Tops Day Nurseries
Nursery Practitioner-Level 2
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Nursery Practitioner – 30-40 Hours/Week (Full-Time Permanent) | Portsmouth, Hampshire
Location
Portsmouth, Hampshire – Tops Copnor Nursery (Pompey Health and Fitness, Copnor)
Job Type & Details
- Type: Full-Time Permanent
- Salary: £12.76 per hour
- Hours: 30–40 hours per week
Why Join Tops Day Nurseries?
At Tops Day Nurseries, we’ve been nurturing futures since 1990. As the UK’s largest employee-owned childcare group, we empower our teams to grow alongside the business—offering co-ownership, career opportunities, and a share in success.
With 30+ nurseries across the South of England, we deliver outstanding early years education and care for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. From apprenticeships to nursery management, we seek passionate individuals to join our team.
We’re proud to be:
- World’s Happiest Workplace 2025
- Top 10 Apprenticeship Employers (UK, 2024)
About the Role: Nursery Practitioner
Our Nursery Practitioner plays a vital role in supporting the educational and social development of children up to age five. Key responsibilities include:
- Ensuring a safe and stimulating learning environment
- Helping children develop social, emotional, and behavioural skills
- Engaging children in play-based learning
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You’ll work with a dedicated team committed to fostering care, warmth, and kindness.
About Tops Copnor Nursery
A 35-place day nursery and preschool, part of Pompey Health and Fitness, serving children from 12 weeks to preschool age in a connecting, open-plan setting.
Our commitment?
- A play-based, enriching curriculum that builds confidence, independence, and social skills.
- Specialist activities: Forest School, cooking sessions, yoga, Boogie Mites, and meditation.
- A river garden for younger children, with wrap-around seating for outdoor learning.
- Family-friendly access and a focus on inclusivity and safety.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
At Tops, we value our team’s hard work with outstanding benefits:
- Up to 60% childcare discount at Tops nurseries
- Exclusive discounts via Blue Light Card and EachPerson (gyms, shopping, travel, etc.)
- Health & wellbeing support: NHS prescriptions, optical/dental care
- Generous holiday entitlement, including one birthday off and a wellbeing day
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Explore further perks on our Careers page!
Key Responsibilities
- Daily care (feeding, changing diapers, toilet training support)
- Creating engaging activities to promote social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development
- Observing children for developmental progress, noting concerns and milestones (EYFS framework alignment)
- Ensuring safety and emotional support in a nurturing environment
- Maintaining child progression records (including EYFS assessments)
- Regular parent communication regarding a child’s needs and overall progress
Requirements
- Minimum: Level 2 Early Years Qualification
- Essential: Strong understanding of safeguarding children
- Compliance necessary:
- Enhanced DBS check (update service registration; cost covered if required)
- Free from the Children’s Barred List
- Successful background/references check
Tops is an equal opportunities employer, committed to an inclusive, valued workspace.
Ready to make a difference? Apply now—careerspoisito.com!
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