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 up to 60% childcare discount, health support, 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 impact on young lives while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years Qualification and extensive nursery experience required.
The predicted salary is between 29600 - 29600 £ per year.
Location: Havant, Hampshire, United Kingdom
Job type: Full Time Permanent
Salary: £14.20 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 are always looking for passionate individuals to join us.
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 role models to our colleagues and help maintain the standards of care and learning in the nursery.
About The Nursery
Tops Havant Nursery is a 54 place Day Nursery & Pre-School situated in Stockheath Lane, Portsmouth. The nursery runs several extra-curricular activities including Tops Forest School, cooking school, Boogie Mites, yoga, meditation 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!
- 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.
- 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.
OB - Senior Nursery Practitioner in Havant 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 as a co-owner with a voice in our success. Located in Havant, our nursery offers a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, alongside generous benefits such as up to 60% childcare discount, health support, and a unique holiday allowance including your birthday off. Join us to be part of a recognised World’s Happiest Workplace and contribute to shaping the futures of young children in a supportive and rewarding environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land OB - Senior Nursery Practitioner in Havant
✨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 job openings before they’re even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get an interview, let your enthusiasm for early years education shine through. Share stories about your experiences and 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 common interview questions related to safeguarding and child development. Practise your answers so you can respond confidently and show that you’re the right fit for the role.
✨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 opportunities at Tops Day Nurseries right there, making it super easy for you to take the next step in your career.
We think you need these skills to ace OB - Senior Nursery Practitioner in Havant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for early years education shine through! We want to see why you love working with children and how you can contribute to our nursery's success.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Nursery Practitioner role. Highlight your relevant experience, qualifications, and any leadership roles you've had in the past. We want to know how you can lead and inspire others!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary and avoid jargon. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets to the heart of your skills and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our Tops Day Nurseries family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tops Day Nurseries
✨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 qualified, but also passionate about providing high-quality care and education.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your previous roles where you've demonstrated leadership or made a positive impact on children's development. This could be through tailored learning activities or successful team collaboration. Real-life stories resonate well with interviewers!
✨Emphasise Teamwork
As a Senior Nursery Practitioner, you'll be leading and guiding others. Be ready to talk about how you’ve supported colleagues in the past, whether it’s mentoring apprentices or collaborating with other practitioners to enhance the nursery environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the nursery's approach to child development or their extra-curricular activities. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you.
