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- Tasks: Create a nurturing environment for children aged 0-5 and support their learning.
- Company: The Lodge Day Nursery, part of Reading Borough Council, values diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, flexible working, competitive salary, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years Qualification preferred, with a passion for working with children.
- Other info: Join a vibrant community and enjoy a modern working environment in the heart of Reading.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
This position is based at The Lodge Day Nursery. We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities. The Lodge is a well-established nursery providing high quality, affordable and funded childcare to local families in Reading. The nursery is set out over three bright rooms which each connect to their own private garden spaces. 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.
About the role: We’re looking for caring, motivated, and enthusiastic Early Years Educators to join our nursery teams on a casual basis. Whether you hold a Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years Qualification, you’ll play an essential part in creating a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for children aged 0–5. You’ll support children’s learning and development through responsive, in-the-moment teaching and help them thrive as confident, curious learners. In this role, you’ll help every child feel safe, valued, and excited to learn. You’ll use your knowledge to create meaningful opportunities for play, exploration, and development.
You will also:
- Welcome new children and families, helping them settle into nursery life
- Build positive relationships with parents, carers, and colleagues
- Observe and record children’s development, contributing to planning
- Encourage positive behaviour through modelling and guidance
- Promote inclusive practice and support children with SEND
- Maintain the safety, cleanliness, and organisation of learning spaces
About you: You’ll be someone who genuinely enjoys working with young children and brings warmth, enthusiasm, and a caring approach to your work. You value teamwork, embrace creativity, and understand the importance of building strong, trusting relationships with families. We’re looking for someone who:
- Has a friendly, approachable manner and a child-centred mindset
- Communicates clearly with children, families, and colleagues
- Shows initiative and contributes positively to team life
- Is reliable, organised, and able to manage their workload effectively
- Is committed to safeguarding, inclusive practice, and ongoing professional development
You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
- 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: We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment. 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 22nd February 2026
Interview Date: Tuesday 24th February 2026
Interview Process: To be confirmed
Casual Early Years Educator - The Lodge Day Nursery employer: Reading Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Reading Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Casual Early Years Educator - The Lodge Day Nursery
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before your interview, take a stroll past The Lodge Day Nursery or check out their social media. Understanding their vibe and values will help you connect during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for early years education! When you're chatting with the team, share specific examples of how you've made a difference in children's lives. It’s all about showcasing your enthusiasm and experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss inclusivity! Since The Lodge values diversity, think of ways you've supported children from different backgrounds or those with special educational needs. This will show you’re on the same page as them.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the nursery's approach to learning and development. This shows you’re genuinely interested and eager to be part of their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Casual Early Years Educator - The Lodge Day Nursery
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Early Years Education: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with young children shine through. Share specific examples of how you've created nurturing environments or supported children's development in the past.
Tailor Your Application to Us: Make sure to customise your application to reflect our values and the role at The Lodge Day Nursery. Highlight your experience with diverse backgrounds and inclusive practices, as these are key to our success.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically so we can easily see how you fit into our team and what you bring to the table.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Casual Early Years Educator. Familiarise yourself with the nursery's values, the importance of inclusivity, and how to support children's development. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with young children shine through. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your caring approach and ability to build strong relationships with kids and families. This will demonstrate that you’re not just qualified, but also truly passionate about the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations, such as supporting a child with SEND or encouraging positive behaviour. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully navigated similar challenges. This will show your practical understanding of the role and your problem-solving skills.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready to ask the interviewer. Inquire about their approach to professional development or how they foster teamwork among educators. This shows that you’re engaged and interested in being part of their community, which is key for a role focused on collaboration.
