaged to develop their character and self-confidence. The statutory EYFS framework is followed and our approach to this is influenced by extensive research from leading countries and educational theorists such as Reggio Emilio, Steiner, the Scandinavian Forest School approach, and others.

You will be part of a skilled team who facilitate, support, extend and allow children to lead and develop their own learning, including key life skills essential for a successful start to their future in school and beyond.

Responsibilities & Main duties:

• To meet children’s learning and development needs by providing stimulating and age-appropriate play and learning.
• To be fully aware of the operational policies and procedures; this includes ensuring that all accidents and incidents are recorded accurately.
• To supervise the children where appropriate and to protect them from dangerous or harmful situations.
• Maintain a consistent standard of observations and development records, including contribution to 2-Year-Old progress checks as required.
• To act as a key person to a group of children.
• To assist during snack time, ensuring that all children’s dietary and cultural needs are met and consideration is given to allergy requirements.
• To liaise with parents, carers, and guardians about children’s needs & to inform parents/carers how their child’s session progressed.
• To ensure that every child’s individual needs are known and met in an environment that is free from discrimination where each child is valued and respected.
• To share progress of key groups of children and contribute to the planning of activities and delivery of curriculum.
• To adhere to the setting’s safeguarding procedures to promote the welfare and safety of children within the setting and to share any welfare or child protection concerns immediately with the setting’s Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• To perform any other duties as deemed necessary by Nursery Manager, Deputy Manager or Management Team.