Nursery Practitioner - Level 2

Tops Day Nurseries; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare provider in Dorset is hiring a Nursery Practitioner to support the educational and social development of children up to age five. The role involves ensuring a safe learning environment, engaging children in age-appropriate play, and maintaining communication with parents. The ideal candidate will have a Level 2 Early Years Qualification and a strong understanding of safeguarding procedures. Join a family-oriented team dedicated to nurturing the next generation while enjoying competitive benefits including childcare discounts and a bonus scheme.

Benefits

Annual Bonus Scheme

Childcare Discount

Flexible Working Options

Holiday Allowance

Wellbeing Day

Free meals

Employee Recognition Platform

Health and Wellbeing Support

Career Development

Travel and Parking Season Ticket Loan

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Level 2 Early Years Qualification is required.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding procedures.

Responsibilities

• Providing day-to-day care, including feeding, changing diapers.
• Developing and leading fun, age-appropriate activities.
• Observing children’s development and identifying areas of concern.

Skills

Strong understanding of safeguarding procedures

Experience working with children up to age five

Education

Level 2 Early Years Qualification

Job description

Overview

NURSERY PRACTITIONER – LEVEL 2

Location: Tops Corfe Mullen, Wimborne, Dorset

Pay rate: Up to £12.87 per hour

Contracted Hours: 40 hours per week

"Staff well-being is valued and nurtured. The provider offers staff opportunities to celebrate their achievements and contributions. These include staff nominations on the 'Each Person Scheme' and special award nights to recognise both individual and nursery achievements." - OFSTED recent feedback

Why You’ll Love Working with Us

At Tops Day Nurseries, we reward our team for their hard work and dedication. Here are some of the benefits you’ll enjoy as part of our family:

Annual Bonus Scheme: As an Employee-Owned Company, you’ll share in our success. Each May, you’ll have the opportunity to receive a bonus from our profit shares.

Childcare Discount: Enjoy up to 60% off childcare within Tops Day Nurseries, helping you balance work and family life.

Flexible Working Options: Make the Most of Your Time Off with Compressed Hours. By working compressed hours, you could gain up to 48 extra days off per year. Alternatively, if you work nine days over a two-week period, you’ll receive up to 24 additional days off annually, in addition to your standard holiday allowance.

Proud to be a World’s Happiest Workplace: Tops Day Nurseries has been officially certified as a World’s Happiest Workplace for 2025, recognizing our commitment to employee well-being, career growth, and a positive workplace culture.

Holiday Allowance: Take advantage of 29 days of holiday to relax and recharge.

Wellbeing Day: Take a step back, unwind, and focus on the things that bring you joy and relaxation.

Free meals: Our nurseries provide free breakfast to colleagues as part of our commitment to well-being. Enjoy freshly prepared meals each day, energizing you to provide the best care and education for the children we nurture.

Employee Recognition: Access to the Blue Light Card for exclusive discounts at thousands of retailers, restaurants, and attractions.

Employee Recognition Platform: Access our reward and recognition platform, Each Person, for gym discounts, Cycle2Work, GP on demand, cinema deals, Diesel Savings Card, and cashback at supermarkets and high street retailers. We also use Each Person to celebrate Employee of the Month.

Health and Wellbeing Support: NHS Prescription Charges, Optical Care, and Dental Treatment.

Career Development: Opportunities for career advancement.

Travel and Parking Season Ticket Loan: Borrow up to £500 interest-free and spread the expense for public transport or parking.

About the Role

Our Nursery Practitioner supports the educational and social development of children up to age five. Key duties include ensuring a safe learning environment, helping children develop social and behavioral skills, and engaging them in age-appropriate play. By joining us, you’ll work with a passionate team dedicated to providing care, warmth, and kindness.

About the Nursery

Tops Corfe Mullen Nursery is an 86-place Day Nursery & Pre-School located on Blandford Road, Corfe Mullen. The nursery runs extracurricular activities including Tops Forest School, cooking school, Boogie Mites, yoga, meditation, and more.

What does the role involve?

• Providing day-to-day care, including feeding, changing diapers, and helping children with toilet training. Create a safe, clean, and stimulating environment.
• Developing and leading fun, age-appropriate activities that promote learning and development in social, emotional, physical, and cognitive skills.
• Observing children’s development and identifying areas of concern; supporting motor skills, language, and social interactions through play and structured learning.
• Ensuring children are safe and emotionally supported; fostering an environment that encourages exploration and independent learning.
• Keeping records of each child’s progress, including milestones, behaviors, and developmental needs, aligned with the EYFS framework.
• Maintaining regular communication with parents or guardians about progress, needs, and any concerns.

What are we looking for?

• A minimum of a Level 2 Early Years Qualification is required.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding procedures.

Why Tops Day Nurseries?

We are a leading early education and childcare provider in South England, established in 1990. We promote environmental sustainability and social responsibility by educating today’s children to influence future generations. We value respect, open communication, and teamwork, fostering a positive, purpose-driven work environment.

As an Employee-Owned Company, colleagues are co-owners, benefiting from the company’s growth through annual profit-sharing bonuses. We’re proud to rank 9th in the 2024 Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers in the UK, offering career development from Level 2 Childcare Apprenticeships to Nursery Manager or Early Years Teacher.

Exciting? We think so! Your journey starts here—take the first step to join Tops Team by clicking apply!

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status. All candidates will be required to have an enhanced DBS which is on the update service. All offers are conditional upon satisfactory background checks. This role involves regulated activity with children. You should not apply if you are on the Children’s Barred List.

INDCEN2

Vacancy Reference: NK/1809

Posted via: eyrecruit