Responsibilities
Our Nursery Practitioners look after the educational and social development of babies and young children up to the age of five. Their primary duties include providing children with a safe environment to learn, helping them to develop basic social and behavioural skills and engaging them in age‑appropriate play activities. They also ensure a safe, clean, and stimulating environment, develop and lead fun, age‑appropriate activities that promote learning and development, observe children’s development and identify any areas of concern, help children develop their motor skills, language and social interactions through play and structured learning, keep children safe and emotionally supported, create an atmosphere that encourages children to explore and learn independently, keep records of each child’s progress, including documenting milestones, behaviours and developmental needs, and maintain regular communication with parents or guardians about their child’s progress, needs and any concerns that arise.
The role also involves driving children safely from school to our H5 After School Club, which requires a full driving licence.
Qualifications
* A minimum of a Level 3 Early Years Qualification is required.
* A strong understanding of safeguarding procedures.
* Hold (or be willing to obtain) an enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service; cover the cost if you do not yet have one.
* 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.
Why You’ll Love Working with Us
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 apprenticeships, nursery practitioner roles, nursery managers and casual positions for passionate individuals. 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).
Benefits
* £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.
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