Nursery Practitioner-Level 3

Join to apply for the Nursery Practitioner-Level 3 role at Tops Day Nurseries

Base Pay Range

Location: Lymington, Hampshire, United Kingdom

Job type: Full Time Permanent

Salary: £14.10 per 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 38 nursery sites across the South of England, we provide outstanding early years education and childcare for babies, toddlers, and preschool children. We always look for passionate individuals to join us, whether for Apprenticeship, Nursery Practitioner, Nursery Manager, or Casual positions.

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).

Benefits

• 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?

• Providing day‑to‑day care, including feeding, changing diapers, and helping children with toilet training. They also ensure a safe, clean, and stimulating environment.
• Developing and leading fun, age‑appropriate activities that promote learning and development, focusing on key areas like social, emotional, physical, and cognitive skills.
• Observing children’s development and identifying any areas of concern. They help children develop their motor skills, language, and social interactions through play and structured learning.
• Ensuring that children are safe and emotionally supported. They create an atmosphere that encourages children to explore and learn independently.
• Keeping records of each child’s progress, including documenting milestones, behaviours, and developmental needs. This is often part of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework in the UK.
• 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 3 Early Years Qualification is required.
• 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.

Apply Now

Excited to make a difference? Take the next step in your career and join Tops Day Nurseries.