EYFS Forest School and Outdoor Learning Teacher

Runnymede College, a private non-denominational British institution located in Madrid, provides a British education to children of all nationalities aged two to eighteen, adhering closely to the British National Curriculum.

Established in September 1967, the school opened its primary section in 1987, and since 1990, it has been situated in La Moraleja, in northern Madrid. The school structure includes Pre-Prep (Pre Nursery to Year 3), Prep (Years 4 to 8), and Senior School (Years 9 to 13).

Runnymede College boasts impressive academic standards. In June 2025, 57% of our students attained A-A* grades at A level, surpassing the 48% of A*-A grades achieved by independent schools in England this year. Additionally, 67% of our pupils secured A*-A grades at IGCSE, which is notably higher than the 48% of A*-A grades at GCSE in the English independent school sector.

In the graduating class of 2025, 83% of students heading to the UK will be enrolling in Top 10 universities as per the Sunday Times Good University Guide. Esteemed UK institutions welcoming this year's graduates include Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, and LSE. Students pursuing higher education in the US have already commenced their studies at renowned colleges such as Harvard, Columbia, UPenn, and Brown, among others.

Several of our students will continue their education in Spain at prestigious institutions like ICADE, IE, and ICAI, while others will pursue studies at leading universities in France and Ireland.

We invite you to be a part of a dynamic and fulfilling learning environment, both inside and outside the classroom. Candidates should demonstrate readiness to engage actively in the school's co-curricular activities.

We are currently seeking an EYFS Forest School and Outdoor Learning Teacher to start in September 2026.

Responsible to: Deputy Head (Pastoral), Deputy Head (Academic)

Key Internal Relationships: Head of Pre-Prep, Headmaster, Assistant Headmistress, Pre-Prep SENDCo, Nurse, Class Teachers, Teaching Assistants, Heads of Department

1. Role Purpose:

The EYFS Forest School Teacher will take charge of delivering exceptional Forest School experiences, outdoor education, and Physical Development throughout the Early Years Foundation Stage.

The successful candidate will create, execute, and assess a progressive outdoor learning program that fosters resilience, independence, curiosity, and physical skills. They will ensure that outdoor activities align with the EYFS framework and meaningfully contribute to all seven areas of learning, particularly focusing on:

• Physical Development

• Personal, Social, and Emotional Development (Wellbeing)

• Understanding the World

This role combines strategic leadership of outdoor learning initiatives with direct teaching of Forest School and outdoor sessions.

2. Main Responsibilities:

i). Strategic Leadership of Forest School and Outdoor Learning

• Establish and execute a clear vision for Forest School and outdoor education within EYFS.

• Design a comprehensive Forest School curriculum for children aged 2–5, with the potential to extend into KS1.

• Ensure that outdoor learning is integrated throughout all EYFS curriculum areas.

• Encourage a culture of responsible risk-taking, resilience, and independence.

• Uphold high standards of safeguarding and health and safety in all outdoor activities.

• Oversee Forest School resources, equipment management, and development planning.

• Organize and facilitate trips to local forests.

ii). Teaching and Learning

• Plan, conduct, and evaluate top-notch Forest School sessions for Pre-Nursery, Nursery, and Reception.

• Guide both structured and child-led outdoor learning experiences.

• Tailor learning to meet the diverse needs of all students.

• Inspire curiosity, problem-solving, teamwork, and language growth through outdoor teaching.

• Assist children in building confidence and resilience through challenges.

iii). Leadership of Physical Development in EYFS

• Direct the enhancement of Physical Development offerings within EYFS.

• Ensure students make substantial progress in:

• Gross motor skills

• Balance and coordination

• Core strength

• Spatial awareness

• Fine motor control (including appropriate tool use)

• Monitor progress and aid staff in identifying developmental steps.

• Collaborate with PE specialists to ensure continuity into Key Stage 1.

iv). Assessment & Monitoring

• Observe and assess children's learning in outdoor settings.

• Contribute to the EYFS assessment and reporting processes.

• Utilize assessment insights to guide planning and curriculum development.

• Work closely with class teachers and the SENDCo to support children needing additional help.

v). Collaboration and Staff Development

• Collaborate with EYFS teachers and teaching assistants to elevate outdoor practices.

• Demonstrate effective outdoor pedagogy and assist colleagues in curriculum planning.

• Participate in staff training related to Forest School and outdoor education.

• Communicate effectively with parents about their children's outdoor learning experiences.

vi). Health, Safety, and Safeguarding

• Conduct and regularly update risk assessments for Forest School areas and activities.

• Ensure the safe introduction and supervision of tools and equipment.

• Securely store and maintain resources.

• Promote a robust safeguarding culture in alignment with school policies and UK statutory guidance.

v). Other Tasks:

• Provide short-term teaching coverage within Pre-Prep as necessary.

• Carry out lunch and playtime duties throughout Pre-Prep.

• Execute any additional duties appropriate to the role, as directed by Senior Leadership.

Person Specification:

Qualifications

Essential

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

• Level 3 Forest School Leader qualification.

• Native English speaker.

Desirable

• Paediatric First Aid qualification.

• Additional certifications in outdoor education or physical development.

Experience

Essential

• Experience teaching within EYFS (ages 2–5).

• Experience in planning and executing outdoor learning.

• Comprehensive knowledge of the EYFS framework and child development.

Desirable

• Experience in developing or leading Forest School programs.

• Experience in an international or bilingual environment.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong grasp of early physical development.

• Capacity to inspire confidence and resilience in young learners.

• Excellent organizational and risk management abilities.

• High standards for safety and safeguarding.

• Collaborative and reflective educator.

• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions with enthusiasm and energy.

The ideal candidate will possess:

- A Bachelor’s Degree from a British university

- A PGCE or equivalent teaching qualification

- Recent teaching experience in a UK school

- Familiarity with the British National Curriculum

- Prior experience as an EYFS Forest School Teacher

- Ability to adapt learning strategies to meet individual student needs

- High expectations for student effort and behavior, supported by proven classroom management skills

- Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize effectively to meet deadlines

- Native-level proficiency in spoken and written English

- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities

- Previous experience in an international school is preferred but not required

Values and Attitudes:

- A fervor for early childhood education and nurturing the development of young learners

- A dedication to fostering a safe and inclusive educational atmosphere

- A commitment to safeguarding

If you are excited about making a meaningful impact on the growth and development of young learners at Runnymede College and meet the above qualifications, we encourage you to submit your application for this fulfilling position.

Please fill out the application form and upload your CV along with a cover letter, including references.

Application deadline - Friday 17th April 2026

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted, and initial interviews will be conducted via Zoom on a rolling basis. The final round will take place in person at Runnymede College in Madrid. The school reserves the right to appoint a suitable candidate before the closing date. If you do not receive communication from us within six weeks of your application, please assume you were not selected this time.

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. Hiring decisions are based on the skills, experience, and attributes necessary for the role. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals.

Runnymede is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be prepared to undergo child protection screening commensurate with the role, including checks with previous employers and the ACRO Criminal Records Office.