Flo’s Forest School at Barracks Lane Garden – Nursery Practitioner (Key Person)

●  18 hours per week (Tuesday–Thursday, 9.00am–3.00pm)

●  Term-time only

●  £14.32 per hour, Gross Annual Salary (FTE) £28,296

●  Start Date: November (or as soon as possible after this)

●  Closing Date: Sunday 11 October 2026, 5.00pm

●  Interviews: Friday 16th October 2026

About the Role

We are looking for a passionate and experienced Early Years Practitioner to join our team at Barracks Lane Forest School.

This role involves the responsibilities of a Key Person in a Forest School setting. The successful candidate will build nurturing relationships with children and families, support children’s learning and development through play and exploration, and help ensure all children receive the support they need to thrive.

We are seeking someone who shares our values of inclusion, wellbeing, curiosity and community, and who is excited by the opportunity to work in a predominantly outdoor, nature-based environment.

About Barracks Lane Forest School

Nature in mind, wellbeing at heart.

Based within the beautiful Barracks Lane Community Garden, our Forest School offers children aged 2–4 years a unique opportunity to learn, play and grow through meaningful experiences in nature.

Children spend most of their day outdoors exploring the natural environment, building resilience, developing independence and forming strong connections with each other and the world around them. From den building and fire lighting to growing vegetables, storytelling, climbing trees and observing wildlife, every day offers opportunities for discovery and learning.

Our approach is rooted in nurturing wellbeing, encouraging risk-taking within safe boundaries, and supporting children to develop confidence, curiosity and a sense of belonging.

About You

You will:

• Hold a Level 2 Early Years qualification or above (for example, QTS)

• Have experience working with children in an Early Years setting

• Be committed to inclusive practice and supporting children with additional needs

• Enjoy working outdoors in all seasons and weather conditions

• Have strong communication and relationship-building skills

• Be organised, reflective and committed to continuous professional development

As this position is for a Forest School setting, the successful applicant would be offered to train towards the Level 3 Forest School Leader qualification, after their probationary period.

Additional Opportunity

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to join Flo’s Supply Staff List, providing additional paid cover across our nursery settings where desired.

Why Work at Flo’s?

At Flo’s, we know that meaningful work is about more than a job title. We aim to create a workplace where people feel supported, valued, included and able to grow, while contributing to something that genuinely benefits the community and the planet.

We are a collaborative and creative team made up of people who care deeply about equity, wellbeing, community and kindness. We recognise that everyone works differently, and we strive to create an environment where people can bring their whole selves to work.

Benefits include:

• Enhanced sick pay

• Employer pension contributions

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Training and development opportunities

• Flexible and collaborative ways of working where possible

• A supportive and caring team culture

• Commitment to a neuro-inclusive and accessible workplace

• Friendly and approachable HR support

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Flo’s is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels respected, valued and able to thrive.

We particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our workforce.

How to Apply

Please complete our standard application form and return it to nursery@flosoxford.org.uk  by the closing date.

The application form can be accessed here:  Nursery  Application Form

Please make a copy of the form before completing it, or download it and return the completed version by email.

The application form includes a section for your supporting statement, so a separate cover letter is not required.

For an informal discussion about the role, please speak with Adriana Grau Oliver (email her to arrange a suitable time: AdrianaG@flosoxford.org.uk).

For further information on this role, please follow this link.

Further reading

Become a member

For more articles and professional learning

Find out more

Browse Early Education publications