At Stomping Grounds North East, we believe in the power of nature to transform lives. We connect children, young people, families and communities with the outdoors through forest school and outdoor learning across Northumberland, Durham, Gateshead and Newcastle.
Working with us means being part of a team that is committed to making outdoor experiences accessible to everyone. We believe that access to nature should be a right, not a privilege, and we actively work to remove barriers for under-served groups.
We are a collaborative, supportive and purpose-driven organisation where your work will have a direct and meaningful impact.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those who are under-represented in the outdoor and environmental sector.
We are dedicated to creating a welcoming, supportive and inclusive environment for all staff, participants and partners.
Safeguarding & Safer Recruitment
Stomping Grounds North East works closely with children, young people and families. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with.
This role is subject to safer recruitment processes, including references and an enhanced DBS check. All applicants will be expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.
Current Vacancies
Deputy Manager – Kindergarten
Are you an experienced Early Years practitioner ready to take the next step in your leadership journey?
About the Role
We are looking for a passionate and experienced Deputy Manager to join our Kindergarten team. This exciting role is ideal for someone who enjoys leading by example, supporting others to thrive, and delivering exceptional child led, nature based learning experiences.
Working closely with the Kindergarten Manager, you will play a key role in the day to day leadership of the setting, helping to maintain the highest standards of care, learning, safeguarding and quality. You’ll combine hands on work with children aged 2–5 with leadership responsibilities, supporting the development of the staff team, building strong relationships with families, and contributing to the continuous improvement and future direction of our Kindergarten.
For the right person, this is an excellent opportunity to develop your leadership and management experience within a supportive, values driven organisation.
Apply
Interested? Apply now, or share this opportunity with someone you think would be a great fit.
Please note that CVs will not be accepted.
Job description and person specification: Here
Download an application form: Here
Download a self-disclosure form: Here
Important: Please do not request edit access to the Google Documents, as this can affect the master copies for all applicants and may risk your personal information being visible to others. Instead, click File in the top left-hand corner of the document and select Download to save a private copy that you can complete and edit securely.
To apply, please complete the full application pack and self-disclosure form and upload them here.
Salary
£28,000 – £34,000
Working Pattern
- Full-time
- 37.5 hours per week
- Monday to Friday 8.30am – 4.00pm
- Your week will be split across 3 days delivery and 2 days management. This role is offered on a 52-week contract however we are open to discussing term-time only patterns.
Deadline
Friday 17th July 2026
Provision and Administration Coordinator
(Maternity Cover)
Are you an organised, people-focused professional who enjoys keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes? 🌿✨
Stomping Grounds could be the perfect fit for you!
About the Role
We are looking for a proactive and highly organised Provision & Administration Coordinator to join our team on a 12-month maternity cover contract. This varied and fast-paced role is ideal for someone who enjoys coordinating services, managing systems and processes, and building positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
You will play a key role in supporting the smooth and effective delivery of Stomping Grounds’ programmes and services, working closely with schools, families, local authorities and colleagues across the organisation. You will also provide day-to-day support to two Business Administration Apprentices.
Apply
Interested? Apply now, or share this opportunity with someone you think would be a great fit.
Please note that CVs will not be accepted.
Job description and person specification: Here
Download an application form: Here
Download a self-disclosure form: Here
Important: Please do not request edit access to the Google Documents, as this can affect the master copies for all applicants and may risk your personal information being visible to others. Instead, click File in the top left-hand corner of the document and select Download to save a private copy that you can complete and edit securely.
To apply, please complete the full application pack and self-disclosure form and upload them here.
Salary
£28,000 per annum
Working Pattern
- Full-time, 35 hours per week
- Hybrid working with a minimum of two days per week at our Chopwell office during term time
- Regular travel to Stomping Grounds sites may be required
- 12-month maternity cover contract
Deadline
Friday 3rd July 2026 (Applications will be reviewed as they are received)
Early Years Practitioner (Forest Kindergarten) – Permanent
Do you love the idea of working in a fully outdoor, child-led setting? 🌳🌿 Stomping Grounds Forest Kindergarten at National Trust Gibside (for children aged 2–5 years) could be the perfect fit for you.
About the Role
We are looking for passionate, nurturing individuals to join our Forest Kindergarten team. This role is ideal for someone who is enthusiastic about outdoor learning and supporting children’s development through play, exploration and connection with nature.
You will be part of a supportive team delivering high-quality early years provision in a unique outdoor environment.
Apply
Interested? Apply now, or share this opportunity with someone you think would be a great fit.
Please note that CVs will not be accepted.
- Job description and person specification: Here
- Download an application form: Here
- Download a self-disclosure form: Here
Important: Please do not request edit access to the Google Documents, as this can affect the master copies for all applicants and may risk your personal information being visible to others. Instead, click File in the top left-hand corner of the document and select Download to save a private copy that you can complete and edit securely.
To apply, please complete the full application pack and self-disclosure form and upload them here.
Salary
£22,000 – £24,000 per annum (depending on qualifications and experience)
Working Pattern
3 days per week or full-time considered
Part-time or full-time hours available
Term-time only or year-round working considered
Deadline
Rolling applications.
Trustee (Voluntary Role)
Stomping Grounds North East is looking for new Trustees to help guide and support our growing charity. This is an exciting opportunity to use your skills and experience to make a meaningful impact on children, young people, families and communities.
About the Role
As a Trustee, you will play a key role in providing strategic oversight, supporting the organisation’s development, and ensuring strong governance.
We are particularly interested in individuals with experience in education, HR, legal services, social care, mental health or community work. We also warmly welcome applications from people with lived experience from minoritised communities who can help shape and strengthen our equity and diversity work.
The role involves attending quarterly board meetings and contributing to occasional project work (approximately 30–40 hours per year).
Apply
Interested? Apply now, or share this opportunity with someone you think would be a great fit.
Please note that CVs will not be accepted.
- Role description: Here
- Download a Trustee application form: Here
- Download a self-disclosure form: Here
Important: Please do not request edit access to the Google Documents, as this can affect the master copies for all applicants and may risk your personal information being visible to others. Instead, click File in the top left-hand corner of the document and select Download to save a private copy that you can complete and edit securely.
To apply, please complete the full application pack and self-disclosure form and upload them here.
Deadline
Rolling applications – we encourage expressions of interest at any time.
Lead Practitioners – Freelance
Stomping Grounds North East is looking for experienced and passionate Lead Practitioners to support the delivery of our outdoor learning and forest school programmes.
About the Role
As a Lead Practitioner, you will take a key role in planning and delivering high-quality outdoor sessions for children, young people and families. You will lead sessions, support other staff, and ensure a safe, engaging and inclusive environment.
This role is ideal for experienced practitioners who are confident leading groups and passionate about outdoor learning.
Apply
Interested? Apply now, or share this opportunity with someone you think would be a great fit.
Please note that CVs will not be accepted.
Important: Please do not request edit access to the Google Documents, as this can affect the master copies for all applicants and may risk your personal information being visible to others. Instead, click File in the top left-hand corner of the document and select Download to save a private copy that you can complete and edit securely.
To apply, please complete the full application pack and self-disclosure form and upload them here.
Contract
Freelance
Deadline
Rolling applications – we encourage expressions of interest at any time.
Support Practitioners – Freelance
Stomping Grounds North East is looking for enthusiastic Support Practitioners to assist in delivering our outdoor learning and forest school programmes.
About the Role
As a Support Practitioner, you will work alongside Lead Practitioners to help deliver engaging outdoor sessions. You will support participants, contribute to a positive learning environment, and help ensure sessions run smoothly and safely.
This role is ideal for individuals looking to gain experience or further develop their skills in outdoor learning.
Apply
Interested? Apply now, or share this opportunity with someone you think would be a great fit.
Please note that CVs will not be accepted.
Important: Please do not request edit access to the Google Documents, as this can affect the master copies for all applicants and may risk your personal information being visible to others. Instead, click File in the top left-hand corner of the document and select Download to save a private copy that you can complete and edit securely.
To apply, please complete the full application pack and self-disclosure form and upload them here
Contract
Freelance
Deadline
Rolling applications – we encourage expressions of interest at any time.
Volunteering
If you would like to gain experience with young people in an outdoor setting, you can volunteer with us!
Join Our Team
Stomping Grounds North East is growing and evolving as a charity, and we are always looking for passionate, values-driven people to join us.
Working at Stomping Grounds North East
“I started working for Stomping Grounds in September 2023. Prior to that I’d been a primary school teacher for 16 years, straight from university, so teaching was all I’d known. Taking the leap to leave the classroom was extremely daunting, but I am so glad that I did.
Now, I feel connected to nature in a way that I have always craved. Most people see the seasons change, but I get to actually experience it. Not only that, but I get to do it with likeminded people who are all working towards the same goal-supporting young people to find their true selves.
I can’t imagine anything better than working in a woodland, and to combine that with working alongside some incredible young people is a dream come true. I feel like I am making a difference again.
I feel like I’m on a new path, showing my own children what is important in life. Most of all, I feel connected-to people, to nature, and to myself.“
Further Information
If you have any questions relating to vacancies, apprenticeships or volunteering opportunities please email admin@stomping-grounds.org.
