Location: Bournemouth, Dorset, United Kingdom Dorset

Job type: Full Time Permanent

Salary: £36,000 Annum

Contracted Hours: 40 hours per week

Driving licence and use of own car

A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen to join our award-winning Tops Day Nurseries and Shoots Training Team as an Learning and Development Lead.

We’re looking for a motivated, engaging trainer to support the growth of our organisation and deliver meaningful training that supports both new and existing colleagues. You’ll be part of a collaborative and passionate team, where employee development and care are at the heart of everything we do.

⭐ About the Role:

The Learning & Development Lead plays a pivotal role in shaping, delivering, and championing the company’s learning strategy. Working in close partnership with the People Director, this role supports and contributes to the delivery of the organisation’s strategic people goals and long-term vision for learning, capability building, and professional excellence.

As a senior member of the People Team, the L&D Lead provides direction, leadership, and expertise across all learning initiatives. They ensure EYFS training trends, Ofsted updates, and sector developments are understood, translated, and embedded into a cohesive learning strategy that supports high-quality practice across all settings. This role requires energy, creativity, and a forward-thinking approach to inspire a culture of continuous development and outstanding outcomes for children.

The role encompasses the full learning lifecycle—statutory and mandatory training, digital content creation, blended learning design, and LMS oversight, including ensuring high-quality content is developed, uploaded, and maintained on our learning platform. It also includes the delivery of in-person training across multiple nursery locations. Travel across settings is expected to ensure consistency, quality, and meaningful engagement with people.

✅ Essential Skills & Experience:

Significant experience in L&D, ideally within early years, childcare, or education.
Strong knowledge of early years pedagogy, safeguarding, and Ofsted frameworks.
Proven experience in designing and delivering high-impact training.
Experience in blended learning, digital tools, and LMS management.
Awareness of EYFS trends, Ofsted updates, and regulatory expectations.
Understanding of key early years learning theories, including Piaget, Vygotsky, Montessori, Froebel, and Reggio Emilia, with the ability to translate theory into practical development for people.

🎓 Desirable (or Willing to Work Towards):

Professional L&D, Training, or related qualification.
Experience designing, delivering, and evaluating learning programmes.
Early Years professional qualification (e.g., Level 3+, Early Years Educator).
QTS or equivalent teaching qualification desirable.
Evidence of ongoing CPD in L&D, leadership, and early years practice.
Familiarity with digital learning platforms and blended learning design.

🎯 Key Responsibilities:

Support the creation and implementation of a company-wide learning and development strategy, aligned to the organisation’s vision and people strategy set by the People Director and L&D Manager.
Work alongside the People Director and L&D Manager to drive strategic L&D priorities and support company-wide capability plans.
Proactively identify skills gaps, development opportunities, and areas for organisational growth.
Champion a culture of continuous learning, professional curiosity, and excellence across all teams.
Work with Directors and the L&D Manager to interpret EYFS trends, Ofsted updates, and regulatory changes, ensuring these inform learning priorities and quality standards.

About 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:

Annual Bonus Scheme: As an Employee-Owned Company, you’ll share in our success. Each May, you’ll have the opportunity to receive a bonus from our profit shares.

Childcare Discount: Enjoy up to 60% off childcare within Tops Day Nurseries.

Flexible Working Options: Maximise Your Time Off with Compressed Hours. By working compressed hours, you can enjoy even more time off either work a four-day week every week and gain up to 48 extra days off per year. or, alternatively, work nine days over two weeks, and you’ll receive up to 24 additional days off annually. That’s on top of your standard holiday allowance!

Holiday Allowance: Take advantage of 30 days of holiday to relax and recharge.

Exclusive Deals and Discounts: Access our reward and recognition platform, Each Person, for up to 40% off cinema tickets, Diesel Savings Card, and cashback on your favourite supermarkets and high street retailers.

Health and Wellbeing Support: We’ve got you covered with NHS Prescription Charges, Optical Care, and Dental Treatment

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status.

All candidates will be required to have an enhanced DBS which is on the update service. All offers are conditional upon satisfactory background checks. This role involves regulated activity with children. You should not apply if you are on the Children’s Barred List.

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Excited to make a difference? Take the next step in your career and join Tops Day Nurseries

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Tops Day Nurseries

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Learning and Development Lead