At a Glance
- Tasks: Create a fun and safe environment for children while engaging in educational 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.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while having fun and creating lasting memories.
- Qualifications: Excellent communication skills and a positive outlook are essential.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team in a recognised World’s Happiest Workplace.
The predicted salary is between 15600 - 24100 £ per year.
Location: Southampton, Hampshire, United Kingdom
Job type: Full Time Permanent
Salary: £7.56 - £12.22 Per hour
Contracted Hours: 30 Hours
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 38 nursery sites 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 nursery assistants help create a safe, educational and fun environment for the children in our care. They supervise children, ensure safety, organize and take part in activities such as games, crafts, and educational tasks. Some days may be challenging, but you’ll also laugh, have fun and make lasting memories with our children during a crucial developmental stage.
About The Nursery: Tops Fawley Nursery is a 67‑place day nursery & pre‑school situated in Fawley, Southampton. The nursery runs several extra‑curricular activities including forest school, cooking school, Boogie Mites, yoga, tooth brushing, football fun and more.
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?
- Helping with feeding, changing diapers and assisting children with toilet training.
- Supporting nursery practitioners in planning and leading educational or play activities, including helping children engage in play, art, crafts and other activities that aid development.
- Keeping play areas clean, safe and organised.
- Keeping an eye on children during activities, free play and outdoor time to ensure safety.
- Helping support children's learning by engaging them in conversations, reading stories and encouraging social interaction.
- Assisting nursery staff in keeping records of the children’s progress, attendance or activities.
What are we looking for?
- Excellent communication skills to engage with children and converse with other staff members and parents.
- Creative skills and imagination to provide educational activities that keep children happy and learning in a rewarding environment.
- Positive outlook to keep children happy and create a secure and rewarding environment.
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.
Excited to make a difference? Take the next step in your career and join Tops Day Nurseries.
Nursery Assistant employer: Tops Day Nurseries
Contact Detail:
Tops Day Nurseries Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before your interview, check out Tops Day Nurseries online. Familiarise yourself with their values and activities. This will help you connect during the interview and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Think about common interview questions for nursery assistants and rehearse your answers. We want you to feel confident and ready to showcase your skills and passion for working with children.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your personality! When you’re in the interview, let your creativity and positive outlook shine through. Share stories or experiences that highlight your ability to engage with children and create a fun learning environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Tops Day Nurseries family. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Assistant
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 love for creating a fun and safe environment for little ones!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight relevant experiences and skills that match the Nursery Assistant role. We appreciate when you connect your background to what we do at Tops Day Nurseries.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We’re looking for clarity in your communication, so make sure your sentences are easy to read and understand.
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 get you started on this exciting journey with Tops Day Nurseries.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tops Day Nurseries
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand what being a Nursery Assistant at Tops Day Nurseries involves. Familiarise yourself with their values, the activities they offer, and the importance of creating a safe and fun environment for children. This will show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Show Off Your Creativity
Since creativity is key in this role, think of some engaging activities or games you could introduce to the children. Be ready to share these ideas during the interview to demonstrate how you can contribute to their educational environment.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Excellent communication skills are essential for this position. Practice how you would engage with children, parents, and staff. You might even want to prepare a few examples of how you've successfully communicated in past roles or experiences.
✨Be Positive and Personable
A positive outlook is crucial when working with children. During the interview, let your personality shine through! Smile, be enthusiastic, and show that you’re someone who can create a secure and happy environment for the kids.