Childcare Apprentice-Level 3
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire, United Kingdom Hampshire
Job type: Part Time Temporary
Salary: £12.72 Hour
Contracted Hours: 30 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 Early Years Educator Level 3 apprenticeship follow the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours outlined in the apprenticeship standard. These can be revisited within separate modules to enhance learning and relevance throughout the apprentice’s practice.
The units you’ll study are split up into modules which include, Child development, Safeguarding, Transitions as well as EPA support session. The course consists of an assessment of your practice, professional discussions, Q&A as well as some small assignment tasks. You will be supported throughout the course by a dedicated trainer and also with the option of an online learning environment.
We are proud to be ranked 9th in the prestigious Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers in the UK in 2024! We offer fantastic opportunities to develop in a Nursery Career from Level 2 Childcare Apprenticeships all the way through to Nursery Manager or even to become an Early Years Teacher!
About the Nursery
Tops Copnor Nursery is a 35-place day nursery and preschool based within Pompey Health and Fitness in Copnor, Portsmouth, providing Early Education and Care for children aged 12 weeks to preschool. We offer a warm, nurturing environment where children are supported to learn, play, and grow through a broad, play-based curriculum that builds confidence, independence, and social skills. Children enjoy a range of activities including Forest School, cooking school, yoga, Boogie Mites, meditation, and more, alongside regular opportunities for active, hands-on learning. The nursery features an open-plan, single-level layout, a large wraparound garden with a dedicated area for younger children, and easy access for families, supporting a safe, engaging, and inclusive learning environment.
What does the role involve?
- Assist in providing a safe environment for children
- Assisting with daily, weekly and monthly checks around the nursery
- Assist in ensuring the unit is clean and tidy and assist in meal preparation
- Assist colleagues with developing and maintaining good relationships with local schools, charities and involvement with the community (e.g. parades, visiting care homes)
- Taking children on trips out and assist on picking up from school
- Able to support children’s behaviour and act as a role model
- Support in ensuring the environment is stimulating and appropriate including layout, display of resources, displays and equal opportunities
What are we looking for?
- This course is suitable for those of you working in a childcare setting who may wish to progress to a senior or supervisory role. On completion of the Level 3 you may progress onto further qualifications, including Level 5.
- If you have not secured a grade 4 (C) or above in GCSE maths and English, you will be required to complete Functional Skills Level 2 in maths and English. You will be fully supported by your trainer using a range of materials that best suits you.
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.
- 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!
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
