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- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to deliver exceptional early years education and create enriching learning experiences.
- Company: Join Sure Start Whitley Nursery, a supportive and inclusive environment focused on child development.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holiday, flexible working, and a competitive salary with great perks.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team committed to excellence and innovation in early education.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career in a vibrant community.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Childcare qualification and strong experience in early years practice required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 ÂŁ per year.
Are you an experienced Early Years practitioner ready to step into a leadership role where you can truly make an impact? Sure Start Whitley Nursery is looking for an inspiring, organised, and child‑centred Early Years Team Leader to lead high‑quality practice and support our dedicated team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is passionate about early education, thrives in a fast‑paced environment, and is committed to delivering the very best outcomes for children aged 0–5.
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.
About the role
As an Early Years Team Leader, you will play a key role in shaping the day‑to‑day practice within your room and ensuring a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment. You will:
- Lead and supervise a team of Early Years Educators, modelling excellent practice.
- Ensure the EYFS statutory requirements are met and embedded across your room.
- Maintain high standards of safeguarding, acting as a Designated Safeguarding Officer.
- Provide “in the moment” teaching and create enriching learning opportunities.
- Oversee observations, assessments, and progression for all children in the room.
- Coordinate the key person system and act as a key person for your group.
- Monitor and support children with additional needs, working closely with the SENCo.
- Communicate effectively with parents/carers, sharing progress and building strong partnerships.
- Manage daily routines, staffing ratios, room organisation, and transitions.
- Support the Nursery Manager and Deputy, including stepping up in their absence.
- Assist with events, parent meetings, open days, and staff training.
- Complete audits and quality monitoring to drive continuous improvement.
About you
We are looking for someone who is confident, proactive, and committed to delivering exceptional early years care.
- A Level 3 Childcare/Early Years qualification.
- Strong experience in early years practice and working with families.
- A caring, approachable, and positive attitude.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Ability to lead, motivate, coach, and support staff.
- Understanding of children’s developmental needs from 2 months to 5 years.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to work to deadlines.
- Commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and high‑quality provision.
- Reliability, flexibility, and confidence in decision‑making.
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 and values
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 - champion and inspire a culture which ensures that all employees across the organisation work together to provide excellent outcomes for Reading.
- Drive Efficiency - create an environment in which resources are used efficiently and employees’ skills are developed and used effectively.
- Be Ambitious - aspire to deliver excellence and inspire and support others to reach their potential.
- Make a Difference to Reading - inspire a culture in which the customer is the focus and where change is welcomed as an opportunity.
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 29th March 2026
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Interview Process: To be confirmed
Early Years Team Leader - Sure Start Whitley Nursery employer: Reading Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Reading Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Team Leader - Sure Start Whitley Nursery
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the early years sector and let them know you're on the lookout for a leadership role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising common questions related to early years leadership. Think about how you would lead a team, support children with additional needs, and ensure high-quality practice. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for early education during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in children's lives or improved team dynamics. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our fantastic team at Sure Start Whitley Nursery.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Team Leader - Sure Start Whitley Nursery
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for early years education shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in children's lives and how you can inspire others in the team.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in early years practice. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and how you've supported children and families in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at Sure Start Whitley Nursery.
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Know Your Early Years Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these in your previous roles and how you can ensure they are met at Sure Start Whitley Nursery.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led a team in the past. Think about times when you've motivated staff, modelled best practices, or handled challenges. This will show that you're ready to step into a leadership role.
✨Communicate with Confidence
Since communication with parents and carers is key, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might even want to role-play some scenarios where you share children's progress or address concerns with parents.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Inclusion
Be prepared to discuss how you've supported children with additional needs in your previous roles. Highlight your understanding of diverse backgrounds and how you can create an inclusive environment for all children.