At a Glance
- 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, free meals, and an annual bonus scheme.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant nursery with fun activities like Forest School and cooking classes.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team in a certified World's Happiest Workplace with exciting career development.
- Qualifications: Must have a Level 3 Early Years Qualification and knowledge of safeguarding procedures.
Location: Fawley, Southampton, Hampshire
Pay rate: Up to £14.10 per hour
Contracted Hours: 35 hours per week/ Full Time
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.
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 £500 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 3 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 3 employer: Tops Day Nurseries
Tops Day Nurseries is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment for Agency Nursery Assistants across multiple locations in Wimborne Minster. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we provide fantastic benefits such as childcare discounts and health support, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth in early years development. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children while enjoying a collaborative and engaging work culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Practitioner-Level 3
✨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 implement EYFS principles will show your commitment to child development and learning.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with the local community and network with other childcare professionals. Attend workshops or events related to early years education to build connections and gain insights that could be beneficial during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've supported children's development in previous roles. Highlighting your hands-on experience with age-appropriate activities will demonstrate your practical knowledge and passion for the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Tops Day Nurseries and their values, especially their commitment to employee well-being and career development. Being able to articulate why you want to work specifically for them will make you stand out as a candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Practitioner-Level 3
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your Level 3 Early Years Qualification and relevant experience in childcare. Use specific examples that demonstrate your understanding of safeguarding procedures and your ability to create a safe, stimulating environment for children.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for early years education. Mention why you want to work at Tops Day Nurseries specifically, and how your values align with their commitment to employee well-being and child development.
Showcase Relevant Skills:In your application, emphasise skills that are crucial for a Nursery Practitioner, such as communication, patience, and creativity. Provide examples of how you've successfully engaged children in learning activities or supported their emotional development.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application shows attention to detail and professionalism, which are essential in a childcare role.
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 and how you plan to create a nurturing environment that promotes 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 assessments of children's progress.
✨Highlight Your Safeguarding Knowledge
Demonstrate your understanding of safeguarding procedures during the interview. Discuss any relevant training or experiences you've had, and be ready to explain how you would ensure a safe environment for the children.
✨Prepare Questions About the Nursery
Show your interest in the nursery by preparing thoughtful questions about their approach to childcare, staff well-being initiatives, and opportunities for professional development. This will demonstrate your commitment to being part of their team.
