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- Tasks: Deliver outstanding childcare and support children's learning through engaging activities.
- Company: Join the UK's largest employee-owned childcare group, shaping futures since 1990.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 60% childcare discount, health support, and generous holiday allowance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years Qualification and extensive nursery experience required.
- Other info: Be part of a recognised World’s Happiest Workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire, United Kingdom
Job type: Full Time Permanent
Salary: £14.70 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 role models to our colleagues and help maintain the standards of care and learning in the nursery. Tops Southsea Nursery is a 60 place Day Nursery & Pre-School situated in Bruce Road, Southsea. The nursery runs several extra-curricular activities including Tops Forest School, cooking school, Boogie Mites, yoga, meditation and much more!
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:
- 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!
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.
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.
- 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.
Excited to make a difference? Take the next step in your career and join Tops Day Nurseries.
Senior Nursery Practitioner in Southsea 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 in Southsea
✨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 at places like Tops Day Nurseries.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get an interview, let your love for early years education shine through. Share stories about your experiences and how you've made a difference in children's lives – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you’d handle various scenarios in a nursery setting. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident and ready to impress during the interview.
✨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 an eye out!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Nursery Practitioner in Southsea
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 shaping young minds and creating a nurturing environment.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Nursery Practitioner role. Highlight your relevant experience, qualifications, and any leadership roles you've had. We love seeing how your background aligns with our values!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it 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 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 Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've demonstrated leadership or made a positive impact on children's development. This could be through activities you've led or how you've supported your colleagues. Real-life stories resonate well with interviewers!
✨Emphasise Teamwork
As a Senior Nursery Practitioner, you'll be guiding others. Be ready to talk about how you’ve collaborated with team members in the past. Highlighting your ability to work well in a team and support your colleagues will show that you’re a great fit for their nursery environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the nursery's approach to professional development or how they implement their extra-curricular activities. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you determine if it’s the right fit for you.