Runnymede College is a private non-denominational British school in Madrid offering a British education to boys and girls of all nationalities from the age of two to eighteen. The education offered follows the British National Curriculum.

Founded as a private school in September 1967, the primary school was inaugurated in 1987, and since 1990, the whole School has been located in La Moraleja, in the north of Madrid. The School is divided into Pre-Prep (Pre Nursery to Year 3), Prep (Years 4 to 8) and Senior School (Years 9 to 13).

Academic levels are high at Runnymede College. In June 2025, 57% of our students achieved A-A* at A level. This is particularly impressive when compared with the 48% of A*-A grades achieved at independent (private) schools in England this year. In addition, 67% of our pupils gained A*-A grades at IGCSE. Once again, this is a truly excellent achievement when compared with the 48% of A*- A grades at GCSE obtained in the English independent (private) school sector.

In the graduating class of 2025 83% of pupils going to the UK will be attending Top 10 universities (as ranked by the Sunday Times Good University Guide). Top-ranking UK universities welcoming this year’s graduates include Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL and LSE. Students in the US have already started their higher education at Harvard, Columbia, UPenn and Brown, amongst other excellent colleges.

A number of our students will be staying in Spain, at top-notch places including ICADE, IE and ICAI; others will continue their education elsewhere in Europe in world-leading institutions in France and Ireland.

Join a rewarding and exciting learning environment, both within and beyond the classroom. Any candidate should be willing to play an active role in the co-curricular life of the school.

The school is looking to recruit an EYFS Forest School and Outdoor Learning Teacher from 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. Purpose of the role:

The EYFS Forest School Teacher is responsible for leading and delivering high-quality Forest School provision, outdoor learning, and Physical Development across the Early Years Foundation Stage.

The post holder will design, implement and evaluate a progressive outdoor learning curriculum that promotes resilience, independence, curiosity and physical competence. They will ensure outdoor provision fully supports the EYFS framework and contributes meaningfully to all seven areas of learning, with particular strength in:

• Physical Development

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development (Wellbeing)

• Understanding the World The role combines strategic leadership of outdoor provision with hands-on teaching of Forest School and outdoor learning sessions. 

2. Main responsibilities:

i). Strategic Leadership of Forest School and Outdoor Learning

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

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

• Ensure outdoor learning is embedded across all areas of the EYFS curriculum.

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

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

• Manage Forest School resources, equipment and development planning.

• Organise and lead trips to local forests 

ii). Teaching and learning

• Plan, deliver and evaluate high-quality Forest School sessions for Pre-Nursery, Nursery and Reception.

• Lead structured and child-initiated outdoor learning experiences.

• Differentiate appropriately to meet the needs of all learners.

• Foster curiosity, problem-solving, collaboration and language development through outdoor pedagogy.

• Support children in developing confidence and perseverance through challenge 

iii). Leadership of Physical Development in EYFS

• Lead the development of Physical Development provision across EYFS.

• Ensure children make strong progress in:

• Gross motor skills
• Balance and coordination
• Core strength
• Spatial awareness
• Fine motor control (including tool use where appropriate)

• Monitor progression and support staff in identifying next steps.

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

iv). Assessment & Monitoring

• Observe and assess children’s learning in outdoor contexts.

• Contribute to EYFS assessment and reporting processes.

• Use assessment to inform planning and provision development.

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

v). Collaboration and Staff Development

• Work collaboratively with EYFS teachers and teaching assistants to enhance outdoor practice.

• Model effective outdoor pedagogy and support colleagues in planning.

• Contribute to staff training related to Forest School and outdoor learning.

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

vi). Health, Safety and Safeguarding

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

• Ensure safe introduction and supervision of tools and equipment.

• Maintain secure storage and maintenance of resources.

• Promote a strong safeguarding culture in line with school policy and UK statutory guidance.

v). Other tasks:

• Provide short-term teaching cover within Pre-Prep as required.

• Complete lunch and play duties across Pre-Prep.

• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the post, as requested by Senior Leadership. 

The successful applicant will have:

• a good 2:1 honours degree from a British University
• a PGCE or other qualified teacher status
• recent experience as EYFS Forest School and Outdoor Learning Teacher
• the ability to modify learning strategies to target the needs of individual students
• high expectations of pupils’ effort and behaviour, and facilitate this with proven classroom management skills
• be organised and able to prioritise to meet deadlines
• be a native level english speaker

Other preferable but not essential criteria:

• previous experience of an international school
• recent experience as a teacher in a school in the UK

Please complete the online application form and attach your CV and covering letter.

Final date for applications – Friday 27th March 2026

If you have any questions, please email employment@runnymede-college.com

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and first round interviews will take place via Zoom on a rolling basis. The final round interview will be held face-to-face at Runnymede College in Madrid. The School reserves the right to make an appointment before the closing date if a suitable candidate is found. If you have not heard from us within six weeks of submitting your application, please assume you were unsuccessful this time.

We are an equal opportunities employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Hiring decisions are based on skills, experience and attributes required for the role. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.

Runnymede is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including check with past employers and the ACRO Criminal Records Office.