Working at Stomping Ground North East CIO
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 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.
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.
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.
Volunteering
If you would like to gain experience with young people in an outdoor setting, you can volunteer with us!
Current Vacancies
Kindergarten Manager Vacancy
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.
Stomping Grounds North East is looking for a new Kindergarten Manager 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
The Kindergarten Manager provides confident, values-led leadership for the day-to-day operation and continuing development of our outdoor Kindergarten ensuring high-quality early education and care that is safe, inclusive, nurturing and rich in learning through nature.
You will oversee safeguarding, SEND, staffing, curriculum, compliance, family relationships and resources, working with the Deputy CEO and wider leadership team to drive improvement.
This is a visible leadership role, working alongside children and practitioners to model strong practice and develop reflective early years professionals.
This full-time, year-round role contributes to Holiday Clubs, staff development and wider delivery during closure periods. Staff can access our holiday buy-back scheme in line with the Staff Handbook.
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 upload them here.
Salary
£36,000 to £40,000 per annum (appointment will normally be made towards the lowerend of the range, depending on experience and qualifications)
Working Pattern
Full-time, 35 hours per week, year-round
Deadline
31st October (5.00pm)
Interviews will take place w/c 23 November
Trustee Vacancy
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
Deadline
Rolling applications – we encourage expressions of interest at any time.
“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.
