Level 3 Educator

Tops Day Nurseries; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount

Blue Light Card discounts

Wellbeing support

Holiday allowance

Job summary

Tops Day Nurseries in Plymouth, Devon is hiring a Nursery Practitioner to support babies and children up to age five in a safe, caring setting.

You’ll deliver age-appropriate activities, monitor development, and help with daily care like feeding and toilet routines, while safeguarding and EYFS practices guide your work. Forest School lead opportunity may arise for the right candidate.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Early Years Qualification required.
• Strong safeguarding knowledge.
• Interest in Forest School and willingness to train as Forest School Lead.

Responsibilities

• Providing day-to-day care, including feeding, changing diapers, and helping children with toilet training.
• Developing and leading fun, age-appropriate activities that promote learning and development.
• Observing children’s development and identifying any areas of concern.
• Ensuring that children are safe and emotionally supported.
• Keeping records of each child’s progress and EYFS documentation.
• Maintaining regular communication with parents about progress and needs.

Skills

Forest School

Safeguarding procedures

Education

Level 3 Early Years Qualification

Job description

Location: Plymouth, Devon, United Kingdom Devon

Job type: Full Time Permanent

Salary: £13.95 per hour (depend on qualification)

Contracted Hours: 30-35 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. With opportunities for Apprenticeship, Nursery practitioners, Nursery Managers & Casual staff, we are always looking for passionate individuals to join us.

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 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.In addition, this role includes the opportunity to take on the responsibility of Forest School Lead.

About The Nursery

Tops Stonehouse Nursery is an 80 place Day Nursery & Pre‑School situated in Stonehouse, Plymouth. The nursery run several extra‑curricular activities including Tops Forest School, Cooking school, Boogie Mites, Yoga, Tooth brushing, Football fun 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!

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

What does the role involve?

• 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
• A passion for Forest School and outdoor activities, with a willingness to undertake training to become a Forest School Lead

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.