At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver outstanding childcare and lead a team of nursery practitioners.
- Company: Join the UK's largest employee-owned childcare group, shaping futures since 1990.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £700 welcome bonus, up to 60% childcare discount, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Recognised as one of the World’s Happiest Workplaces 2025.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while enjoying a supportive work environment.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years Qualification and extensive nursery experience required.
The predicted salary is between 31000 - 39000 £ per year.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire, United Kingdom
Job type: Full Time Permanent
Working Hours: Our nursery is open from 6:00am-8:00pm, however staff work on a fair and supportive shift rota. You won’t be expected to work the full opening hours in one day. Early starts are balanced with earlier finishes, helping maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Salary: up to £14.90 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 over 30 nurseries 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 Senior Nursery Practitioner is an experienced early years professional who provides high-quality care and education to young children while also taking on leadership responsibilities within the nursery. You will serve as a role model to our colleagues and help maintain the standards of care and learning in the nursery.
Why You’ll Love Working with Us: At Tops Day Nurseries, we believe in rewarding our team for their hard work and dedication. Here are some of the fantastic benefits you’ll enjoy as part of our family:
- £700 Welcome Bonus to kick‑start your journey with us
- Relocation support of up to £3,000 (T&Cs apply). Welcome Bonus and Relocation packages are not cumulative
- 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
- Generous holiday allowance, including your birthday off and a wellbeing day
What Does the Role Involve?
- Deliver outstanding childcare that promotes children’s safety, well‑being, and development.
- Support children’s learning through age‑appropriate activities and play that meet developmental milestones.
- Observe and assess children’s progress and maintain detailed records to ensure that each child’s needs are met.
- Lead and guide nursery practitioners, assistants, and apprentices within the room or nursery.
- Ensure learning activities are tailored to the individual needs of each child and encourage their cognitive, emotional, and social development.
- Assist the Room Manager or Nursery Manager in maintaining the smooth operation of the room or nursery.
What Are We Looking For?
- A minimum of a Level 3 Early Years Qualification is required.
- Extensive experience working in a nursery or childcare setting.
- Solid knowledge of the EYFS.
- Strong understanding of safeguarding procedures.
Important Safeguarding Information:
- 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.
Senior Nursery Practitioner & Room Leader (Lead Early Years) in Portsmouth employer: Tops Day Nurseries
At Tops Day Nurseries, we pride ourselves on being the UK’s largest employee-owned childcare group, where every team member is valued as a co-owner with a voice in our success. Located in Portsmouth, Hampshire, we offer a supportive work culture that prioritises work-life balance through fair shift rotas, alongside generous benefits such as a £700 welcome bonus, up to 60% childcare discount, and extensive health and wellbeing support. Join us to not only shape the futures of young children but also to grow your career in a recognised World’s Happiest Workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Nursery Practitioner & Room Leader (Lead Early Years) in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the childcare sector, attend local events, and join online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about job openings before they’re even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality! When you get an interview, let your passion for early years education shine through. Share stories that highlight your experience and how you’ve positively impacted children’s lives.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about scenarios you might face as a Senior Nursery Practitioner and how you’d handle them. Practising your responses can help you feel more confident and ready to impress.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities at Tops Day Nurseries right there, so keep checking back!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Nursery Practitioner & Room Leader (Lead Early Years) in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for early years education shine through! We want to see how much you care about making a difference in children's lives.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and qualifications that match the role. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we do at Tops Day Nurseries!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and shows you're serious about joining our team.
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 any relevant safeguarding procedures. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just qualified, but also passionate about providing high-quality care and education.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Nursery Practitioner, you'll be expected to lead and guide others. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a team or mentored colleagues in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to take on leadership responsibilities within the nursery.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don't just answer questions; engage with your interviewers. Ask them about their experiences at Tops Day Nurseries and what they love about working there. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps build rapport.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and approach to childcare. Think of specific situations you've faced in previous roles and how you handled them. This will help you illustrate your practical experience and decision-making abilities.
