At a Glance
- 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 a £700 welcome bonus, up to 60% childcare discount, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Be part of a recognised World’s Happiest Workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- 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.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 41000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Senior Nursery Practitioner role at Tops Day Nurseries.
Location: Taunton, Somerset, United Kingdom
Job type: Full Time Permanent
Salary: £14.20 Hour
Contracted Hours: 40 hours per week
About 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 38 nursery sites across the South of England, we provide outstanding early years education and childcare for babies, toddlers, and preschool children. We are 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.
About the Nursery
Tops Musgrove Nursery is a 122 place Day Nursery & Pre‑School situated in Musgrove, Taunton. The nursery runs several extra‑curricular activities including Tops Forest School, cooking school, Boogie Mites, yoga, toothbrushing, Football fun and much more!
Why You’ll Love Working with Us
- £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!
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.
Tops Day Nurseries is 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 Early Years Educator in Taunton 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 Taunton, our vibrant work culture fosters professional growth through extensive training and development opportunities, alongside generous benefits such as a £700 Welcome Bonus, up to 60% childcare discount, and a supportive health and wellbeing programme. Join us in creating a nurturing environment for children while enjoying a fulfilling career that truly makes a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Early Years Educator in Taunton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the early years education field. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet other professionals and share your passion for childcare. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Senior Nursery Practitioner role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your experience, qualifications, and any creative activities you've implemented in previous roles. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to high-quality care and education.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable discussing your experience and how it aligns with the role at Tops Day Nurseries. Focus on your leadership skills and how you can contribute to their mission of providing outstanding early years education.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities and benefits we offer, like that £700 Welcome Bonus. Don’t miss out on your chance to join the happiest workplace!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Early Years Educator in Taunton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for early years education shine through! Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in children's lives and why you love working in this field.
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 held. We want to see how you can contribute to our nursery!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively with both children and colleagues!
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 all the exciting opportunities we have at Tops Day Nurseries.
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 early years 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. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them memorable.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the nursery's approach to childcare and how they support their staff. This shows that you're genuinely interested in the role and the organisation.
✨Be Yourself
Let your personality shine through during the interview. Tops Day Nurseries values co-ownership and a happy workplace, so being authentic and showing your enthusiasm for working with children will resonate well with the interviewers.
