Nursery Practitioner-Level 2

Tops Day Nurseries; Poole; On-site; GBP 17,908 - 19,286; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

World’s Happiest Workplace 2025

Equal opportunities employer

Job summary

Tops Day Nurseries in Poole is seeking a dedicated Nursery Practitioner to support the educational and social development of children up to age five. You will help ensure a safe learning environment, assist children’s social and behavioural skills, and engage them in age‑appropriate play.

Applicants should have a Level 2 Early Years Qualification and a strong safeguarding knowledge base. The role with Tops Poole Nursery offers a collaborative team and opportunities to grow within the UK’s

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 2 Early Years Qualification.
• Strong safeguarding knowledge and procedures.
• Ability to support children's learning and development.

Responsibilities

• Providing day-to-day care and ensuring a safe, clean, and stimulating environment.
• Developing age-appropriate activities to support learning and development.
• Observing and recording children's progress and communicating with parents.
• Maintaining open and regular communication with carers and guardians.

Skills

Safeguarding procedures

Education

Level 2 Early Years Qualification

Job description

Location: Poole, Dorset, United Kingdom Dorset

Job type: Full Time Permanent

Salary: £13.37 Hour

Contracted hours: 40 hours per week / Full time

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 believe 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. We offer opportunities for apprenticeships, nursery practitioners, nursery managers and casual staff, seeking passionate individuals.

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 behavioural skills, and engaging them in age‑appropriate play.

About The Nursery

Tops Poole Nursery is a 132‑place day nursery and preschool providing Early Education and Care for children aged 3 months to school age. Located in a busy community close to beaches and countryside, the nursery offers children a wide range of outdoor experiences, exploring the local environment. We encourage independence, confidence, and a sense of belonging by following interests and involving children in decisions about their learning spaces and activities. Preschool children also take part in a children’s council.

Children enjoy a variety of activities including cooking, yoga, Boogie Mites, football fun, and before and after school clubs.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us

We reward our team for hard work and dedication. Benefits include:

• 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?

• Providing day‑to‑day care, including feeding, changing diapers, and helping children with toilet training. Ensuring a safe, clean, and stimulating environment.
• Developing and leading fun, age‑appropriate activities that promote learning and development, focusing on social, emotional, physical and cognitive skills.
• Observing children’s development and identifying any areas of concern. Helping children develop motor skills, language and social interactions through play and structured learning.
• Ensuring children are safe and emotionally supported. Creating an atmosphere that encourages exploration and independent learning.
• Keeping records of each child’s progress, documenting milestones, behaviours and developmental needs. This is part of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
• 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.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding procedures.

Important Safeguarding Information

Because this role involves regulated activity with children, 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.

Excited to make a difference? Take the next step in your career and join Tops Day Nurseries.