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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 a £700 welcome bonus, flexible hours, and up to 60% off childcare.
- Why this job: Be part of a certified World’s Happiest Workplace with a focus on career advancement and team spirit.
- Qualifications: Must have a Level 3 Early Years Qualification and experience in childcare.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant nursery with exciting activities like yoga and cooking school.
Overview
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire, United Kingdom
Job type: Full Time Permanent
Working Hours: Our nursery is open from 6:00am–8:00pm. Staff work on a fair and supportive shift rota. Early starts are balanced with earlier finishes to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Salary: £14.30 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 value people as 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 offer opportunities for Apprenticeship, Nursery practitioners, Nursery Managers & Casual staff. We are always looking for passionate individuals to join us.
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.
Locations
We also have the same role available in Havant and other locations.
Why You’ll Love Working with Us
At Tops Day Nurseries, we reward our team for hard work and dedication. Here are some of the 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
- A generous holiday allowance – including your birthday off & a wellbeing day!
As well as many more exciting benefits. You can view the full list on our page or Careers website.
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
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.
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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 strong understanding of it is crucial for this role. Being able to discuss how you implement EYFS principles in your previous experience will set you apart during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your leadership skills and experience in guiding other nursery practitioners. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've successfully led a team or mentored colleagues in your past roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your commitment to child safety and well-being by discussing any relevant safeguarding training or experiences. This demonstrates your dedication to creating a safe environment for children, which is a top priority for Tops Day Nurseries.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Tops Day Nurseries' values and culture, particularly their focus on employee well-being and career development. Be ready to express how your personal values align with theirs, as cultural fit is essential for them.
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 childcare and your understanding of the EYFS. Mention specific experiences where you have successfully supported children's learning and development, and how you can contribute to the nursery's positive environment.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on key skills such as safeguarding knowledge, ability to lead a team, and experience with age-appropriate activities. Use examples to demonstrate how you've applied these skills in previous roles.
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
✨Showcase Your Experience
As a Senior Nursery Practitioner, your extensive experience is key. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've delivered outstanding childcare and supported children's learning in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Highlight your ability to lead and guide nursery practitioners and assistants. Share instances where you've taken on leadership responsibilities and how you maintained high standards within the nursery.
✨Know the EYFS Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Be ready to discuss how you implement it in your practice and how it influences your approach to child development and learning activities.
✨Emphasise Safeguarding Knowledge
Safeguarding is crucial in this role. Prepare to talk about your understanding of safeguarding procedures and how you've ensured the safety and well-being of children in your care.
