Nursery Practitioner-Level 2

Tops Day Nurseries Ltd.; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 60% childcare discount

Blue Light Card discounts

Health & wellbeing support

Generous holiday allowance including a

Job summary

Tops Day Nurseries Ltd. in Plymouth, Devon, United Kingdom is hiring a Nursery Practitioner for a Full Time Permanent role. The position pays £12.76 per hour for 30 hours a week, and offers an opportunity to be part of the UK’s largest employee-owned childcare group.

You will support children's educational and social development, ensure a safe learning environment, and work with a passionate team dedicated to warmth, care and learning through play, following EYFS guidelines.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day care including feeding, changing diapers, and toilet training support.
• Develop and lead age-appropriate activities to promote learning.
• Observe development and note milestones or concerns.
• Maintain records of progress and communicate with parents.

Skills

Childcare

Safeguarding awareness

Communication with parents

Education

Level 2 Early Years Qualification

Job description

Location: Plymouth, Devon, United Kingdom Devon

Job type: Full Time Permanent

Salary: £12.76 Hour

Contracted hours: 30 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 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 Prince Rock Nursery is a 42-place day nursery and preschool in Plymouth, close to the River Plym and Tothill Park. Our Ofsted GOOD nursery offers bright, open-plan learning spaces, a secure garden with an allotment and climbing equipment. Children benefit from regular outdoor exploration and enriching activities including cooking school, Boogie Mites, yoga, and tooth brushing. As part of the UK’s leading eco-sustainable childcare group, we encourage children to learn through play while developing respect for the environment and the world around them.

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 2 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.