Tops Day Nurseries
Nursery Practitioner-Level 3
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Nursery Practitioner-Level 3
Nursery Practitioner – Full-Time Permanent Role
Location: Torquay, Devon, United Kingdom Job Type: Full-Time Permanent Salary: £13.95 per hour (dependent on qualifications) Contracted Hours: 40 hours per week per diem
Why Join Tops Day Nurseries?
At Tops Day Nurseries, we’ve shaped futures since 1990. As the UK’s largest employee-owned childcare group, we believe in valuing our people. When you join us, you don’t just become an employee—you become a co-owner with a voice, growth opportunities, and a stake in our success.
We operate over 30 nurseries across the South of England, providing outstanding early years education and childcare, from babies to preschoolers. We’re proud to be rated as the World’s Happiest Workplace (2025) and Top 10 Apprenticeship Employer (2024) by the UK.
About the Role
As a Nursery Practitioner, you’ll play a crucial role in the educational and social development of babies and children up to five years old. Your responsibilities include:
- Creating a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for learning.
- Supporting children in developing social, behavioural, and play-based skills.
- Working as part of a passionate team dedicated to care, warmth, and kindness.
About the Nursery
Tops Babbacombe Nursery (Torquay, Devon) is a 50-place day nursery and preschool serving children aged 3 months to preschool. We offer:
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- Beautiful, natural learning environments designed for exploration.
- Free-flow access to a large outdoor garden with enriching activities, including:
- Forest School
- Cooking School
- Yoga & meditation
- Boogie Mites sessions
- Dedicated baby & toddler rooms filled with natural resources.
- Preschool classrooms stocked with activity books and crafts.
- Frequent outdoor adventures along the nearby coastline.
- Meaningful community experiences through weekly visits to a local care home as part of the Joining Generations programme.
Why You’ll Love Working with Us
We reward hard work with fantastic benefits, including:
- Up to 60% childcare discount at Tops Day Nurseries
- Exclusive discounts & rewards via Blue Light Card and Each Person (gyms, cinema, shopping, travel, and more)
- Health & wellbeing support, including:
- NHS prescriptions covered
- Optical care and dental treatment
- Generous holiday allowance, including:
- Birthday off
- Annual wellbeing day
For full details, view our Careers page or contact us directly.
Key Responsibilities
Your role will involve:
- Providing daily care, including feeding, diaper changes, and assisting with toilet training, while ensuring a safe, clean, and engaging environment.
- Developing and leading age-appropriate activities that promote learning and development, covering:
- Social & emotional growth
- Physical & cognitive skills
- Observing children’s progress, identifying any developmental concerns, and supporting motor, language, and social skills through play and structured learning.
- Ensuring safety and emotional support by fostering independence and curiosity.
- Tracking progress through EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) documentation, including:
- Milestones
- Behavioural observations
- Developmental needs
- Communicating regularly with parents/guardians about their child’s progress, concerns, and needs.
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Requirements
Essential
✅ Minimum Level 3 Early Years Qualification ✅ Strong understanding of safeguarding procedures
Safeguarding Compliance
✅ Enhanced DBS check (must be obtained if not already held—candidate may cover costs). ✅ Eligibility to work in regulated childcare roles (not on the Children’s Barred List). ✅ Successful background & reference checks.
Equal Opportunities Employer
We’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is valued and respected.
Ready to make a difference? Apply now and take the next step in your career with Tops Day Nurseries.
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