Nursery Practitioner-Level 2

Tops Day Nurseries Ltd.; Poole; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount

Blue Light Card discounts

Health & wellbeing support

Generous holiday allowance

Job summary

Tops Poole Nursery in Poole, Dorset, is hiring a Nursery Practitioner to support the educational and social development of children from infancy to five years old. The role involves providing day-to-day care, safe learning environments, and engaging age-appropriate activities alongside a friendly team.

You will work 40 hours per week, on a full-time permanent contract, with DBS and safeguarding checks as part of joining Tops Day Nurseries, the UK’s largest employee-owned childcare group.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• 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 EYFS framework in the UK.
• Maintaining regular communication with parents or guardians about their child’s progress, needs, and any concerns that arise.

Skills

Childcare

Safeguarding knowledge

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

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

• 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.