Early Years Educator - Level 3

Early Years Educator -Level 3 £700 Welcome Bonus! Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire, United Kingdom Hampshire Job type: Full Time Permanent Working Hours: Our nursery is open from 6:00am–8:00pm, however staff work on a fair and supportive shift rota. You won’t be expected to work the full opening hours in one day. Early starts are balanced with earlier finishes, helping maintain a healthy work-life balance. Salary: up to £30,576 payable on an hourly basis Contracted Hours: 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 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. Other locations We also have the same role available in the following locations Portsmouth Lakeside Copnor 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. £700 Welcome Bonus to kick-start your journey with us (selected locations) Relocation support of up to £3,000 (T&Cs apply) ** Welcome Bonus and Relocation packages are not cumulative 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? 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, behaviors, 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 their child’s progress, needs, and any concerns that arise. What are we looking for? A minimum of a Level 3 Early Years Qualification is required. Have a strong understanding of safeguarding procedures Important Safeguarding Information Because this role involves regulated activity with children, all candidates must: 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. Apply Now Excited to make a difference? Take the next step in your career and join Tops Day Nurseries #INDHP