Nursery Practitioner-Level 2

Base pay range

Location: Poole, Dorset, United Kingdom

Job type: Full Time Permanent

Salary: £12.87 Hour

Contracted hours: 35 hours per week

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).

Our Nursery Practitioner supports the educational and social development of children up to age five. Key duties include ensuring a safe learning environment, helping children develop social and behavioural skills, and engaging them in age‑appropriate play.

Tops Parkstone Nursery is a 56‑place Day Nursery & Pre‑School situated in Parkstone, Poole. The nursery runs several extra‑curricular activities including Tops Forest School, cooking school, Boogie Mites, yoga, tooth brushing, football fun and more!

• Up to 60% childcare discount at Tops Day Nurseries
• Exclusive discounts & rewards via Blue Light Card and Each Person platform (gyms, cinema, shopping, travel & 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.

• Providing day‑to‑day care, including feeding, changing diapers, and helping children with toilet training and creating a safe, clean, and stimulating environment.
• Developing and leading fun, age‑appropriate activities that promote learning and development, focusing on social, emotional, physical and cognitive skills.
• Observing children’s development and identifying any concerns, supporting motor, language and social skills through play and structured learning.
• Ensuring children are safe and emotionally supported, encouraging independent exploration.
• Keeping records of each child’s progress – documenting milestones, behaviours and developmental needs as part of EYFS.
• Maintaining regular communication with parents or guardians about progress and needs.

• A minimum of a Level 2 Early Years Qualification.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding procedures.

• Hold (or be willing to obtain) an enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service.
• 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.