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- Tasks: Support the growth and development of children aged 0-5 through engaging activities.
- Company: Join Tops Day Nurseries, a leading childcare provider committed to employee well-being and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, up to 60% childcare discount, and 30 days off annually!
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team in a fun, nurturing environment that values your contributions.
- Qualifications: Must have a Level 3 Early Years Qualification and knowledge of safeguarding procedures.
- Other info: Work in a certified World’s Happiest Workplace with opportunities for career advancement.
Location: Tops Prince Rock, Plymouth, Devon
Pay rate: Up to ÂŁ13.45 per hour
Contracted Hours: 35 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 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
Contact Detail:
Tops Day Nurseries Recruiting Team
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 stay updated on early years education trends. This can help you demonstrate your passion for the field during interviews and show that you're proactive about your professional development.
✨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 be invaluable when preparing for your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare specific examples from your experience that highlight your skills in safeguarding and child development. Being able to discuss real-life scenarios will make you stand out as a candidate who is ready to take on the responsibilities of the role.
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. Emphasise any specific skills related to safeguarding procedures and your ability to create a safe, stimulating environment for children.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases 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 Experience: In your application, provide examples of your previous work with children, particularly focusing on activities that promote social, emotional, and cognitive development. Highlight any experience with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
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 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, whether through play, educational activities, or nurturing 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 Safeguarding Knowledge
Since safeguarding is a key aspect of the role, be ready to talk about your understanding of safeguarding procedures. Provide examples of how you've ensured children's safety in previous roles or training.
✨Prepare Questions About the Nursery
Demonstrate your interest in the nursery by preparing thoughtful questions. Ask about their approach to child development, the types of activities they offer, or how they support staff well-being. This shows you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
