Third in Charge – Early Years
Location: Andover: Finkley Down Farm Nursery
Hours: Full-Time – 38 or 40 hours per week over 4 days
Pay: Up to £14.50 per hour
ABOUT US
We don’t mean to brag... but we’re kind of a big deal!
Finkley Down Farm Nursery and preschool is part of the Attraction Nurseries family — a growing childcare group passionate about creating incredible early years experiences for children, families and our teams.
We believe nursery should be full of adventure, curiosity, laughter and opportunities to learn — and behind every amazing nursery is an equally amazing team.
Our ethos says it all:
Happy Children. Happy Parents. Happy Staff.
We’re looking for someone ready to take that next step into nursery management and become an important part of our leadership team.
That’s where you come in...
THE ROLE (IN PLAIN ENGLISH)
We’re looking for a confident and ambitious Third in Charge to work alongside our Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager, helping lead the day-to-day running of the nursery.
Think of this role as the bridge between room leadership and nursery management.
You’ll still be visible, hands-on and involved with the children and team, but you’ll also start taking greater responsibility across the whole nursery.
From supporting staffing and rotas to handling parent enquiries, safeguarding, show rounds, quality checks and helping keep the nursery running smoothly — you’ll get real management experience while being supported by an established leadership team.
If you’re already a strong room leader or find yourself thinking “I’m ready for more”... this could be exactly what you’re looking for.
WHAT YOU’LL ACTUALLY BE DOING
Helping Lead the Nursery
Work alongside the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager with the day-to-day running of the setting
Step up and take responsibility when members of the management team are unavailable
Help coordinate staffing, ratios, rotas, breaks and deployment across the nursery
Support the management team with daily priorities and operational tasks
Help ensure every room is running effectively and maintaining high standards
Be a visible, approachable member of the nursery leadership team
Spot problems, find solutions and help keep the day running smoothly
Enquiries, Show Rounds & Occupancy
You’ll start getting involved in the business side of running a successful nursery too.
Respond to parent enquiries professionally and confidently
Support prospective families from their initial enquiry through to joining the nursery
Conduct nursery show rounds and showcase what makes us special
Support the Manager and Deputy with enrolments and settling-in arrangements
Help maintain positive relationships with existing families
Support open days, nursery events and local marketing initiatives
Understand the importance of occupancy and help the management team grow the nursery
Championing Amazing EYFS Practice
Great management starts with great Early Years practice.
Support high-quality EYFS practice throughout the nursery
Help Daily Leads and Practitioners with planning, observations and assessments
Monitor room environments and ensure all seven areas of learning are represented
Support effective key person practice
Work alongside the SENCO to ensure children receive the right support
Complete learning walks and quality checks
Share ideas, challenge practice positively and celebrate what’s working well
Safeguarding – Everyone’s Responsibility
Safeguarding is a huge part of nursery leadership responsibility.
Maintain strong knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures
Support the DSL and management team with safeguarding responsibilities
Recognise, record and report concerns appropriately
Support staff who raise safeguarding concerns
Ensure safeguarding procedures are being followed throughout the nursery
Help maintain accurate safeguarding records
Continue developing your knowledge so you’re confident making decisions when it matters
Supporting & Developing the Team
Lead by example and set high standards for the team
Support and coach Practitioners, Apprentices and Daily Leads
Help induct and welcome new team members
Provide positive, constructive feedback
Support Peer Observations of Practice (POPs) and learning walks
Contribute to staff meetings, supervisions and development conversations
Help create a culture where people feel supported, valued and accountable
Health, Safety & Compliance
You’ll help the management team make sure the nursery isn’t just fun — it’s safe, organised and compliant too.
Complete and review daily risk assessments and safety checks
Monitor hygiene, food safety and infection control standards
Ensure emergency procedures are understood and followed
Identify maintenance or safety concerns and escalate them appropriately
Support fire drills, lockdown procedures and other emergency practices
Help keep the nursery ready for internal audits and Ofsted inspections
Being There for Our Families
Our parents trust us with the most important people in their world.
You’ll help make sure they feel that trust every day.
Build strong, professional relationships with parents and carers
Support with parent questions, concerns and feedback
Communicate confidently through Famly and face-to-face
Support new families during settling-in periods
Work professionally with external agencies and other professionals
Help create the warm, welcoming atmosphere we want every family to experience
Keeping Everything Running Smoothly
There’s some admin too... we can’t make everything glamorous!
You’ll support with:
Daily and weekly nursery checklists
Rotas, registers and staffing
Famly records and communications
Planning and quality trackers
Health & safety documentation
Safeguarding records
SEN, planning and paperwork time
Nursery events and communications
Being organised is going to be your superpower.
WHY THIS ROLE IS AWESOME
Maybe you’re already a Daily Lead or experienced Room Leader.
You love leading your room, but you’re ready to understand what happens beyond those four walls.
This role gives you the opportunity to:
Gain genuine nursery management experience
Work directly alongside your Nursery Manager and Deputy
Learn about occupancy, enquiries and show rounds
Develop your safeguarding leadership
Support and influence the whole nursery team
Get involved with compliance and Ofsted preparation
Develop your confidence making management decisions
Prepare yourself for your next step into Deputy Management
You won’t just be given a new title.
We want to teach you how to become a great nursery leader.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE WORKING WITH US
Up to 34 days holiday, plus your birthday off
Opportunities to increase your pay through our WOW Moments, Planning & Checklists programme
Attendance bonuses
A paid volunteer day to support a charity of your choice
50% childcare discount
Free uniform & DBS
Referral rewards of up to £750
Free family entry to Finkley Down Farm and Solstice Play!
Health Assured wellbeing support
Access to 100+ online training courses
THE PERFECT CANDIDATE
You’re someone who...
Naturally takes the lead
Can see the bigger picture, not just what’s happening in your own room
Is organised and loves getting things done
Can make decisions and use their initiative
Supports colleagues while still holding high standards
Communicates confidently with parents and professionals
Keeps calm when the nursery gets busy
Wants to learn more about the management side of Early Years
And most importantly...
You’re ready for your next challenge.
Essential
️ Level 3 or above Early Years qualification
️ Strong knowledge of the EYFS
️ Previous experience leading a room/team within Early Years
️ Good safeguarding knowledge
️ Confidence supporting and guiding other practitioners
️ A proactive, solution-focused approach
Through mentoring, leadership experience and training, we’ll help you build the skills you need to take that next step.
You’ll have more responsibility, more influence and more opportunities to develop — while still having the support of your Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager around you.
Apply today and take your next step with Finkley Nurseries.
Your management journey could start right here.
Attraction Nurseries is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. All offers of employment are subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references and safer recruitment procedures.
