At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children aged 0-5 in a vibrant nursery environment.
- Company: Join Brighter Futures for Children, a not-for-profit making a difference in Reading.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous holidays, and a Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to equal opportunities for all.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives while developing your career in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience with young children is great; Level 3 in Early Years is a plus but not essential.
Overview
Brighter Futures for Children – casual hours to cover lunch periods, part days and full days as agreed in advance with nursery management.
About us
Brighter Futures for Children is a not-for-profit company, owned by, but independent of, Reading Borough Council. Although we are independent, we are very much part of the Reading Family. Our people enjoy all of benefits as other Council employees including membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme and continuous service.
We work closely with partners in the local community and key organisations including Reading Borough Council, policy, public health, and voluntary groups. We are responsible for the delivery of children’s social care, early help & prevention, education services (including SEND). This also includes fostering and adoption, the Youth Justice Service, and traded services with schools.
Our main aim is to protect and enhance the lives of the children of Reading. We help families find long-term solutions to ensure children lead happy, healthy, and successful lives.
About the team
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. The children are very important and so is our team. We work closely with our educators to ensure that they continue to learn, develop, and share good practices.
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.
Responsibilities
You will be part of a casual educator team supporting children aged 0-5 in a busy early years setting. Responsibilities include working with children, families and professionals to deliver high quality care and learning experiences in a safe and inclusive environment. (Specific day-to-day tasks will be arranged in advance with nursery management.)
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.
Offer
You will be part of a supportive, hardworking, and passionate team. We offer a supportive framework to develop your career. You’ll work in a friendly and collaborative environment where we are committed to delivering positive outcomes.
We offer a competitive salary, and you will be paid above the average market rates for this area.
A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
- Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution
- Incremental holidays starting with 26 days plus public holidays (rising to 33 after 10 years’ service)
- Discounted Child Care (on site nursery)
- Cycle to work scheme
- Season train ticket loans
- Salary Sacrifice Car Lease Scheme
- A range of local shopping discounts
- Remote/Agile working
Inclusion and Diversity
We want Brighter Futures for Children to be a great place to work and to ensure that our children, young people and families are represented in leadership roles and positions of power. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking.
We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and those of Other Ethnicities, LGBT+, disabled and neurodiverse communities to make a real difference to our children, young people and families so that equalities and justice remains at the heart of everything we do.
Asking for adjustments
Brighter Futures for Children is committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and as accessible as possible for everyone. This includes making adjustments or changes for disabled people, neurodiverse people or people with long-term health conditions.
If you would like us to do anything differently during the application, interview or assessment process, including providing information in an alternative format, please let us know.
Closing date and start dates
Closing date: Sunday 28th August 2025
Interview date: To be confirmed
We look forward to hearing from you!
Notes for staff transfer
In January 2025 the decision was made to bring Children’s Services (currently operating as Brighter Futures for Children Ltd (BFfC)) back in-house to Reading Borough Council (RBC).
All staff employed by BFfC on 30 September 2025 will transfer, via the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (TUPE), to the Council on 1 October 2025.
For new starters who BFfC confirms before 27 September 2025 their pre-employment checks are completed and a start date agreed will be issued with a BFfC contract and will transfer to RBC.
For new starters whose pre-employment checks have not been completed and / or a start date has not been agreed before 27 September, you will be issued with an RBC contract and your start date will not be before 6 October 2025.
Casual Early Years Educator - Sure Start Whitley Nursery in Reading employer: Reading Borough Council
Brighter Futures for Children is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where educators can thrive. With competitive salaries, generous benefits including the Local Government Pension Scheme, and opportunities for professional development, our team is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of children and families in Reading. Join us at Sure Start Whitley Nursery, where your contributions will be valued and your growth nurtured in a vibrant community setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Casual Early Years Educator - Sure Start Whitley Nursery in Reading
✨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 Whitley Nursery in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Education:When crafting your CV for the Casual Early Years Educator - Sure Start Whitley 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.
