Level 3 Educator (Forest School Lead) in Plymouth

Location: Plymouth, Devon, United Kingdom

Job type: Full Time Permanent

Salary: £13.95 Hour

Contracted Hours: 30-35 hours per week

Why Join Tops Day Nurseries? At Tops Day Nurseries, we’ve been shaping futures since 1990. As the UK’s largest employee‑owned childcare group, we know that valuing people is the key to success. When you join us, you become more than an employee – you become a co‑owner with a voice, opportunities to grow, and a share in our success. With over 30 nurseries across the South of England, we provide outstanding early years education and childcare for babies, toddlers, and preschool children.

About The Role: Our Nursery Practitioners look after the educational and social development of babies and young children up to the age of five. Their primary duties include providing children with a safe environment to learn, helping them to develop basic social and behavioural skills and engaging them in age‑appropriate play activities. In joining us, you’ll also become part of our extended family. You’ll work alongside other team members who are passionate about providing care, warmth and kindness to all those who work in our Nurseries. In addition, this role includes the opportunity to take on the responsibility of Forest School Lead.

About The Nursery: Tops Stonehouse Nursery is an 80 place Day Nursery & Pre‑School situated in Stonehouse, Plymouth. The nursery runs several extra‑curricular activities including Tops Forest School, Cooking school, Boogie Mites, Yoga, Tooth brushing, Football fun and much more!

Why You’ll Love Working with Us: At Tops Day Nurseries, we believe in rewarding our team for their hard work and dedication. Here are some of the fantastic benefits you’ll enjoy as part of our family:

• Up to 60% childcare discount at Tops Day Nurseries
• Exclusive discounts & rewards via Blue Light Card and Each Person platform (gyms, cinema, shopping, travel & many more)
• Health & wellbeing support – NHS prescriptions, optical care & dental treatment
• A generous holiday allowance – including your birthday off & a wellbeing day!

What does the role involve?

• Providing day‑to‑day care, including feeding, changing diapers, and helping children with toilet training.
• Ensuring a safe, clean, and stimulating environment.
• Developing and leading fun, age‑appropriate activities that promote learning and development, focusing on key areas like social, emotional, physical, and cognitive skills.
• Observing children’s development and identifying any areas of concern.
• Helping children develop their motor skills, language, and social interactions through play and structured learning.
• Ensuring that children are safe and emotionally supported.
• Creating an atmosphere that encourages children to explore and learn independently.
• Keeping records of each child’s progress, including documenting milestones, behaviours, and developmental needs.
• Maintaining regular communication with parents or guardians about their child’s progress, needs, and any concerns that arise.

What are we looking for?

• A minimum of a Level 3 Early Years Qualification is required.
• Have a strong understanding of safeguarding procedures.

Important Safeguarding Information: Because this role involves regulated activity with children, all candidates must:

• Hold (or be willing to obtain) an enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service.
• Be eligible to work in regulated roles – not on the Children’s Barred List.
• Successfully complete background and reference checks.

Tops Day Nurseries is an equal opportunities employer, committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.