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- Tasks: Lead and inspire young minds while ensuring their safety and development.
- Company: Join Tops Day Nurseries, a leading childcare provider committed to employee well-being and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, generous leave, childcare discounts, and free meals.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team in a certified World's Happiest Workplace with exciting career opportunities.
- Qualifications: Must have a Level 3 Early Years Qualification and experience in childcare.
- Other info: This role involves working closely with children and requires an enhanced DBS check.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Tops Prince Rock, Plymouth, Devon
Pay rate: Up to ÂŁ13.55 per hour
Contracted Hours: 40 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.” - 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 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 role models to our colleagues and help maintain the standards of care and learning in the nursery.
About the Nursery
Tops Prince Rock Nursery is a 42 place Day Nursery & Pre-School situated in Plymouth. The nursery runs several extra-curricular activities including Tops Forest School, cooking school, Boogie Mites, yoga, meditation and much more!
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.
- Have a solid knowledge of the EYFS.
- 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.
Senior Nursery Practitioner employer: Tops Day Nurseries
Contact Detail:
Tops Day Nurseries Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Nursery Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, as a solid understanding of it is crucial for this role. Being able to discuss specific EYFS practices during your interview will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to high-quality childcare.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any leadership experience you have, as the role involves guiding other nursery practitioners. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led a team or mentored colleagues in previous positions.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your knowledge of safeguarding procedures, as this is a key aspect of the role. You might want to prepare scenarios where you effectively handled safeguarding issues or contributed to a safe environment for children.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Tops Day Nurseries and their commitment to employee well-being and development. During your interview, mention specific benefits or initiatives that resonate with you, showing that you align with their values and culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Nursery Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in early years education and childcare. Emphasise your Level 3 Early Years Qualification and any leadership roles you've held, as these are crucial for the Senior Nursery Practitioner position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for early childhood education. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to deliver outstanding childcare and support children's learning, as well as your understanding of safeguarding procedures.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on skills that align with the job description, such as your ability to observe and assess children's progress, lead a team, and tailor learning activities to individual needs. Use examples to illustrate these skills.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is essential 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 children and your commitment to their development. Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted children's learning in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Senior Nursery Practitioner, you'll be expected to lead and guide others. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed or mentored colleagues in the past.
✨Know the EYFS Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Be ready to discuss how you implement its principles in your practice and how you tailor activities to meet individual children's needs.
✨Prepare Questions for Your Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the nursery's approach to childcare, staff development opportunities, and how they support employee well-being. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
