Senior Nursery Practitioner

Tops Day Nurseries; Salisbury; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount

Blue Light Card discounts

Wellbeing support

Generous holiday entitlement

Job summary

Tops Salisbury Nursery is a 104-place day nursery and preschool on Odstock Road, delivering high-quality early years care and education for children aged 3 months to school age. The role involves leadership responsibilities and role modelling for colleagues within the nursery.

The Senior Nursery Practitioner will help maintain high standards of care, support learning activities, and contribute to a positive learning environment, aligning with EYFS and safeguarding expectations.

Qualifications

• A minimum of a Level 3 Early Years Qualification is required.
• Extensive experience working in a nursery or childcare setting.
• Solid knowledge of the EYFS and safeguarding procedures.

Responsibilities

• Deliver outstanding childcare that promotes children’s safety, well-being, and development.
• Support children’s learning through age-appropriate activities and play that meet developmental milestones.
• Observe and assess children’s progress and maintain detailed records to ensure that each child’s needs are met.
• Lead and guide nursery practitioners, assistants, and apprentices within the room or nursery.
• Ensure learning activities are tailored to the individual needs of each child and encourage their cognitive, emotional, and social development.
• Assist the Room Manager or Nursery Manager in maintaining the smooth operation of the room or nursery.

Skills

EYFS knowledge

Safeguarding procedures

Leadership & mentoring

Education

Level 3 Early Years Qualification

Job description

Location: Salisbury, Wiltshire, United Kingdom Wiltshire
Job type: Full Time Permanent
Salary: Up to £14.20
Contracted Hours: 40 hours per week

Why Join Tops Day Nurseries?

At Tops Day Nurseries, we believe great childcare starts with great people. Since 1990, we have been creating inspiring early years environments where children thrive and colleagues are valued, supported, and given room to grow. As the UK’s largest employee-owned childcare group, every team member has a voice, a stake in our success, and real opportunities to shape their future. With more than 30 nurseries across the South of England, we offer rewarding opportunities for Apprentices, Nursery Practitioners, Nursery Managers, and Casual Staff who share our passion for outstanding early years care. Proud winners of the 2026 King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development and recognised as a World’s Happiest Workplace 2025, we are proud to be a place where people love to work and children love to learn.

About The Role

Our Senior Nursery Practitioner is an experienced early years professional who provides high-quality care and education to young children while also taking on leadership responsibilities within the nursery. You will serve as role models to our colleagues and help maintain the standards of care and learning in the nursery.

About The Nursery

Tops Salisbury Nursery is a 104-place day nursery and preschool on Odstock Road, offering Early Education and Care for children aged 3 months to school age. Our welcoming environment supports children to learn, play, and develop confidence through positive interactions with peers and adults. We offer a rich programme of enrichment activities including Forest School, cooking school, yoga, meditation, Boogie Mites, and swimming lessons for children aged 3-5. Through play-based learning and strong community links, we provide a nurturing setting where children can explore, grow, and thrive.

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?

• Deliver outstanding childcare that promotes children’s safety, well-being, and development.
• Support children’s learning through age-appropriate activities and play that meet developmental milestones.
• Observe and assess children’s progress and maintain detailed records to ensure that each child’s needs are met.
• Lead and guide nursery practitioners, assistants, and apprentices within the room or nursery.
• Ensure learning activities are tailored to the individual needs of each child and encourage their cognitive, emotional, and social development.
• Assist the Room Manager or Nursery Manager in maintaining the smooth operation of the room or nursery.

What are we looking for?

• A minimum of a Level 3 Early Years Qualification is required.
• Extensive experience working in a nursery or childcare setting.
• Have a solid knowledge of the EYFS
• 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.

Apply Now

Excited to make a difference? Take the next step in your career and join Tops Day Nurseries

#INDLP