Nursery Educator-Level 3

Tops Day Nurseries Ltd.; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & wellbeing support

Generous holiday allowance

Exclusive discounts & rewards

Job summary

Tops Day Nurseries Ltd. is hiring a Nursery Educator at Level 3 to care for babies and young children up to five years old in Bournemouth. You will create a safe, engaging environment and lead activities supporting social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.

We value team members who are passionate about early years care and offer opportunities to grow within the organisation. DBS checks and safeguarding compliance are part of the role.

Qualifications

• Level 3 EY qualification required.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding procedures.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day care including feeding, changing diapers, and toilet training.
• Develop and lead age-appropriate activities to promote learning and development.
• Observe and document children's progress and developmental needs.
• Maintain safe, clean, and stimulating environment and support emotional wellbeing.
• Communicate regularly with parents about progress and concerns.
• Record milestones and progress in line with EYFS framework.

Skills

Safeguarding procedures awareness

Education

Level 3 Early Years Qualification

Job description

Nursery Educator -Level 3

Location: Bournemouth, Dorset, United KingdomDorset

Job type: Full TimePermanent

Salary:£13.70 PerHour

Contracted Hours: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 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.

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.

• 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

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.