At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire and nurture young minds in a vibrant nursery environment.
- Company: Coley Primary School, a place where joy and learning go hand in hand.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a caring team that values creativity, curiosity, and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while having fun every day.
- Qualifications: Experience in Early Years education and a passion for child development.
The predicted salary is between 24098 - 28857 £ per year.
The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Job details:
- Salary: £24,098 to £28,857 per year
- Contractual hours: 37
- Basis: Full time
- Region: Term Time Only / Permanent / Full-Time
- Job category/type: Early Years Services, Education, Schools, Youth Work
- Working Pattern: 8:00am – 4:00pm, Monday to Friday (plus two paid staff meetings per week)
Calling all enthusiastic Early Years Practitioners! Are you passionate about shaping the world of little explorers? Coley Primary School is looking for a vibrant Early Years Practitioner to bring energy, warmth and a sense of fun to our Nursery this September. At Coley, we believe Early Years should feel joyful, purposeful and full of possibility. Our Nursery and Reception are buzzing with energy, curiosity and creativity — places where children feel safe to explore, take risks and grow into confident learners. Everything we do is rooted in our values of Belonging, Respect, Honesty, Curiosity, Courage and Pride. You’ll see this in the way we build relationships, support our children and work together as a team — creating an environment where everyone feels included, valued and able to thrive.
What you’ll bring:
- You already know what great Early Years practice looks like — what matters here is how you bring it to life.
- We’re looking for someone who:
- Brings the EYFS curriculum alive through play, language and real-life experiences
- Creates an environment where children feel safe, included and excited to learn
- Builds warm, trusting relationships with children, families and colleagues
- Encourages curiosity, independence and confidence in every child
- Takes pride in their practice and is always looking to grow
What it feels like to work at Coley:
- You’ll be part of a team that:
- Looks out for each other and genuinely enjoys working together
- Reflects, adapts and embraces new ideas
- Values calm, consistent, therapeutic approaches with children
- Celebrates both the small steps and the big achievements
Our children are full of personality, potential and joy — and they deserve adults who match that energy. If you’re ready to help create a nursery where every child feels they belong, where curiosity is celebrated and where you can take pride in the difference you make every day, we would love to hear from you.
Safeguarding & Compliance: Coley Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check will be required.
Early Years Practitioner - Coley Primary School in Reading employer: Reading Borough Council
Coley Primary School is an exceptional employer for Early Years Practitioners, offering a vibrant and supportive work environment where creativity and curiosity thrive. With a strong emphasis on teamwork, professional growth, and a commitment to safeguarding, staff are encouraged to develop their skills while making a meaningful impact on the lives of young learners. Located in a nurturing community, Coley Primary School values inclusivity and celebrates both individual and collective achievements, making it a truly rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Practitioner - Coley Primary School in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow Early Years Practitioners or educators in your area. Attend local events or workshops to meet people who might know about job openings at Coley Primary School or similar places.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality! When you get an interview, let your passion for Early Years shine through. Share stories that highlight your creativity and how you’ve made learning fun for children.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the unexpected! Be ready to discuss how you would handle various scenarios in the nursery. Think about how you can create a safe and exciting environment for children, just like they do at Coley.
✨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 the team at Coley Primary School.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Practitioner - Coley Primary School in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for Early Years shine through in your application. We want to see how you bring the EYFS curriculum to life and create a joyful learning environment for children.
Be Personal:When writing your application, make it personal! Share specific examples of how you've built warm relationships with children and families. We love hearing about your unique experiences and how they align with our values.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and qualities we're looking for. Highlight your experience in creating safe and exciting learning spaces, and don’t forget to mention any relevant qualifications or training.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you're keen to join our team at Coley Primary School!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Know the EYFS Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. Be ready to discuss how you can bring it to life through play and real-life experiences. Think of specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your understanding and application of the curriculum.
✨Show Your Passion for Child Development
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for shaping young minds shine through. Share stories that highlight your ability to create a safe and exciting learning environment. Talk about how you encourage curiosity and independence in children, as this aligns perfectly with what Coley Primary School values.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Remember, building warm, trusting relationships is key in this role. Approach the interview as a conversation rather than a formal Q&A. Smile, make eye contact, and engage with your interviewers. This will not only showcase your interpersonal skills but also reflect the nurturing environment you aim to create for the children.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Adaptability
Coley Primary School values collaboration and adaptability. Be prepared to discuss how you work well within a team and how you’ve embraced new ideas in your previous roles. Highlight any experiences where you’ve supported colleagues or adapted your approach to meet the needs of children and families.
