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 with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 60% childcare discount, health support, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Be part of a team recognised as one of the World’s Happiest Workplaces.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career in a nurturing environment.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years Qualification and extensive nursery experience required.
The predicted salary is between 26775 - 32725 £ per year.
Location: Christchurch, Dorset, United Kingdom
Job type: Full Time Permanent
Salary: £13.80 Hour
Contracted Hours: 40 hours per week
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: 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 role models to our colleagues and help maintain the standards of care and learning in the nursery.
About The Nursery: Tops Christchurch Nursery is a 77-place day nursery and preschool located in the beautifully renovated Priory Hall in the heart of Christchurch. We provide Early Education and Care for children aged 3 months to preschool, with a custom-designed garden and a rich programme including Forest School, cooking school, yoga, Boogie Mites, and more. Children enjoy regular local outings to Priory, nearby parks, and the waterfront, encouraging curiosity and a love of the outdoors. Our play-based approach supports confident, independent learners in a happy, nurturing environment, working in close partnership with families.
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!
- As well as many more exciting benefits!
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.
- Have a solid knowledge of the EYFS.
- 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. 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.
Senior Nursery Practitioner (Internal) in Christchurch employer: Tops Day Nurseries
Tops Day Nurseries is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment for Agency Nursery Assistants across multiple locations in Wimborne Minster. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we provide fantastic benefits such as childcare discounts and health support, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth in early years development. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children while enjoying a collaborative and engaging work culture.
