Early Years Educator

Tops Day Nurseries; Salisbury; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

60% childcare discount

Blue Light Card discounts

Health & wellbeing support

Generous holiday allowance

Job summary

Tops Day Nurseries in the United Kingdom is seeking Nursery Practitioners to care for babies and young children up to five years old, focusing on safety, development and well-being. You’ll join a warm team and help children learn through play in a supportive setting.

You will deliver age-appropriate activities, monitor progress, document milestones and communicate with parents to ensure a holistic approach to each child's development.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Level 3 Early Years Qualification.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding procedures.
• Ability to work as part of a caring team.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day care including feeding, diaper changes, and toilet training.
• Develop age-appropriate activities promoting learning and development.
• Observe and document children's progress and communicate with parents.
• Create a safe, warm environment for exploration.
• Maintain EYFS records and liaise with parents.

Skills

Childcare

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Level 3 Early Years Qualification

Job description

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. In joining us, you'll also become part of our extended family. You'll work alongside other team members who are passionate about providing care, warmth and kindness to all those who work in our Nurseries., Providing day-to-day care, including feeding, changing diapers, and helping children with toilet training. They also ensure a safe, clean, and stimulating environment.

Developing and leading fun, age-appropriate activities that promote learning and development, focusing on key areas like social, emotional, physical, and cognitive skills.

Observing children's development and identifying any areas of concern. They help children develop their motor skills, language, and social interactions through play and structured learning.

Ensuring that children are safe and emotionally supported. They create an atmosphere that encourages children to explore and learn independently.

Keeping records of each child's progress, including documenting milestones, behaviors, and developmental needs. This is often part of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework in the UK.

Maintaining regular communication with parents or guardians about their child's progress, needs, and any concerns that arise.

What are we looking for?

• A minimum of a Level 3 Early Years Qualification is required.
• 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. 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.

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.

Tops Salisbury Nursery is a 104 place Day Nursery & Pre-School situated in Odstock Road, Salisbury. The nursery run 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!