At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the development and wellbeing of children under 5 while gaining hands-on experience.
- Company: The Lodge Day Nursery, a supportive and inclusive childcare environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, flexible working, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a friendly team that values innovation and ambition.
- Why this job: Kickstart your childcare career with real impact and professional growth.
- Qualifications: Enthusiasm for working with children and some informal childcare experience.
The predicted salary is between 27185 - 30000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Early Years Apprentice to join our team at Lodgement Day Nursery. This is a fantastic opportunity to start your career in childcare, learn from experienced professionals and gain a recognised early years qualification while working hands-on with children under 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
You’ll learn how to support the development and wellbeing of children under 5 by working closely with qualified early years educators. Through hands-on experience and college study, you’ll gain a solid understanding of child development, safeguarding and the Early Years Foundation Stage.
You will also:
- Build strong relationships with a small group of key children, observing their progress and supporting their individual learning needs.
- Contribute to creating an inclusive, safe and stimulating environment where children feel valued and secure.
- Record observations using the system, helping parents and carers stay connected with their child’s learning journey.
- Support positive behaviour and act as a positive role model.
- Assist with daily routines including snack preparation, hygiene practices and maintaining a clean, safe setting.
- Work as part of a team and use your initiative to provide high quality care and learning experiences.
About you
You’ll be someone who genuinely enjoys spending time with young children and is enthusiastic about building a career in childcare. You’ll bring warmth, curiosity and a willingness to learn, along with the motivation to work hard both in the nursery and at college.
We’re also looking for:
- A friendly, approachable and confident person who can build positive relationships.
- Someone organised, proactive and able to use their initiative.
- Experience caring for children (this can be informal, such as babysitting).
- Willingness to attend occasional evening/weekend work when required.
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.
- Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS).
- 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.
Early Years Apprentice - The Lodge Day Nursery in Reading employer: Reading Borough Council
The Lodge Day Nursery is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its staff, offering a supportive environment where you can thrive in your early years career. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, as well as generous benefits such as 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays, flexible working opportunities, and a modern working environment in the heart of Reading, this role provides a unique chance to make a meaningful impact on children's lives while enjoying a rewarding career path.
