Senior Nursery Practitioner

Tops Day Nurseries; Winchester; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 60% childcare discount

Blue Light Card & Each Person perks

Health & wellbeing support

Job summary

Tops Winchester Nursery, part of Tops Day Nurseries, is seeking a Senior Nursery Practitioner to deliver high-quality care and education and to take on leadership responsibilities within the nursery. You will be a role model, helping to maintain standards of care and learning for young children.

Based in Winchester, the role is full-time with 35–40 hours per week and a salary of £14.90 per hour. Applicants should hold a Level 3 EY qualification, have nursery experience, be committed to

Qualifications

• Deliver outstanding childcare that promotes safety, well-being and development.
• Lead and guide nursery practitioners within the room or nursery.
• Observe and assess children's progress and maintain records.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality care and education to young children.
• Support learning through age-appropriate activities and play.
• Lead and mentor staff within the room or nursery.
• Ensure activities support individual developmental needs and safeguarding.

Skills

Childcare expertise

EYFS knowledge

Safeguarding awareness

Education

Level 3 Early Years Qualification

Job description

Location: Winchester, Hampshire, United Kingdom Hampshire
Job type: Full Time Permanent
Salary: £14.90 Hour
Contracted Hours: 35 - 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 Winchester Nursery is a 61-place day nursery and preschool based at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital, providing Early Education and Care for children aged 3 months to preschool. We create a fun, safe, and nurturing environment where strong key person relationships help children feel secure and confident to learn through play. Our nursery offers engaging indoor and outdoor spaces, including a garden with climbing, balancing, and planting areas, plus access to hospital grounds for outdoor exploration. Children take part in activities such as cooking, yoga, Boogie Mites, football fun, and tooth brushing routines, supporting their development in a positive, inclusive setting. We are also committed to sustainability and gender equality initiatives.

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

• 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.