Job Type: Permanent, Full‑Time (Term‑Time Only) Salary: £32,000 – £35,000 per annum (dependent on experience) About the Nursery Unique Support & Care Recruitment is recruiting on behalf of a newly opened nursery based in Rickmansworth, offering a unique Montessori and Forest School approach to early years education. The setting is designed to nurture curiosity, independence, and a strong connection with nature, providing children with a calm, enriching, and child‑led learning environment. An experienced and passionate Nursery Manager is needed to lead the setting during this exciting early stage of development. The Role The Nursery Manager will be responsible for the overall leadership, management, and day‑to‑day operation of the nursery, ensuring the delivery of high‑quality care and education in line with EYFS, Montessori principles, and Forest School ethos. This is an ideal opportunity for a confident leader who enjoys building a nursery culture, developing teams, and creating exceptional early childhood experiences from the ground up. Key Responsibilities Provide strong leadership and direction to staff, promoting a positive, inclusive, and reflective team culture Manage the day‑to‑day running of the nursery, ensuring smooth operations and high standards of care Ensure full compliance with EYFS, Ofsted requirements, health & safety, and safeguarding policies Embed Montessori and Forest School principles into daily practice and curriculum planning Lead on staff recruitment, induction, supervision, and professional development Oversee occupancy, ratios, staffing rotas, and budget awareness Build positive relationships with parents, carers, and external professionals Prepare the nursery for Ofsted inspection and ongoing quality improvement Requirements Relevant Early Years qualification (Level 3 minimum; Level 5 or above desirable) Proven experience in a Nursery Manager or Deputy Manager role Strong knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding, and regulatory frameworks Experience or strong interest in Montessori and/or Forest School practice Confident leadership and people‑management skills Excellent organisational, communication, and problem‑solving abilities A genuine passion for early childhood education and outdoor learning What’s on Offer Competitive salary of £32,000 – £35,000 (DOE) Opportunity to shape and grow a newly opened nursery Supportive ownership with a clear vision and values A rewarding leadership role in a unique educational setting How to Apply If you are an experienced Early Years professional looking for your next leadership opportunity and are excited by the Montessori and Forest School ethos, we would love to hear from you, Apply Today! For more information, email info@uniquesupportandcare.co.uk