At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young children's development in a fun and inclusive learning environment.
- Company: Norcot Early Years Centre, dedicated to nurturing and celebrating diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, extensive training, and generous holiday entitlement.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in Early Years Education while making a real difference.
- Qualifications: Passion for child development and eagerness to learn; no prior experience needed.
At Norcot Early Years Centre, our values of nurture, inclusion and kindness guide us to create a welcoming, stimulating and fun environment where everyone is treated as an individual. We are committed to providing meaningful opportunities and to celebrate diversity. We ensure every child can learn, grow, feel valued and belong.
37 hours per week – fixed term for 12‑18 months – term time required ASAP. Are you passionate about working with children aged 3 months to 5 years old and eager to start your career in Early Years Education? Waterside Day Care is looking for a motivated and enthusiastic apprentice to join our supportive and friendly team.
About the Role
- Assist in creating a safe, stimulating, fun and inclusive learning environment for children.
- Support the development of children’s social, emotional, and educational needs through engaging activities and play.
- Build positive relationships with children, parents, and colleagues.
- Gain hands‑on experience while working towards a nationally recognised Early Years qualification.
You will be supported in gaining experience and confidence with young children whilst studying to gain your Level 2/3 Early Years Apprenticeship.
About You
- Is passionate about supporting young children’s development.
- Is eager to learn and committed to completing their Early Years apprenticeship.
- Has good communication and teamwork skills.
- Has a caring and responsible attitude and is committed to working in a busy environment with a flexible approach to work.
No prior experience is necessary, but a genuine enthusiasm for Early Years education is essential.
Benefits
- A vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming environment – where passionate, dedicated staff work together to support and educate children with a wide range of needs and abilities.
- A strong, professional team – backed by an experienced and approachable Senior Management Team who are committed to your success.
- Excellent community partnerships – working closely with families, governors, and the wider community to create the best possible outcomes for children.
- Comprehensive training and development – Safeguarding, Health & Safety, First Aid, Food safety, Prevent, Fraud Awareness, GDPR, Equality, Cyber Security within the induction period, with further regular continuous opportunities for professional growth.
- Career progression opportunities – with support for further qualifications and development within the Centre and the wider Council.
- 60% staff discount on childcare fees – subject to availability within the nursery school or day care.
- A genuine commitment to staff wellbeing – with a culture that values balance, recognition, and care for every team member.
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for LGPS members).
- One paid wellbeing day per year (pro rata) to support your work‑life balance.
- Season Ticket Loan – to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey to and from work.
- Lease Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme – lease a brand new, greener car for three years, with insurance, servicing and road tax included in the monthly fee.
- Free, confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – offering professional advice and emotional support whenever you need it.
- Cycle to Work Scheme and other local discounts via the Council’s staff benefits portal.
- Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years’ service (calculated in pay for TTO positions).
This Centre is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to provide satisfactory background checks, references and an enhanced DBS disclosure will be sought.
Please do not send a C.V. For the purposes of Equal Opportunities we can only accept Reading Borough Council application forms. An application form and recruitment pack can be found online at Reading Borough Council under the jobs link. For further details about the post or to arrange a visit, please contact: 0118 9375677 or email bursar@norcot.reading.sch.uk. No agencies please, we are a local authority employer. The advert will close when a suitable candidate has been appointed.
Apprentice - Norcot Early Years Centre employer: Reading Borough Council
Norcot Early Years Centre is an exceptional employer that prioritises nurture, inclusion, and kindness, creating a vibrant and supportive environment for both staff and children. With a strong commitment to professional development, comprehensive training, and a genuine focus on employee wellbeing, we offer apprentices the chance to grow their careers in Early Years Education while making a meaningful impact in the lives of young children. Our inclusive culture, competitive benefits, and opportunities for career progression make us a fantastic place to start your journey in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice - Norcot Early Years Centre
✨Connect with Local Educational Institutions
Get involved with universities and colleges in your area, especially those that offer adult continuing education programmes. Attend open days or even guest lectures to network with faculty members and find out about potential job openings before they even get advertised.
✨Leverage Professional Education Networks
Join professional networks focused on adult education, such as the Adult Learning Australia or the International Society for Technology in Education. These communities often have job boards or can point you towards opportunities at places like Reading Borough Council just waiting for the right candidate!
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
In your interviews, share your own experiences and thoughts on lifelong learning. Highlight any courses or workshops you've taken recently to demonstrate your commitment to personal development and the importance of education. This is a big plus for roles in this field!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out our careers page at Reading Borough Council. Applying directly through our website not only makes your application stand out but also shows you're genuinely interested in joining us. We love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice - Norcot Early Years Centre
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Education:When crafting your CV for the Apprentice - Norcot Early Years Centre role, make sure to emphasise any relevant experience in adult or continuing education. This could be teaching credentials, training sessions you've facilitated, or programmes you’ve developed. The more specific you can be about your contributions and outcomes, the better!
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:In the adult continuing education sector, strong communication and interpersonal skills are key. Use your cover letter to share specific examples of how you’ve worked with diverse groups or handled different learning styles. Let us see how you've engaged learners—you’re selling your teaching style here!
Connect Your Passion to Our Mission:At Reading Borough Council, we value candidates who resonate with our mission to empower lifelong learners. Make sure your cover letter reflects your passion for adult education and your alignment with our goals. A genuine connection can really make your application stand out!
Keep it Professional Yet Personable:While it’s important to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. We’re looking for someone who can connect with our learners, so a friendly, approachable tone can help convey that vibe in your written materials. Apply through our website and let us see the real you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
When interviewing for a role in adult continuing education at Reading Borough Council, it's super important to highlight your passion for lifelong learning. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to education and how you've fostered a love for learning in others – this is something hiring managers love to see!
✨Prepare for Adult Education Methodologies
Be ready to dive into your knowledge of andragogy and educational theories during the interview. Expect questions about how you would adapt your teaching styles for adult learners – think about specific strategies you’ve used in the past and be prepared to discuss how they positively impacted your students.
✨Discuss Your Experience with Diverse Learners
At Reading Borough Council, you’ll likely encounter a diverse range of adult learners, so don’t shy away from discussing your experience with different demographics. Be prepared to share your successes in engaging learners from varied backgrounds, and how your approach has adapted to meet their unique needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Ability to Collaborate
Given that this is a full-time role, teamwork will be essential. Be ready to talk about your experiences working in collaborative settings, whether it be with fellow educators, administrators, or community partners. Highlight specific projects where your collaborative efforts contributed to successful educational outcomes.
