Bank Nursery Assistant

Tops Day Nursery Ltd; England; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 21,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 60% childcare discount

Blue Light Card discounts

Health & wellbeing support

Birthday off and generous holiday

Job summary

Tops Day Nurseries is seeking a casual Nursery Assistant for a 0-hour contract in Portsmouth, offering flexible hours that fit around your schedule. The role involves caring for children aged 0-5, supporting activities, and helping with meals and routines. DBS checks and eligibility to work in the UK are required.

Joining Tops Southsea Nursery means joining a supportive, employee-owned childcare group with opportunities to grow within a large network of nurseries across the South of England.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a nursery, childcare, or early years setting is desirable but not essential.
• A Level 2 or 3 qualification in childcare is advantageous but not required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the supervision and care of children aged 0-5 years in a safe, fun, and nurturing environment.
• Support daily activities, including play, arts and crafts, reading, and outdoor play.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming environment.
• Assist in mealtime preparation and feeding, as well as changing and toileting routines.
• Work alongside a team of dedicated staff to ensure the individual needs of each child are met.
• Follow nursery policies and procedures, including safeguarding and health and safety protocols.

Skills

Childcare experience

Flexible

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Level 2/3 childcare qualification

Job description

Bank Nursery Assistant

Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire, United KingdomHampshire

Job type: Part TimePermanent

Salary: £12.72 Hour
Contracted Hours: 0 hours, bank hours

Why Join Tops Day Nurseries?

At Tops Day Nurseries, we believe great childcare starts with great people. Since 1990, we have been creating inspiring early years environments where children thrive and colleagues are valued, supported, and given room to grow. As the UK’s largest employee-owned childcare group, every team member has a voice, a stake in our success, and real opportunities to shape their future.

With more than 30 nurseries across the South of England, we offer rewarding opportunities for Apprentices, Nursery Practitioners, Nursery Managers, and Casual Staff who share our passion for outstanding early years care.

Proud winners of the 2026 King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development and recognised as a World’s Happiest Workplace 2025, we are proud to be a place where people love to work and children love to learn.

About the Role

At Tops Day Nurseries we are committed to providing a safe, caring, and stimulating environment where children can learn and grow. We are looking for an enthusiastic and flexible Casual Nursery Assistant to join our team on a 0-hour contract. This role is ideal for individuals seeking flexible working hours to fit around their schedule.

About the Nursery

Tops Southsea Nursery is a 60-place day nursery and preschool in Southsea, offering Early Education and Care for children aged 3 months to school age. Set within a large detached home with a spacious garden, the nursery provides safe, stimulating indoor and outdoor environments, including areas for planting, a soft-surface play space, and age-specific rooms for babies, toddlers, and preschool children. Located close to Southsea seafront, parks, museums, and the library, children benefit from regular local outings that enhance their learning experiences. Activities include Forest School, cooking, yoga, Boogie Mites, meditation, and more, supporting confident, curious learners in a nurturing, eco-conscious environment.

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!

As well as many more exciting benefits! You can view the full list on our page or Careers website!

What does the role involve?

• Assist with the supervision and care of children aged 0-5 years in a safe, fun, and nurturing environment.
• Support daily activities, including play, arts and crafts, reading, and outdoor play.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming environment.
• Assist in mealtime preparation and feeding, as well as changing and toileting routines.
• Work alongside a team of dedicated staff to ensure the individual needs of each child are met.
• Follow nursery policies and procedures, including safeguarding and health and safety protocols.

What are we looking for?

• Previous experience in a nursery, childcare, or early years setting is desirable but not essential.
• A passion for working with children and supporting their development.
• Flexibility to work on a casual, on-call basis as needed.
• Good communication skills and a positive, can-do attitude.
• Ability to work well within a team.
• An Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain one).
• A Level 2 or 3 qualification in childcare is advantageous but not required.

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.