Nursery Practitioner-Level 2

Tops Day Nurseries; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 16,531 - 19,286; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 60% childcare discount

Health & wellbeing support

Generous holiday allowance including birthday off

Job summary

Tops Day Nurseries seeks a Nursery Practitioner in Portsmouth to support children's educational and social development up to age five. Responsibilities include ensuring a safe learning environment and engaging children in age-appropriate play while developing their social and behavioral skills.

Applicants should have a Minimum Level 2 Early Years qualification and an understanding of safeguarding. Benefits include childcare discounts, well-being support, and generous vacation policies. Join us in providing outstanding early years education!

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day care including feeding and changing.
• Develop age-appropriate activities promoting learning.
• Observe children's development and document progress.

Skills

Understanding of safeguarding procedures

Ability to engage children in play

Observation and record keeping skills

Education

Level 2 Early Years qualification

Job description

Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire, United Kingdom Hampshire

Job type: Full Time Permanent

Salary: £12.76 Hour

Contracted hours: 30 - 40 hours per week / Full time

Why Join Tops Day Nurseries?

At Tops Day Nurseries, we’ve been shaping futures since 1990. We value people, offer co‑ownership, development opportunities, 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. Apprenticeships, nursery practitioners, managers, and casual staff are welcomed.

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.

Tops Copnor Nursery is a 35‑place day nursery and preschool in Pompey Health and Fitness, Portsmouth, providing early education and care for children aged 12 weeks to preschool. The nursery offers a warm, nurturing environment featuring play‑based curriculum, forest school, cooking, yoga, and hands‑on learning.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us

• Up to 60% childcare discount at Tops Day Nurseries
• Exclusive discounts & rewards via Blue Light Card and Each Person platform (gyms, cinema, shopping, travel & more)
• Health & wellbeing support – NHS prescriptions, optical care & dental treatment
• 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 assisting with toilet training while maintaining a safe, clean, and stimulating environment.
• Developing and leading fun, age‑appropriate activities that promote learning and development in social, emotional, physical, and cognitive areas.
• Observing children’s development, identifying concerns, and supporting motor skills, language, and social interactions through play and structured learning.
• Ensuring children are safe and emotionally supported, fostering an atmosphere of exploration and independent learning.
• Keeping records of each child’s progress, documenting milestones, behaviours, and developmental needs as part of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.
• Maintaining regular communication with parents or guardians about their child’s progress, needs, and any concerns.

What Are We Looking For?

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

Important Safeguarding Information

• Hold (or be willing to obtain) an enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service.
• 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.