Nursery Practitioner-Level 3

Tops Day Nurseries; Exeter; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

£700 Welcome Bonus

Up to 60% childcare discount

Blue Light Card & Each Person platform

Health & wellbeing support

Generous holiday allowance

Job summary

Tops Exeter Nursery, part of Tops Day Nurseries, is looking for a Nursery Practitioner to support babies and young children in a safe, caring setting near the University of Exeter. You will contribute to activities that promote early learning, social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.

Join a large, employee-owned childcare group offering career growth, a welcoming team, and a wide range of staff benefits including a welcome bonus and substantial childcare discounts.

Qualifications

• A minimum of a Level 3 Early Years Qualification is required.
• Have a strong understanding of safeguarding procedures.

Responsibilities

• Providing day-to-day care, including feeding, changing diapers, and helping children with toilet training.
• 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. 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, behaviours, 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.

Education

Level 3 Early Years Qualification

Job description

Location: Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom Devon

Job type: Full Time Permanent

Salary: £14.60 Hour (depend on qualification)

Contracted Hours: 40 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 Practitioners look after the educational and social development of babies and young children up to the age of five. Their primary duties include providing children with a safe environment to learn, helping them to develop basic social and behavioural skills and engaging them in age-appropriate play activities. In joining us, you’ll also become part of our extended family. You’ll work alongside other team members who are passionate about providing care, warmth and kindness to all those who work in our Nurseries.

About The Nursery

Tops Exeter Nursery is a 104-place day nursery and preschool located within the University of Exeter, providing Early Education and Care for children aged 3 months to school age. Our passionate team creates a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to explore, learn, and grow with confidence. Children benefit from enriching activities including Forest School, cooking school, yoga, and Boogie Mites, designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning. As part of our eco‑sustainable approach, we also encourage children to develop respect for the environment through hands‑on, meaningful experiences.

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.

• £700 Welcome Bonus to kick‑start your journey 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 & 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, behaviours, 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 3 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.