Welcome to the Secret Garden Outdoor Nursery
Based in a 25 acre woodland in Fife, we run a pioneering childcare service, entirely out of doors all year round. Established since 2008 we also offer practitioner workshops where we share our unique and highly acclaimed philosophy with people from all over the world.
WE’RE HIRING – Part-Time & Sessional Woods Practitioners
Part-time (Permanent):
A 2-day key worker role as part of our established regular team.
Sessional:
A flexible role supporting children and key workers in the woods and covering holidays and staff absence. For the right person, permanent opportunities and regular days may become available over time.
About Us
The Secret Garden Outdoor Nursery is set within a 25-acre woodland. Our highly regarded philosophy and practice have evolved over the past 17 years and are rooted in our guiding principles: Presence, Nature, Play. We offer explorative outdoor play and learning 4½ days a week, with practitioners developing a strong, stable presence alongside children in the natural environment.
Are you someone who…
- Wants to work somewhere that is more than “just” a nursery with a strong community around you?
- Loves working in a child led environment?
- Is passionate about outdoor education and learning with Nature as Teacher?
- Communicates respectfully, thoughtfully, and professionally?
- Is SSSC/GTCS registered or willing to study a qualification recognised by these bodies
We offer:
- A supportive, established and nurturing workplace
- An inspiring work environment
- Ongoing CPL following initial training
- An annual external training allowance (permanent staff)
- Keela waterproofs (permanent staff)
- Staff discount on Keela outdoor clothing
- Staff discount on children’s fees (if your child attends the nursery)
- Annual professional fees (SSSC/GTCS) reimbursed (permanent staff)
- Paid time to study for SSSC/GTCS required qualifications (1 day per month subject to approval)
Find out more here
To apply please email your CV and a cover letter to Enquiries@secretgardenoutdoor-nursery.co.uk
Deadline for applications Monday 16th February 9am.
*** Important dates for your diary**
2025/2026
- Wednesday 11 February 2026 – staff training day (nursery closed for children)
- Friday 24 July 2026 – end of nursery year for children
- Monday 27 July 2026 – Friday 14 August 2026 – Summer closure, including staff training wee
INSPECTION RESULTS
We had an unannounced Care Inspectorate inspection during May 2023. The inspector looked at the following quality statement indicators and gave the following grades:
- How good is our care, play and learning? 5 Very Good
- How good is our setting? 5 Very Good
- How good is our leadership? 5 Very Good
- How good is our staff team? 5 Very Good
In a previous inspection during December 2022, we received a grade 3 (adequate) due to the Care Inspectorate having an increased focus on hand washing since the COVID pandemic. We quickly put their recommendations into place and we were signed off shortly afterwards as meeting the requirement.
Prior to this we were visited in July 2021. The inspector looked at the following quality statement indicator and gave the grade below;
- Quality of care during the COVID-19 pandemic 5 Very Good
Testimonials
“The rosy cheeks and wonderful energy our son comes home with following a day in the woods is just the best. Adventure and wonder radiate out of him! He gains so much from his experiences in the woods, with the support of a wonderful team of attuned, nurturing and insightful staff. Our experience of Secret Garden has been a beautiful one and we are so thankful for all that you do!”
Hannah Bunce – Parent
“Rory loves the secret garden. The staff are excellent and help the children explore the forest and make the most of being outdoors. Rory seems to like it even better when it’s raining – which is nice to see as a parent because your first instinct is to bring them inside! If I could we would send him for the whole week! I thoroughly recommend sending your children here!”
Ben Milnes – Parent
“On his first day he went up the hill a shy toddler and came down the hill a little boy. He had grown an inch and looked like he owned the world”
Tansy Torkington – Parent