Nursery Practitioner-Level 3

Tops Day Nurseries Ltd.; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount

Blue Light Card discounts

Health & wellbeing support

Generous holiday allowance

Job summary

Tops Day Nurseries in Plymouth is seeking a dedicated Nursery Practitioner to join our friendly team at Tops Bretonside Nursery.

You will provide day‑to‑day care for babies to preschoolers, support their learning under EYFS, maintain a safe environment, and collaborate with colleagues to deliver warm, high‑quality childcare experiences.

Benefits include generous holiday allowance, childcare discounts, and wellbeing support; DBS checks and safeguarding are required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Level 3 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, in a safe, clean environment.
• Developing and leading age-appropriate activities that promote learning and development across social, emotional, physical and cognitive areas.
• Observing and supporting children's development, noting milestones and needs within EYFS framework.
• Ensuring children are safe and emotionally supported, fostering independence and curiosity.
• Keeping records of each child's progress and communicating with parents about needs and concerns.
• 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: Plymouth, Devon, United Kingdom Devon

Job type: Full Time Permanent

Salary: £13.95 Hour (depend on qualifications)

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 Bretonside Nursery is a 48-place day nursery and preschool set within a beautiful Grade II listed building in Plymouth, dating back to the 1800s. Offering a warm, homely environment for children aged 3 months to preschool. Children enjoy nature-based learning through the nursery garden and mud kitchen, alongside enriching activities including cooking school, Boogie Mites, yoga, football fun, and more. Located close to Plymouth's waterfront, aquarium, Elizabethan Gardens, and Hoe Park, the nursery provides exciting opportunities for outdoor exploration and hands-on learning, helping children grow in confidence, curiosity, and independence 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.
• 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.