Nursery Assistant

Tops Day Nurseries Ltd.; Exeter; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 60% childcare discount

Blue Light Card & Each Person rewards

Health & wellbeing support

Generous holiday allowance

Job summary

Tops Exeter Nursery, part of Tops Day Nurseries Ltd., is hiring a Nursery Assistant in Exeter, Devon. The role focuses on creating a safe, educational, and fun environment for children, supervising activities, and contributing to early learning through games, crafts, and stories.

You will support qualified staff, help with daily routines, and foster developmental milestones. The nursery emphasizes forest school, cooking, yoga, and eco-friendly practices within a team‑oriented, inclusive setting.

Qualifications

• Level 2 or 3 Early Years Qualification is desirable, but not essential.
• Excellent communication skills, to engage with the children and converse with other staff members and parents.
• Creative skills and imagination to provide educational activities to children that can ensure the child is happy and learning in a rewarding environment.
• Positive outlook, to keep children happy and build an environment where children feel secure and rewarded.

Responsibilities

• Helping with feeding, changing diapers, and assisting children with toilet training.
• Supporting nursery practitioners in planning and leading educational or play activities. This includes helping children engage in play, art, crafts, and other activities that aid in their development.
• Keeping play areas clean, safe, and organized.
• Keeping an eye on children during activities, free play, and outdoor time to ensure their safety.
• Helping support children's learning by engaging them in conversations, reading stories, and encouraging social interaction.
• Assisting nursery staff in keeping records of the children's progress, attendance, or activities.

Skills

Communication skills

Creativity

Positive attitude

Education

Level 2/3 Early Years qualification

Job description

Nursery Assistant

Location:Exeter, Devon, United KingdomDevon

Job type: Full TimePermanent

Salary:£12.87 Hour
Contracted Hours:30-40 hours per week

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

Our Nursery Assistant’s help to create a safe, educational and fun environment for the children in our care. Helping to supervise children and ensuring their safety, organizing and taking part in activities, such as games, crafts, and educational tasks. The list is endless, but you’ll understand that some days might be challenging, but you’ll also laugh, have fun and make lasting memories with our children at one of the most important development stages of their life!

About the Nursery

Tops Exeter Nursery is a 104-place day nursery and preschool located within the University of Exeter, providing Early Education and Care for children aged 3 months to school age. Our passionate team creates a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to explore, learn, and grow with confidence. Children benefit from enriching activities including Forest School, cooking school, yoga, and Boogie Mites, designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning. As part of our eco-sustainable approach, we also encourage children to develop respect for the environment through hands-on, meaningful experiences.

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!

What does the role involve?

• Helping with feeding, changing diapers, and assisting children with toilet training.
• Supporting nursery practitioners in planning and leading educational or play activities. This includes helping children engage in play, art, crafts, and other activities that aid in their development.
• Keeping play areas clean, safe, and organized.
• Keeping an eye on children during activities, free play, and outdoor time to ensure their safety.
• Helping support children's learning by engaging them in conversations, reading stories, and encouraging social interaction.
• Assisting nursery staff in keeping records of the children's progress, attendance, or activities.

What are we looking for?

• Level 2 or 3 Early Years Qualification is desirable, but not essential.
• Excellent communication skills, to engage with the children and converse with other staff members and parents.
• Creative skills and imagination to provide educational activities to children that can ensure the child is happy and learning in a rewarding environment.
• Positive outlook, to keep children happy and build an environment where children feel secure and rewarded.

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.