Room Leader Nursery Nurse

Room Leader – Burt the Yurt

Location: Culham Nursery
Position: Room Leader
Reports To: Nursery Manager / Deputy Manager
Qualification: Minimum Level 3 Early Years Qualification (or equivalent)
Hours: As required

About Burt the Yurt

Burt the Yurt is unlike any other learning environment within Culham Nursery. Set outdoors, Burt provides children with rich opportunities to explore, discover, create and take risks through nature-based learning. Children from across the nursery rotate through the space, allowing them to experience a unique environment focused on curiosity, imagination, loose parts play, adventure and the natural world.

We are looking for an inspirational Room Leader who is passionate about outdoor learning and can create magical experiences for children in all seasons and weather conditions.

Purpose of the Role

To lead and manage Burt the Yurt, ensuring it provides a safe, stimulating and inspiring environment where children can learn, develop and thrive through outdoor experiences. The successful candidate will champion child-led learning, embrace the use of loose parts and natural resources, and be committed to developing their knowledge through Forest School training.

Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership and Management

• Lead the day-to-day operation of Burt the Yurt.
• Create an engaging and adventurous outdoor curriculum that supports children's learning and development.
• Work collaboratively with all nursery rooms to ensure smooth rotation of children into the yurt environment.
• Inspire colleagues through excellent practice in outdoor education.
• Ensure high standards of safety, risk assessment and supervision at all times.

Children's Learning and Development

• Plan and deliver exciting experiences that promote exploration, creativity and problem-solving.
• Use observations and assessments to support children's individual learning journeys.
• Encourage children to develop resilience, confidence and independence through managed risk and challenge.
• Promote child-led learning and follow children's interests.
• Create opportunities for children to connect with nature and develop a respect for the environment.

Outdoor Learning and Forest School

• Demonstrate a genuine passion for outdoor learning.
• Develop and maintain an environment rich in natural and loose parts resources.
• Support children in using tools, natural materials and outdoor equipment safely.
• Be willing and enthusiastic about undertaking Forest School training and embedding Forest School principles within the provision.
• Continually seek new ideas and opportunities to enhance Burt the Yurt experience.

Health and Safety

• Be confident and competent in the safe operation and management of the yurt's log burner.
• Carry out daily safety checks on the yurt, outdoor environment and log burner.
• Ensure all risk assessments are followed and reviewed regularly.
• Maintain a safe environment while enabling children to take appropriate risks in their play.
• Ensure safeguarding procedures are always followed.

Partnerships with Parents and Colleagues

• Build positive relationships with families and communicate children's experiences and achievements effectively.
• Work closely with the wider nursery team to ensure consistency in care and learning.
• Encourage parents to understand and value outdoor learning opportunities.

Person SpecificationEssential

• Level 3 Early Years qualification or above.
• Experience working with children aged 0-5 years.
• A genuine love of the outdoors and all-weather learning.
• Knowledge of child development and the EYFS.
• Experience leading or supporting a team.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Confidence in carrying out risk assessments and promoting safe outdoor play.
• Enthusiasm for using loose parts and natural resources to support learning.
• Confidence and willingness to safely manage and monitor a log burner.
• Ability to motivate and inspire children and colleagues.

Desirable

• Previous experience in a Forest School, outdoor nursery or nature-based setting.
• Forest School qualification or willingness to undertake training.
• Paediatric First Aid qualification.
• Experience leading outdoor learning projects.

What We Are Looking For

The successful candidate will be:

• Adventurous, energetic and creative.
• Passionate about giving children memorable outdoor experiences.
• Comfortable working outdoors throughout the year.
• Excited by mud kitchens, campfires, den building, loose parts play and nature exploration.
• A strong leader who can think innovatively and embrace the unique opportunities Burt the Yurt offers.
• Someone who sees challenge as opportunity and believes there is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing!

Why Join Culham Nursery?

At Culham Nursery, we believe children learn best when they are free to explore, investigate and connect with the natural world. Burt the Yurt offers an exceptional opportunity to lead a truly unique learning environment and shape an outdoor provision that inspires children every day.

"If you are passionate about nature, outdoor adventure and creating unforgettable learning experiences, we'd love to hear from you."

Pay: £29,000.00-£32,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Free parking
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person