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- Tasks: Support young children in a fun, safe environment while gaining hands-on childcare experience.
- Company: Join Tops Day Nurseries, a leading childcare provider with a positive workplace culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, childcare discounts, and a bonus scheme as part of our family.
- Why this job: Kickstart your childcare career with a Level 2 qualification and exciting growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Passion for working with children; no prior experience needed, just enthusiasm!
- Other info: Be part of a certified World’s Happiest Workplace and enjoy 30 days off each year.
Location
Tops Prince Rock, Plymouth, Devon
Pay rate
ÂŁ7.56 per hour
Contracted Hours
30 hours per week/ Part time
Staff Well‑being
Staff well‑being is valued and nurtured. The provider offers staff opportunities to celebrate their achievements and contributions. These include staff nominations on the \’Each Person Scheme\’ and special award nights to recognise both individual and nursery achievements.
Why You’ll Love Working with Us
Benefits
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:
- Annual Bonus Scheme: As an Employee‑Owned Company, you’ll share in our success. Each May, you’ll have the opportunity to receive a bonus from our profit shares.
- Childcare Discount: Enjoy up to 60% off childcare within Tops Day Nurseries, making it easier for you to balance work and family life.
- Flexible Working Options: Make the Most of Your Time Off with Compressed Hours. By working compressed hours, you could gain up to 48 extra days off per year. Alternatively, if you work nine days over a two‑week period, you’ll receive up to 24 additional days off annually. And that’s in addition to your standard holiday allowance!
- Proud to be a World’s Happiest Workplace: Tops Day Nurseries has been officially certified as a World’s Happiest Workplace for 2025, recognising our commitment to employee well‑being, career growth, and a positive workplace culture.
- Holiday Allowance: 28 days of annual leave each year plus 2 extra days (birthday and Wellbeing Day) bringing a total of 30 days off each year.
- Free breakfast to colleagues: Freshly prepared meals each day, ensuring you’re energized and ready to provide the best care and education for the children we nurture.
- Employee Recognition: Access to the Blue Light Card and our reward and recognition platform, Each Person, for discounts, cycle, GP, cinema deals and more.
- Health and Well‑being Support: NHS Prescription Charges, Optical Care and Dental Treatment covered.
- Career Development: Opportunities for growth and advancement.
- Travel and Parking Season Ticket loan: Borrow up to £500 interest‑free for public transport or parking.
About the Role
Are you passionate about working with young children and eager to begin a rewarding childcare career? Join us as a Childcare Apprentice, gaining hands‑on experience while working towards a Level 2 qualification in early years education.
This qualification covers knowledge of children from birth to 7 years, focusing on ages 0‑5, and meets the Department for Education\’s Level 2 criteria. You\’ll gain practical experience, be assessed on‑site, and complete written tasks, with support from your assessor via an online platform.
Upon completion, you will qualify as a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner.
We are proud to be ranked 9th in the prestigious Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers in the UK in 2024! We offer fantastic opportunities to develop in a Nursery Career from Level 2 Childcare Apprenticeships all the way through to Nursery Manager or even to become an Early Years Teacher!
About the Nursery
Tops Prince Rock Nursery is a 42 place Day Nursery & Pre‑School situated in Plymouth. The nursery run several extra‑curricular activities including cooking school, Boogie Mites, yoga, tooth brushing and much more!
What does the role involve?
- Assist in providing a safe environment for children
- Assisting with daily, weekly and monthly checks around the nursery
- Assist in ensuring the unit is clean and tidy and assist in meal preparation
- Assist colleagues with developing and maintaining good relationships with local schools, charities and involvement with the community (e.g. parades, visiting care homes)
- Taking children on trips out and assist on picking up from school
- Able to support children’s behaviour and act as a role model
- Support in ensuring the environment is stimulating and appropriate including layout, display of resources, displays and equal opportunities
What are we looking for?
- We are looking for someone who is passionate and enthusiastic about beginning their career in child care.
- You do not need to have previous experience or qualifications in working with children to undertake this qualification but must be aged 17 or over. This is 100% work based course and there is no need for you to attend college.
- You will need to take this role seriously, and be able to demonstrate a good work ethic and be able to communicate effectively with the people around you, making sure that you treat both other staff and children with respect and care at all times.
Why Tops Day Nurseries?
We are a leading early education and childcare provider in South England, established in 1990. We promote environmental sustainability and social responsibility by educating today’s children to influence future generations. We value respect, open communication, and teamwork, fostering a positive, purpose‑driven work environment.
As an Employee‑Owned Company, our colleagues are co‑owners, benefiting from the company’s growth through annual profit‑sharing bonuses.
Exciting? We think so! Your journey starts here, so take the first step to become part of Tops Team by clicking apply!
Equality, Diversity and DBS
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status. All candidates will be required to have an enhanced DBS which is on the update service. All offers are conditional upon satisfactory background checks. This role involves regulated activity with children. You should not apply if you are on the Children’s Barred List.
INDSW
Vacancy Reference: JC/2304
Posted via: eyrecruit
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Childcare Apprenticeship employer: Tops Day Nurseries
Contact Detail:
Tops Day Nurseries Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Childcare Apprenticeship
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before your interview, take a stroll around Tops Prince Rock if you can. Familiarising yourself with the environment and the vibe will help you feel more confident and show that you're genuinely interested in joining the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a friend or family member and do a mock interview. This will help you articulate your passion for childcare and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to get feedback on your answers!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your personality! When you’re in the interview, let your passion for working with children shine through. Share any relevant experiences, even if they’re informal, like babysitting or volunteering. We want to see your genuine love for childcare!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application goes straight to us. Plus, you’ll be one step closer to joining our amazing team at Tops Day Nurseries. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Childcare Apprenticeship
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through! Share why you’re excited about starting a career in childcare and how you can contribute to our nursery.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and culture of Tops Day Nurseries. Mention specific benefits or aspects of the role that resonate with you, showing us you’ve done your homework!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, so we can easily understand your skills and experiences. Remember, less is often more!
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, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tops Day Nurseries
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Childcare Apprentice. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description, like providing a safe environment for children and supporting their behaviour. This will show your genuine interest and readiness to take on the role.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Share any relevant experiences, even if they’re informal, like babysitting or volunteering. Employers love to see candidates who are genuinely excited about the opportunity to nurture and educate young minds.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the nursery's approach to child development or how they support apprentices in their career growth. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the nursery is the right fit for you.
✨Dress the Part
While you don’t need to wear a suit, aim for smart-casual attire that reflects professionalism. Think about what you’d wear to work in a nursery. Comfortable yet tidy clothing will help you feel confident and ready to impress during your interview.