At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and care for children aged 0-5 in a fun, nurturing environment.
- Company: Join the UK's largest employee-owned childcare group with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 60% childcare discount, health support, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values your voice and offers growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Flexible hours that fit your schedule while making a difference in children's lives.
- Qualifications: Passion for childcare; experience is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 13 £ per hour.
Location: Bournemouth, Dorset, United Kingdom
Job type: Part Time Permanent
Salary: £12.72 Hour
Contracted Hours: 0 hours, bank hours
Why Join Tops Day Nurseries? At Tops Day Nurseries, we believe great childcare starts with great people. Since 1990, we have been creating inspiring early years environments where children thrive and colleagues are valued, supported, and given room to grow. As the UK’s largest employee-owned childcare group, every team member has a voice, a stake in our success, and real opportunities to shape their future. With more than 30 nurseries across the South of England, we offer rewarding opportunities for Apprentices, Nursery Practitioners, Nursery Managers, and Casual Staff who share our passion for outstanding early years care.
Proud winners of the 2026 King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development and recognised as a World’s Happiest Workplace 2025, we are proud to be a place where people love to work and children love to learn.
About The Role At Tops Day Nurseries we are committed to providing a safe, caring, and stimulating environment where children can learn and grow. We are looking for an enthusiastic and flexible Casual Nursery Assistant to join our team on a 0-hour contract. This role is ideal for individuals seeking flexible working hours to fit around their schedule.
About The Nursery Located in Boscombe, Tops Pokesdown Nursery is a purpose-built, eco‑friendly 135-place day nursery and preschool offering inspiring Early Education and Care for children from 3 months to preschool age. With beautiful open‑plan learning environments, a strong focus on active learning, and exciting enrichment activities including Forest School, cooking school, yoga, meditation, and Boogie Mites, we create engaging spaces where children can explore, grow, and thrive every day.
Why You’ll Love Working with Us:
- 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?
- Assist with the supervision and care of children aged 0-5 years in a safe, fun, and nurturing environment.
- Support daily activities, including play, arts and crafts, reading, and outdoor play.
- Help maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming environment.
- Assist in mealtime preparation and feeding, as well as changing and toileting routines.
- Work alongside a team of dedicated staff to ensure the individual needs of each child are met.
- Follow nursery policies and procedures, including safeguarding and health and safety protocols.
What are we looking for?
- Previous experience in a nursery, childcare, or early years setting is desirable but not essential.
- A passion for working with children and supporting their development.
- Flexibility to work on a casual, on‑call basis as needed.
- Good communication skills and a positive, can‑do attitude.
- Ability to work well within a team.
- An Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain one).
- A Level 2 or 3 qualification in childcare is advantageous but not required.
Important Safeguarding Information:
- 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.
Casual Nursery Assistant — Flexible, On-Call in Bournemouth employer: Tops Day Nurseries
At Tops Day Nurseries, we pride ourselves on being the UK's largest employee-owned childcare group, where every team member is valued and has a voice in shaping our success. Located in the vibrant area of Boscombe, Bournemouth, we offer a supportive work culture with flexible hours, generous benefits including up to 60% childcare discount, and a strong commitment to employee growth and wellbeing. Join us in creating inspiring early years environments where both children and colleagues can thrive together.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Casual Nursery Assistant — Flexible, On-Call in Bournemouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Chat with friends, family, or even acquaintances who work in childcare. They might know of openings or can put in a good word for you. Remember, personal connections can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to nurseries you’re interested in, like Tops Day Nurseries. A friendly email or call can show your enthusiasm and might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research common questions for nursery assistant roles and think about how your experiences align with what they’re looking for. Practising your answers can help you feel more confident when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities there, so keep checking back!
We think you need these skills to ace Casual Nursery Assistant — Flexible, On-Call in Bournemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. We want to see your genuine interest in early years care and how you can contribute to our nurturing environment.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight relevant experiences or skills that match the role. Whether it's your previous childcare experience or any related qualifications, we want to know how you fit into our team!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for Tops Day Nurseries.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tops Day Nurseries
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, take some time to research Tops Day Nurseries. Familiarise yourself with their values, mission, and the specific role of a Casual Nursery Assistant. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Show Your Passion for Childcare
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for working with children. Share any relevant experiences, even if they’re informal, like babysitting or volunteering. Highlight your understanding of child development and how you can contribute to creating a nurturing environment.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations with children. Think about scenarios related to playtime, mealtime, or conflict resolution. Practising these responses can help you feel more confident and prepared to demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the nursery's approach to child development or how they support staff growth. This shows your interest in the role and helps you determine if it’s the right fit for you.
