Maternity Cover Nursery Manager - with a view to permanent for the right candidate
A rare opportunity to lead one of Surrey and Hampshire's most exciting outdoor nurseries, with real long-term potential for the right person.
Hidden Valley is a unique, fully outdoor Forest School nursery set within 30 acres of beautiful private woodland in Grayshott. Our children spend every day immersed in nature - exploring, learning and growing outdoors in all seasons and all weathers, on a stunning private woodland estate unlike anywhere else in the area.
Having opened in January 2026, we are already operating close to full capacity, with a growing waiting list and exciting plans ahead. We're a small, passionate and supportive team, and we're looking for the right person to step into a leadership role during a period of maternity leave - and ideally, to stay with us well beyond it.
The Role
We are looking for an experienced Nursery Manager, or an exceptional Deputy Manager ready to take the next step in their career, to cover a period of maternity leave from September 2026 to approximately July 2027.
This will initially be a 10-month fixed-term contract. But we are an ambitious nursery with real plans for the future, and for the right person there is a genuine and serious intention to offer a permanent role beyond the cover period.
Ideally, we'd love someone to join us during August 2026 to allow for a two-week handover period, with a formal start date of September 2026.
This is a genuinely hands-on leadership role. You'll spend your days out in the woodland alongside the children and the team, with dedicated time for planning and administration with extremely hands on and proactive owners you'll work alongside.
We're looking for someone who:
✔ Holds a minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification
✔ Has experience as a Nursery Manager, or is an experienced Deputy ready for the next challenge
✔ Is passionate about outdoor learning and child-led, nature-based education
✔ Loves being outdoors and is happy working outside throughout the year
✔ Has a calm, warm and nurturing approach with children aged 2–5
✔ Is an inspiring leader who enjoys building and supporting a positive team culture
✔ Holds DSL experience, or is willing to undertake DSL training
✔ Has Forest School experience (desirable but not essential - attitude and enthusiasm matter more)
What a job with us looks like
- A truly unique outdoor working environment set within 30 acres of Private Estate
- A highly competitive salary, above sector average
- Permanence and long-term leadership opportunity for the right person
- A welcoming, supportive and passionate team who genuinely enjoy what they do
- Flexibility around working pattern - we're open to conversations about days and hours for the right candidate
- Dedicated time for planning and administration, so the job is sustainable as well as fulfilling
Our commitment to safeguarding
Hidden Valley is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and we expect all staff to share this commitment. This post involves working in regulated activity with children. All appointments are subject to:
- An enhanced DBS check for regulated activity, including a barred list check
- A minimum of two references, including your current or most recent employer, taken up prior to appointment
- Verification of identity, qualifications and right to work in the UK
- Online and social media checks as part of our safer recruitment process
- Exploration of any gaps in employment history at interview
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings must be declared. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Interested?
We'd love to hear from you. Send a short introduction about yourself and why Hidden Valley appeals to you to [email protected], or call us on 07476 135 435 for an informal chat. We'll then send you our application form to complete.
Pay: £16.00-£20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Childcare
- Free parking
Work Location: In person
