Nursery Practitioner-Level 3

Location: Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom Devon

Job type: Full Time Permanent

Salary: £14.60 Hour (depend on qualification)

Contracted

Hours:

40 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 over 30 nurseries 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 Practitioners look after the educational and social development of babies and young children up to the age of five. Their primary duties include providing children with a safe environment to learn, helping them to develop basic social and behavioural skills and engaging them in age-appropriate play activities. In joining us, you’ll also become part of our extended family. You’ll work alongside other team members who are passionate about providing care, warmth and kindness to all those who work in our Nurseries.

Tops Exeter Nursery is a 104-place day nursery and preschool located within the University of Exeter, providing Early Education and Care for children aged 3 months to school age. Our passionate team creates a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to explore, learn, and grow with confidence. Children benefit from enriching activities including Forest School, cooking school, yoga, and Boogie Mites, designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning.

As part of our eco‑sustainable approach, we also encourage children to develop respect for the environment through hands‑on, meaningful experiences.

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.

• £700 Welcome Bonus to kick‑start your journey with us
• 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!

• Providing day‑to‑day care, including feeding, changing diapers, and helping children with toilet training. They also ensure a safe, clean, and stimulating environment.
• Developing and leading fun, age‑appropriate activities that promote learning and development, focusing on key areas like social, emotional, physical, and cognitive skills.
• Observing children’s development and identifying any areas of concern. They help children develop their motor skills, language, and social interactions through play and structured learning.
• Ensuring that children are safe and emotionally supported. They create an atmosphere that encourages children to explore and learn independently.
• Keeping records of each child’s progress, including documenting milestones, behaviours, and developmental needs. This is often part of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework in the UK.
• Maintaining regular communication with parents or guardians about…