At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children's learning and development in a vibrant nursery environment.
- Company: Sure Start Whitley Nursery, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, flexible working, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team in a modern setting with great career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience with children aged 0-5; Level 3 in Early Years preferred but not essential.
Sure Start Whitley Nursery
This vacancy is for casual hours to cover lunch periods, part days and full days as agreed in advance with nursery management.
Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success.
About the role
Sure Start Whitley Nursery is a busy, popular and well‑established nursery providing high quality, affordable and free childcare to local families in the South of Reading. The nursery is set out over three bright rooms which connect to a private garden space. Our local community is diverse with children attending our setting from a range of different backgrounds and with many different languages represented. Our educators are completely focused on ensuring that all children achieve and have an equal chance of success in an environment which is inclusive, inspiring, and nurturing.
We are currently looking for casual educators (qualified or unqualified) who can work collaboratively with our team, families, and wider professionals in the best interests of the children.
Skills and experience
- Experience of working with children aged 0-5 years in an early years’ setting.
- Excellent understanding of child development.
- Excellent communication skills.
Desirable
- Level 3 in Early Years/Childcare. Unqualified candidates will be considered.
Vision and values
- Work Together as one team – work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do.
- Drive Efficiency – show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential.
- Be Ambitious – be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way.
- Make a Difference to Reading – maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed.
Our offer
- A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays – rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years\' service, with the option to buy additional leave.
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities.
- Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS).
- On‑site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted.
- Season Ticket Loan – a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work.
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax.
Closing Date: Sunday 2nd November 2025
Casual Early Years Educator - Sure Start Day Nursery employer: Reading Borough Council
Sure Start Whitley Nursery is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and inclusive environment for Early Years Educators to thrive. With a commitment to diversity and employee development, staff enjoy generous holiday entitlements, flexible working opportunities, and access to a supportive local government pension scheme. Located in the vibrant community of South Reading, our nursery not only provides high-quality childcare but also fosters professional growth and collaboration among educators.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Casual Early Years Educator - Sure Start Day Nursery
✨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 Casual Early Years Educator - Sure Start Day Nursery
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Education:When crafting your CV for the Casual Early Years Educator - Sure Start Day Nursery 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.
