Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver outstanding childcare and support children's learning through engaging activities.
- Company: Join the UK's largest employee-owned childcare group, shaping futures since 1990.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £700 welcome bonus, up to 60% childcare discount, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Be part of a recognised World’s Happiest Workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while enjoying a supportive work environment.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years Qualification and extensive nursery experience required.
The predicted salary is between 28 - 31 £ per hour.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire, United Kingdom
Job type: Full Time Permanent
Working Hours: Our nursery is open from 6:00am-8:00pm; however, staff work on a fair and supportive shift rota. You won’t be expected to work the full opening hours in one day. Early starts are balanced with earlier finishes, helping maintain a healthy work‑life balance.
Salary: Up to £14.90 per Hour
Contracted Hours: 40 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. We’re proud to be recognised as a World’s Happiest Workplace 2025 and one of the Top 10 Apprenticeship Employers in the UK (2024).
About the Role: Our Senior Nursery Practitioner is an experienced early years professional who provides high‑quality care and education to young children while also taking on leadership responsibilities within the nursery. You will serve as a role model to our colleagues and help maintain the standards of care and learning in the nursery.
Why You’ll Love Working with Us:
- £700 Welcome Bonus to kick‑start your journey with us
- Relocation support of up to £3,000 (T&Cs apply) – Welcome Bonus and Relocation packages are not cumulative
- 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?
- Deliver outstanding childcare that promotes children’s safety, well‑being, and development.
- Support children’s learning through age‑appropriate activities and play that meet developmental milestones.
- Observe and assess children’s progress and maintain detailed records to ensure that each child’s needs are met.
- Lead and guide nursery practitioners, assistants, and apprentices within the room or nursery.
- Ensure learning activities are tailored to the individual needs of each child and encourage their cognitive, emotional, and social development.
- Assist the Room Manager or Nursery Manager in maintaining the smooth operation of the room or nursery.
What are we looking for?
- A minimum of a Level 3 Early Years Qualification is required.
- Extensive experience working in a nursery or childcare setting.
- Solid knowledge of the EYFS.
- 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. If you don’t yet have one, you’ll need to cover the cost.
- Be eligible to work in regulated roles – not on the Children’s Barred List.
- Successfully complete background and reference checks.
At Tops Day Nurseries, we are an equal opportunities employer, committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.
Apply Now: Excited to make a difference? Take the next step in your career and join Tops Day Nurseries.
Senior Nursery Practitioner in Portsmouth employer: Tops Day Nurseries Ltd
Contact Detail:
Tops Day Nurseries Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Nursery Practitioner in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the childcare sector, attend local events, and join online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities at places like Tops Day Nurseries.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get an interview, let your enthusiasm for early years education shine through. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in children's lives – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about scenarios you might face as a Senior Nursery Practitioner and how you'd handle them. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest roles and benefits we offer, making it easier for you to take that next step with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Nursery Practitioner in Portsmouth
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.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience and qualifications. We love seeing how your background aligns with the role of Senior Nursery Practitioner, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, plus you can check out all the benefits we offer!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tops Day Nurseries Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and safeguarding procedures. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just experienced, but also knowledgeable about current standards in childcare.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted children's development in previous roles. This will help the interviewers see your genuine commitment to early years education.
✨Be a Team Player
As a Senior Nursery Practitioner, you'll be leading and guiding others. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how you support your colleagues. Highlight any experiences where you've successfully collaborated with a team to enhance the nursery environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the nursery's approach to childcare and staff development. This shows that you're not only interested in the role but also in how you can contribute to the nursery's success and culture.