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- Tasks: Support children's development through fun activities and ensure a safe learning environment.
- 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 growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Level 2 Early Years Qualification and understanding of safeguarding procedures.
- Other info: Be part of a recognised World’s Happiest Workplace with exciting career opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 26700 - 30000 £ per year.
Location: Poole, Dorset, United Kingdom
Job type: Full Time Permanent
Salary: £12.87 Hour
Contracted hours: 35 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 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 Practitioner supports the educational and social development of children up to age five. Key duties include ensuring a safe learning environment, helping children develop social and behavioural skills, and engaging them in age‑appropriate play.
About The Nursery: Tops Parkstone Nursery is a 56‑place Day Nursery & Pre‑School situated in Parkstone, Poole. The nursery runs several extra‑curricular activities including Tops 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 & 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?
- Providing day‑to‑day care, including feeding, changing diapers, and helping children with toilet training and creating a safe, clean, and stimulating environment.
- Developing and leading fun, age‑appropriate activities that promote learning and development, focusing on social, emotional, physical and cognitive skills.
- Observing children’s development and identifying any concerns, supporting motor, language and social skills through play and structured learning.
- Ensuring children are safe and emotionally supported, encouraging independent exploration.
- Keeping records of each child’s progress – documenting milestones, behaviours and developmental needs as part of EYFS.
- Maintaining regular communication with parents or guardians about progress and needs.
What are we looking for?
- A minimum of a Level 2 Early Years Qualification.
- Strong understanding of safeguarding procedures.
Important Safeguarding Information:
- 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.
Nursery Practitioner-Level 2 employer: Tops Day Nurseries
Contact Detail:
Tops Day Nurseries Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Practitioner-Level 2
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the childcare sector, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings at places like Tops Day Nurseries.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to early years education. Think about how you can showcase your passion for child development and your understanding of safeguarding procedures. We want to see your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply; follow up! After submitting your application through our website, drop a friendly email to express your excitement about the role. It shows initiative and keeps you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your skills! If you have any creative ideas for activities or ways to engage children, prepare to share them during your interview. We love seeing innovative approaches that align with our values at Tops Day Nurseries.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Practitioner-Level 2
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 early years education and how you can contribute to our nursery's vibrant environment.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Nursery Practitioner role. Highlight your Level 2 Early Years Qualification and any relevant experience you have. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills in childcare and development.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward 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 our team!
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, you’ll find all the details about the benefits we offer and what it’s like to work with us.
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 understand how it applies to the role of a Nursery Practitioner. Familiarise yourself with the key duties mentioned in the job description, like creating a safe learning environment and engaging children in age-appropriate activities.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Share specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your ability to support children's development and create fun learning opportunities. This will show them you're not just qualified, but genuinely excited about the role.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of some thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about their approach to child development or how they support staff in their professional growth. It shows you're engaged and interested in being part of their team.
✨Dress the Part
While you want to look professional, remember that this is a nursery setting. Opt for smart-casual attire that reflects your personality but is also practical. You might even want to consider wearing something that allows you to demonstrate your understanding of the playful environment you'll be working in.
