Deputy EYFS Manager (Fixed Term)

Attraction Nurseries Group; Picket Piece; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous Holidays

Flexible Working

Career Growth

Childcare Savings

Wellbeing Support

Joining Bonus

Uniform Provided

DBS

Job summary

Finkley Nurseries is hiring a Deputy Manager at Finkley Down Farm, Andover. This full‑time role covers 38/40 hours over four days, with a salary of up to £32,240 per year.

The position offers a fixed term of 9 months, with a real potential to progress to a permanent role. You will support the nursery leadership, ensure high‑quality care and education under the EYFS, manage occupancy strategies, and lead a dedicated team across safeguarding, assessments, and parent engagement.

Job description

Join the Finkley Nurseries Team as a Deputy Manager!

Location: Finkley Down Farm- Andover

Hours: Full-Time 38/40 hours per week- over 4 days

Salary: Up to £32,240.00 Per year

Fixed term 9 months- Opportunity to progress into permanent position! At Finkley Nurseries, we believe in creating a nurturing environment where children can embark on exciting adventures every day. Our ethos - Happy Children. Happy Parents. Happy Staff. - is at the heart of everything we do. With our unique settings, including access to Finkley Down Farm, Solstice Play and our private Bertie Bus for outings, we offer unparalleled experiences for both children and staff.

Why Join Finkley Nurseries?

• Generous Holidays – Up to 34 days, plus your birthday off
• Flexible Working – Choose 4 or 5 days with a set day off
• Career Growth – 100+ online courses, SENCO/Forest School training, and management pathways
• Childcare Savings – 50% discount for your children
• Wellbeing Support – Health Assured benefits, attendance bonuses, and more
• Extra Perks – £100 joining bonus for resources, free uniform & DBS, referral rewards up to £750, and free family entry to Finkley Down Farm & Solstice Play

What You’ll Be Up To

• Spark Curiosity – Create magical, hands‑on learning adventures guided by the EYFS
• Be Their Hero – Become a key person, championing children’s growth, happiness, and wellbeing
• Click, Tap, Done! – Keep records ship‑shape using our nifty online tools (Famly, Portal)
• Celebrate Every Child – Champion inclusivity and support children with SEND to shine
• Team Vibes Only – Work side‑by‑side with colleagues to keep the energy positive and proactive
• Family First – Build warm, lasting connections with parents and professionals alike
• Join the Fun – Dive into nursery events, outings, and community adventures

What We’re Looking For

Strategic and Operational Leadership

• Support the nursery team in delivering outstanding care and education, aligned with the EYFS and company standards
• Support the manager to develop and implement strategies to maintain and increase occupancy
• Support the manager with enrolment, waiting lists, and admission procedures
• Support the manager to, plan and oversee open days, marketing initiatives, and local outreach
• Maintain accurate records for children, staff, and nursery operations using the Famly platform

Educational Quality and Child Development

• Ensure the learning environment reflects all seven areas of learning
• Oversee the implementation of the planning cycle including observations, assessments, and next steps
• Maintain high‑quality practice across the setting by supporting the room leaders and practitioners
• Support the inclusion of all children, working closely with the SENCO and SENCO Manager
• Promote key group and language group time, ensuring activities support development

Safeguarding and Compliance

• Be fully aware of all safeguarding policies, procedures, and updates, acting as DSL or supporting the DSL as needed
• Follow all procedures for recording and reporting safeguarding concerns via the Attraction Nurseries app
• Ensure staff follow safeguarding practices, including safer recruitment and supervision protocols
• Support the manager to maintain readiness for internal audits, external inspections (Ofsted), and local authority checks

Health, Safety and Site Management

• Conduct and review daily risk assessments, health and safety checklists, and emergency protocols
• Ensure food hygiene regulations are followed, and all areas of the nursery meet hygiene standards
• Communicate all site maintenance and safety concerns to the Senior Management Team promptly
• Ensure the Health and Safety Policy is implemented and reviewed regularly

Staff Leadership and Development

• Lead, motivate, and develop the nursery team through clear communication and consistent leadership
• Support the manager to deliver and follow up on supervisions, 1:1s, appraisals, and team meetings
• Identify training needs and support CPD planning and staff qualifications
• Mentor new team members and support staff completing apprenticeships
• Maintain accurate training logs and ensure all staff are up to date with mandatory training

Family and Community Partnerships

• Develop strong, professional relationships with parents and carers
• Manage parent communications via Famly, newsletters, and in‑person updates
• Handle parent queries, concerns, and compliments promptly and professionally
• Work in partnership with other nurseries and external agencies as needed
• Provide show‑arounds for prospective families and communicate the nursery’s ethos and vision

Administration and Reporting

• Complete all nursery paperwork in a timely and accurate manner, including:
  • Newsletters
  • Planning folders
  • Health and safety logs
  • Safeguarding reports
• Use the weekly manager’s planner to structure daily, weekly, and monthly responsibilities
• Ensure the smooth running of the daily rota and allocate time for SEN support, planning, and paperwork

Attraction Nurseries is an equal opportunities employer. All positions are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references.