Prep School Nurse (fixed term; until 4th July 2025)

Forest School is seeking an enthusiastic and compassionate School Nurse to join our dedicated Medical Team, supporting the physical health and emotional well-being of our pupils, with a primary focus on those in the Prep School. This role is central to ensuring the health and safety of our school community, making it an invaluable addition to the holistic support we provide. 

This is a term-time-only role, allowing you to enjoy all school holidays off, with occasional out-of-hours attendance required for events such as Open Day and InSET days. Working hours are 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday, within our welcoming Medical Centre. The role benefits from strong support, with another School Nurse, a Medical Administrator, and the Director of Medical Provision available to assist and collaborate. 

This role offers the potential to transition to a full-time, permanent position for the 2025/2026 academic year based on job satisfaction and performance. Additionally, the position may evolve into a general School Nurse role, providing further opportunities for professional growth and wider impact within our school community. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Administer first aid, address mental health needs, and maintain detailed medical records. 
• Collaborate with the Medical Team, pastoral, and safeguarding staff, supporting the physical and emotional well-being of pupils with more complex health or psychological needs. 
• Engage in health education initiatives, contribute to staff training, and prepare medical resources for school trips and events. 

About Forest

Surrounded by ancient forest and only thirty minutes from central London, Forest School is an outstanding independent day school located on the edge of Epping Forest. Forest is a large, diverse, and vibrant school, with approximately 1,500 pupils from 4 to 18.

Why work at Forest?

There are many benefits of working at Forest School:

Key benefits include:   

• A CPD budget far beyond that offered in the maintained sector, and a culture fully committed to evidence-based teaching and learning development.
• A beautiful working environment, you will be surrounded by ancient woodland and a variety of architecturally significant Georgian, Victorian and modernist buildings.
• The chance to work with motivated, rounded, and intelligent pupils and colleagues in a very happy, purposeful, and ambitious setting.
• Opportunities to benefit from regular and comprehensive Professional Development Review, including access to StepLab, LinkedIn Learning and the National College to support further professional development.  
• A leadership mentoring programme for new Heads of Department           
• The chance to develop other skills and areas of interest in support of Forest’s extensive Activities and Co-Curricular Programme. In the recent past we have supported staff in developing additional skills in scuba diving, fencing, outdoors survival and even flying in the Combined Cadet Forces.
• Holiday entitlement far beyond that offered in the maintained sector (on average, 17 weeks).
• Opportunities to contribute to the wider community via our extensive Outreach Programme.
• Free three course hot lunch in our beautiful staff diner (with a takeaway sandwich lunch also available) and refreshments throughout the day.           
• 20% fee remission (pro-rata for part time staff) for children attending Forest which is applicable Y3-Y13.          
• Subsidised membership to the Sylvestrian Leisure Centre, Forest’s outstanding on-site gym and leisure facility.   
• A well-established staff forum, with an assigned representative, and a dedicated staff well-being committee        
• Membership of the School's Group Life Assurance scheme and Personal Accident Scheme.       
• Contribution towards private medical insurance fees.            
• Membership of a generous pension scheme.

What others say about Forest?

“Forest is a powerhouse with a heart. The pupils exude purpose – modern, dynamic youngsters with an eye on what’s happening next.” – The Good Schools Guide, 2019.

“This is a high-octane environment: six to Oxbridge in 2019 and almost all leavers go on to Russell Group universities. The broad base of subjects studied at university testifies to the school’s academic range and depth” – The Good Schools Guide, 2019.

“A highly efficient and effective feel to the teaching backed up by excellent results. Mathematics, Science, English and History appear particularly strong. ‘My teachers really mind,’ said one girl, ‘and it makes such a difference to the way we all work.” – The Good Schools Guide, 2019.

“Forest takes the broadest view of education, which is fantastic” – Rachel Sylvester, Chair of the Times Education Commission, 2022.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis so early applications are encouraged. The School reserves the right to make an appointment at any stage.

Closing Date: 13th January 2025, 08:00am

If you are shortlisted for the role, we carry out an online search.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. We are an equal opportunities employer.