At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team in nurturing and developing babies in a vibrant nursery environment.
- Company: The Lodge Day Nursery, a well-established and inclusive childcare provider in Reading.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, flexible working, pension scheme, and life assurance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career in a supportive setting.
- Qualifications: Level 3 in Early Years/Childcare and experience leading a baby room.
- Other info: Innovative culture encouraging ideas and collaboration with a focus on child development.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Overview
The Lodge Day Nursery
We are opening a brand-new baby room and need experienced staff to care for and help our babies grow, develop through love and nurture.
About the role
The Lodge is a well established nursery providing high quality, affordable and free childcare to local families in Reading.
The nursery is set out over two 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 an early year’s team leader who can work collaboratively with our team, families, and wider professionals in the best interests of the children.
Skills and experience
- Level 3 in Early Years/Childcare.
- Post qualified experience.
- Experience of leading a baby room 0-2 years.
- Excellent understanding of child development.
- Excellent communication skills.
Desirable
- Team leader experience.
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 2nd November 2025
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Interview Process: To be confirmed
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Early Years Team Leader - 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 Early Years Team Leader - The Lodge Day Nursery
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before your interview, take some time to research The Lodge Day Nursery. Familiarise yourself with their values and approach to childcare. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As an Early Years Team Leader, you'll need to communicate effectively with both children and adults. Try role-playing common scenarios with a friend or family member to boost your confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership experience! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led a team or managed a baby room in the past. Highlight your ability to inspire and support others, as this is key for the role at The Lodge.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our site. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows your enthusiasm for joining our fantastic team at The Lodge.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Team Leader - The Lodge Day Nursery
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Early Years Education: When writing your application, let your love for working with children shine through. Share specific examples of how you've nurtured and supported children's development in previous roles. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and needs of The Lodge Day Nursery. Highlight your experience leading a baby room and your understanding of child development. This shows us that you’re not just sending out generic applications but are truly interested in joining our team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget 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 gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at The Lodge Day Nursery.
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Know Your Child Development Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of child development theories and practices. Be ready to discuss how you’ve applied this in your previous roles, especially in leading a baby room. It’ll show that you’re not just experienced but also passionate about nurturing young minds.
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
Since the role involves working collaboratively with a team, think of examples where you’ve successfully led or worked within a team. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve fostered an inclusive environment. This will demonstrate that you can lead while also valuing everyone’s input.
✨Get Familiar with The Lodge's Values
Take some time to research The Lodge Day Nursery and its commitment to providing high-quality childcare. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs, particularly around inclusivity and community engagement. This shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of their mission.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Think of thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about their approach to innovation in early years education or how they support staff development. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.