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- Tasks: Care for and educate children up to five years old in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join Tops Day Nurseries, a leading childcare provider committed to employee well-being and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, 30 days off, childcare discounts, and free meals.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team in a certified World's Happiest Workplace.
- Qualifications: Must have a Level 2 Early Years Qualification and knowledge of safeguarding.
- Other info: Opportunities for career advancement and profit-sharing bonuses await you!
Location: Tops Yeovil, Yeovil, Somerset
Pay rate: up to ÂŁ13.27 per hour
Contracted Hours: 30 hours per week
“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.” - OFSTED recent feedback
Why You’ll Love Working with Us
- 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: You’ll receive 28 days of annual leave each year to relax and spend time doing what you love. Additionally, you’ll also receive 2 extra days: one to celebrate your birthday or another day that’s special to you, and a Wellbeing Day, just for you.
- Free meals: Our nurseries provide free breakfast to our colleagues as part of our commitment to supporting your well-being.
- Employee Recognition: Access to the Blue Light Card, offering exclusive discounts and savings at thousands of retailers, restaurants, and attractions.
- Health and Wellbeing Support: We’ve got you covered with NHS Prescription Charges, Optical Care, and Dental Treatment.
- Career Development: We’re committed to your growth and offer fantastic opportunities for career advancement.
- Travel and Parking Season Ticket loan: Borrow up to ÂŁ500 interest-free and spread the expense easily.
About the Role
Our Nursery Practitioners look after the educational and social development of babies and young children up to the age of five. Their primary duties include providing children with a safe environment to learn, helping them to develop basic social and behavioural skills, and engaging them in age-appropriate play activities.
What does the role involve?
- Providing day-to-day care, including feeding, changing diapers, and helping children with toilet training.
- Developing and leading fun, age-appropriate activities that promote learning and development.
- Observing children’s development and identifying any areas of concern.
- Ensuring that children are safe and emotionally supported.
- Keeping records of each child’s progress, including documenting milestones, behaviours, and developmental needs.
- Maintaining regular communication with parents or guardians about their child’s progress, needs, and any concerns that arise.
What are we looking for?
- A minimum of a Level 2 Early Years Qualification is required.
- Have a strong understanding of safeguarding procedures.
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. We’re also proud to rank 9th in the 2024 Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers in the UK, offering career development from Level 2 Childcare Apprenticeships to Nursery Manager or Early Years Teacher.
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.
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
Familiarise yourself with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, as this is crucial for a Nursery Practitioner role. Understanding how to support children's development through play and structured learning will set you apart during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for child development by engaging in relevant activities or volunteering at local nurseries. This hands-on experience not only enhances your CV but also provides real-life examples to discuss during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of Tops Day Nurseries. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your genuine interest in joining their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare thoughtful questions about the nursery's approach to child care and development. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you assess if the nursery aligns with your values and career goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Practitioner - Level 2
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and qualifications, particularly your Level 2 Early Years Qualification. Emphasise any previous roles in childcare or education, and include specific examples of how you've contributed to children's development.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for working with children and your understanding of the role. Mention why you want to work at Tops Day Nurseries specifically, and how you align with their values of care, warmth, and kindness.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on key skills such as safeguarding knowledge, communication with parents, and ability to create engaging activities. Use bullet points for clarity and ensure you provide examples of how you've applied these skills in past roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in a childcare setting.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tops Day Nurseries
✨Show Your Passion for Early Years Education
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with young children. Share specific examples of how you've engaged with children in the past, whether through play, learning activities, or care routines. This will demonstrate your commitment to their development.
✨Understand the EYFS Framework
Familiarise yourself with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, as it's crucial for the role. Be prepared to discuss how you would implement its principles in your daily activities and how you would track children's progress.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
Working in a nursery requires strong collaboration with colleagues. Share experiences where you've successfully worked as part of a team, focusing on how you contributed to a positive environment for both staff and children.
✨Prepare Questions About Staff Well-being
Since Tops Day Nurseries values staff well-being, prepare thoughtful questions about their initiatives. This shows that you care about your own well-being and are interested in being part of a supportive workplace culture.
