EYFS Forest School and Outdoor Learning Teacher

Runnymede College, a private non-denominational British educational institution located in Madrid, offers a British curriculum to children of diverse nationalities aged two to eighteen, closely following the British National Curriculum.

Founded in September 1967, the school initiated its primary section in 1987 and has been based in La Moraleja, northern Madrid, since 1990. The school's structure encompasses Pre-Prep (Pre Nursery to Year 3), Prep (Years 4 to 8), and Senior School (Years 9 to 13).

Runnymede College prides itself on high academic achievements. In June 2025, 57% of our students obtained A-A* grades at A level, which exceeds the 48% of A*-A grades seen in independent schools across England this year. Furthermore, 67% of our pupils earned A*-A grades at IGCSE, significantly higher than the 48% of A*-A grades at GCSE in the English independent sector.

Among the graduating class of 2025, 83% of students planning to attend UK universities will enroll in Top 10 institutions according to the Sunday Times Good University Guide. Esteemed universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, and LSE are among those welcoming this year's graduates. Students aiming for higher education in the US have already started their studies at prestigious colleges including Harvard, Columbia, UPenn, and Brown, among others.

Many of our graduates will continue their studies in Spain at renowned institutions like ICADE, IE, and ICAI, while others will pursue higher education at leading universities in France and Ireland.

We invite you to join a vibrant and rewarding educational environment, both in and out of the classroom. Candidates should be prepared to actively participate in the school's co-curricular programs.

We are currently looking for an EYFS Forest School and Outdoor Learning Teacher to commence 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 be responsible for delivering outstanding Forest School experiences, outdoor education, and Physical Development throughout the Early Years Foundation Stage.

The successful candidate will design, implement, and evaluate a progressive outdoor learning program that promotes resilience, independence, curiosity, and physical skills. They will ensure that outdoor activities are in line with the EYFS framework and contribute meaningfully to all seven areas of learning, with a particular emphasis on:

• Physical Development

• Personal, Social, and Emotional Development (Wellbeing)

• Understanding the World

This role integrates strategic leadership of outdoor learning initiatives with hands-on teaching of Forest School and outdoor sessions.

2. Main Responsibilities:

i). Strategic Leadership of Forest School and Outdoor Learning

• Develop and implement a clear vision for Forest School and outdoor education within EYFS.

• Create a comprehensive Forest School curriculum for children aged 2–5, with possibilities for extension into KS1.

• Ensure outdoor learning is woven throughout all EYFS curriculum areas.

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

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

• Manage Forest School resources, equipment, and development planning.

• Organize and lead trips to local forests.

ii). Teaching and Learning

• Plan, deliver, and assess engaging Forest School sessions for Pre-Nursery, Nursery, and Reception.

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

• Adapt learning to cater to the diverse needs of all students.

• Foster curiosity, problem-solving, teamwork, and language development through outdoor teaching.

• Support children in building confidence and resilience through challenges.

iii). Leadership of Physical Development in EYFS

• Lead the enhancement of Physical Development offerings within EYFS.

• Ensure students show significant progress in:

• Gross motor skills

• Balance and coordination

• Core strength

• Spatial awareness

• Fine motor control (including appropriate tool use)

• Monitor progress and assist staff in identifying developmental milestones.

• Collaborate with PE specialists to ensure a smooth transition into Key Stage 1.

iv). Assessment & Monitoring

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

• Participate in the EYFS assessment and reporting processes.

• Use assessment insights to inform planning and curriculum development.

• Work closely with class teachers and the SENDCo to support children requiring additional assistance.

v). Collaboration and Staff Development

• Partner with EYFS teachers and teaching assistants to enhance outdoor practices.

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

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

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

vi). Health, Safety, and Safeguarding

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

• Ensure safe introduction and supervision of tools and equipment.

• Securely store and maintain resources.

• Foster a strong safeguarding culture consistent with school policies and UK statutory guidance.

v). Other Tasks:

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

• Assist with lunch and playtime duties throughout Pre-Prep.

• Perform any additional responsibilities appropriate to the role, as assigned 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 delivering outdoor learning.

• Strong knowledge of the EYFS framework and child development.

Desirable

• Experience in developing or leading Forest School programs.

• Experience in an international or bilingual setting.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong understanding of early physical development.

• Ability to inspire confidence and resilience in young learners.

• Excellent organizational and risk management skills.

• High standards of safety and safeguarding.

• Collaborative and reflective teaching approach.

• Capability to work outdoors in various 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 adjust learning strategies to accommodate individual student needs

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

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

- Native-level proficiency in spoken and written English

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

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

Values and Attitudes:

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

- A commitment to creating a safe and inclusive educational environment

- A dedication to safeguarding

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

Please complete the application form and upload your CV along with a cover letter that includes references.

Application deadline - Friday 17th April 2026

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted, and initial interviews will be held via Zoom on a rolling basis. The final round will occur 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 promoting diversity and inclusion within 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 appropriate to the role, including checks with previous employers and the ACRO Criminal Records Office.