Nursery Practitioner-Level 3

Tops Day Nurseries; Newport; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount up to 60%

Blue Light Card discounts

Health & wellbeing support

Job summary

Tops Day Nurseries is recruiting a Nursery Practitioner Level 3 Forest School for a full-time, permanent role in Newport, Isle of Wight. You will care for babies and young children, provide a safe learning environment, and lead engaging activities that support early development.

Applicants should hold a Level 3 Early Years Qualification (Level 2 may be considered) and have a solid understanding of safeguarding.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Level 3 Early Years Qualification is required. Level 2 May be considered.
• Have a strong understanding of safeguarding procedures.

Responsibilities

• Providing day-to-day care, including feeding, changing diapers, and toilet training while ensuring a safe, clean, and stimulating environment.
• Developing and leading age-appropriate activities that support social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
• Observing children’s development and identifying any areas of concern; supporting motor, language, and social skills through play and structured learning.
• Maintaining accurate records of each child’s progress and developmental needs in line with EYFS.
• Communicating regularly with parents or guardians about progress, needs, and concerns.
• Upholding safeguarding and welfare policies and promoting a caring, inclusive atmosphere for all children.

Skills

Safeguarding procedures

Child development

Education

Level 3 Early Years Qualification

Level 2 may be considered

Job description

Nursery Practitioner-Level 3 Forest School

Location: Newport, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom Isle of Wight

Job type: Full Time Permanent

Salary: £13.50 - £14.40 Per Hour

Contracted Hours: 35 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 Newport Nursery is a 92-place eco-friendly day nursery and preschool on the Isle of Wight, providing Early Education and Care for children aged 3 months to preschool. With a fresh, natural approach, the nursery offers inspiring learning environments and exciting opportunities for outdoor exploration using the island’s rich natural surroundings. Children benefit from a wide range of enrichment activities including Forest School, cooking school, Boogie Mites, yoga, football fun, tooth brushing, and before and after school clubs. Our team creates engaging, hands‑on learning experiences that encourage curiosity, creativity, and confidence through play.

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 3 Early Years Qualification is required. Level 2 May be considered.
• 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.