At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team while delivering outstanding care and education in a vibrant nursery setting.
- Company: Join Finkley Nurseries, part of the innovative Attraction Nurseries family.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous holiday, childcare discounts, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with clear progression pathways and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives and shape the future of early years education.
- Qualifications: Experience in early years education and strong leadership skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 31 - 31 £ per hour.
Join the Finkley Nurseries Weeke Team as a Deputy Manager!
Location: Winchester: Finkley Weeke Nursery.
Hours: Full Time option of 38 or 40 hours per week over 4 days.
Salary: Up to £15.20 per hour, dependent on experience and qualification.
About Us
Finkley Nurseries is part of the Attraction Nurseries family, a fast‑growing group redefining early years education.
Benefits
- In House Qualification Scheme – earn an additional 30p per hour by creating WOW moments, planning & checklists
- Up to 6 weeks holiday plus a birthday day
- Volunteer day – support a charity of your choice
- 50% childcare discount
- Wellbeing support (Health Assured + attendance rewards)
- 100+ training courses, including SENCO
- £100 welcome bonus for resources
- Free uniform & DBS
- Referral bonuses up to £750
- Free family access to Finkley Down Farm & Solstice Play
The Role
We’re looking for a confident, driven Deputy Manager to support the day‑to‑day running of the nursery, lead the team, and help deliver outstanding care and education. This is a hands‑on leadership role where you’ll work closely with the Nursery Manager to drive quality, support your team, and ensure everything runs smoothly. You’ll be a key part of shaping the nursery’s success and will be responsible for:
Leadership & Operations
- Support the day‑to‑day running of the nursery alongside the Manager
- Help drive occupancy through enrolments, open days, and local outreach
- Support with admissions, waiting lists, and parent enquiries
- Contribute to nursery development plans and growth strategies
- Keep records up to date using Famly
Educational Quality & EYFS
- Ensure high‑quality learning across all 7 areas of the EYFS
- Oversee planning, observations, assessments, and next steps
- Support Room Leaders and practitioners to deliver outstanding practice
- Champion inclusive practice, working closely with the SENCo team
- Promote meaningful key group and language group time
Safeguarding & Compliance
- Act as DSL (or support DSL) to ensure safeguarding is always a priority
- Record and report concerns using the Attraction Nurseries app
- Ensure all staff follow safeguarding and safer recruitment practices
- Support audit readiness for Ofsted and internal quality checks
Health, Safety & Site Management
- Carry out and review risk assessments and daily safety checks
- Ensure high standards of hygiene and food safety
- Monitor site safety and report maintenance issues promptly
- Support the implementation and review of health & safety policies
Leading & Developing Your Team
- Lead, motivate, and inspire your team every day
- Support supervisions, appraisals, and team meetings
- Identify training needs and support staff development
- Mentor apprentices and new team members
- Ensure all staff training is up to date and recorded
Parent & Community Engagement
- Build strong, trusting relationships with families
- Manage communication through Famly, newsletters, and in person
- Handle parent queries and concerns professionally
- Deliver show‑arounds and share the nursery vision with new families
- Work with external agencies and other settings where needed
Organisation & Admin
- Complete all key paperwork accurately and on time
- Manage newsletters, planning, safeguarding logs, and H&S records
- Use the manager’s planner to stay organised and on track
- Oversee daily rotas, ensuring time is allocated for SEN, planning, and admin
What Makes This Role Exciting
- A real opportunity to step into leadership and make an impact
- Work closely with senior management and influence the nursery’s direction
- Be part of a growing, ambitious company
- Develop your leadership skills with clear progression pathways
A Typical Day
From morning welcomes to outdoor adventures, planning activities to farm visits – every day is different. One minute you’re leading a learning activity… the next you’re on a farm visit… then you’re supporting a child’s big developmental milestone. It’s busy, rewarding, and never boring.
Details
Location: Winchester: Finkley Weeke Nursery.
Hours: 38 or 40 hours across 4 or 5 days.
Salary: up to £15.20 per hour.
We’re looking for someone ready to jump in, get involved, and make a difference from day one.
Ready to Apply?
If you’re looking for a role where:
- You’re valued,
- You can grow,
- You actually enjoy coming to work – then this is it.
Apply now and start your next adventure with Attraction Nurseries.
Attraction Nurseries is an equal opportunities employer. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references.
Nursery Deputy Manager in Winchester employer: Finkley Nurseries
Contact Detail:
Finkley Nurseries Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Deputy Manager in Winchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before your interview, take some time to research Finkley Nurseries and their approach to early years education. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your leadership skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you've led a team or managed a project. Be ready to share these stories during your interview to demonstrate your capability as a Deputy Manager.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for child development! Be prepared to discuss how you would support the educational quality and EYFS standards at the nursery. Highlight any relevant training or experiences that showcase your commitment to children's learning.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! At the end of your interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the nursery's vision, team dynamics, or professional development opportunities. This shows you're engaged and serious about the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Deputy Manager in Winchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for early years education shine through! We want to see how much you care about making a difference in children's lives and how you can contribute to our nursery's success.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Deputy Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience, knowledge of the EYFS, and any relevant qualifications. We love seeing how your unique skills align with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the heart of your experience and skills.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Finkley Nurseries
✨Know Your EYFS Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Brush up on how to deliver high-quality learning across all seven areas, as this will be a key focus during your interview. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've implemented these principles in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Deputy Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare to share experiences where you've motivated and inspired your team. Think about times when you've supported staff development or handled challenging situations effectively.
✨Engage with the Community
Finkley Nurseries values community engagement, so come prepared with ideas on how to build relationships with families and local organisations. Discuss any past initiatives you've led or participated in that fostered parent and community involvement.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially around safeguarding and compliance. Think through potential challenges you might face in the role and how you would address them, demonstrating your commitment to child safety and wellbeing.