Nursery Practitioner-Level 3

Tops Day Nurseries; Poole; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare provider in Poole is seeking passionate Nursery Practitioners to support children's educational and social development. Responsibilities include providing safe care, leading activities, observing progress, and maintaining communication with parents. A Level 3 Early Years Qualification is required, along with a commitment to safeguarding. Enjoy a range of benefits including a welcome bonus, childcare discounts, and health support. All candidates must hold an enhanced DBS check and be eligible for regulated roles.

Benefits

£700 Welcome Bonus

Relocation support up to £3,000

Up to 60% childcare discount

Health & wellbeing support

Generous holiday allowance

Qualifications

• Must hold or be willing to obtain an enhanced DBS check.
• Eligible to work in regulated roles, not on Children's Barred List.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day care including feeding and changing diapers.
• Develop and lead activities that promote learning.
• Observe and document children's development progress.
• Ensure safety and emotional support for children.
• Maintain communication with parents regarding progress.

Skills

Understanding of safeguarding procedures

Ability to provide emotional support

Experience with age-appropriate activities

Education

Level 3 Early Years Qualification

Job description

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.

• 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.

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 38 nursery sites 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).

Tops Poole Nursery is a 132 place Day Nursery & Pre‑School situated in Poole. The nursery run several extra‑curricular activities including before and after school clubs, cooking school, Boogie Mites, yoga, tooth brushing, football fun and much more!

Why You'll Love Working with Us at Tops Day Nurseries

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
• Relocation support of up to £3,000 (T&Cs apply) Welcome Bonus and Relocation packages are not cumulative
• 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!