At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children's learning and development in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Little Learners Nursery on the beautiful University of Reading campus.
- Benefits: 35 days holiday, 50% childcare discount, and wellbeing perks.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while enjoying a supportive team culture.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in childcare and experience in a childcare setting.
The predicted salary is between 26858 - 30618 £ per year.
Little Learners Nursery is based on the beautiful University of Reading Whiteknights Campus. Our current location was purpose built in 2009 to provide more childcare places for students and staff of the University of Reading and Reading Students' Union. The nursery is available for 100 children aged from three months to five years and is staffed by a team of experienced and professional childcare practitioners who strive to go the extra mile to put our Little Learners first.
Job Purpose: To assist the Nursery Manager to ensure the efficient and effective running of all areas of the Nursery in accordance with high standards of customer service, nursery policies and procedures, health and safety requirements, and equal opportunities. A fundamental aspect of the role is adherence to safeguarding good practices and ensuring the overall welfare of the children. To implement the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to help young children achieve their full potential. To work as part of a team in caring for all children in our care.
Key Details:
- Department: Little Learners Nursery, University of Reading Students Union
- Hours: Full time (35 hours over 4 days or 40 hours over 4.5 days)
- Salary: £26,858.16/year (35 hours per week) or £30,618.30/year (40 hours per week)
What you’ll get from us: We know how important it is to feel supported both at work and at home. That’s why we offer:
- 35 days holiday a year, including bank holidays and nursery closure days
- 50% discounted childcare for our team
- Access to Perkbox for everyday discounts and wellbeing perks
- A TOTUM card for even more savings on things you love
Key Responsibilities:
Learning, Development and Care
- To maintain a welcoming atmosphere where children have the opportunity to explore and develop in a safe environment, supporting learning and development through child-initiated play.
- Establish and develop a good relationship with parents and carers, providing feedback on daily activities and undertaking regular 'watch me grow' meetings.
- Plan activities to support the children’s individual learning needs based on observational evidence.
- Maintain a learning journey for key children, reviewing current levels of development and planning for next stages in accordance with EYFS guidance.
- Ensure children’s individual personal hygiene needs are met.
- Encourage good table manners and independence during mealtimes.
- Provide consistent methods of behaviour management as per the nursery's guidance and policies.
- Responsible for the day to day housekeeping and maintenance of nursery equipment.
Health and Safety
- To ensure safety for staff, students, children and visitors at all times.
- To take an active role in emergency evacuation situations.
- To take a lead role in First Aid provision when required.
- To ensure high standards of Nursery hygiene.
Staff Development
- To attend and contribute to meetings/team briefs to ensure effective communication.
- To adhere to Little Learners and Reading Students’ Union’s policies and procedures.
- To maintain and enhance current childcare knowledge and skills through active participation in training sessions and external training.
To take on this role you’ll have a NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in childcare and have experience of working in a childcare setting. We'd love for you to bring your ideas along with an inclusive and collaborative approach to teamwork. In return, we provide a truly exciting and varied working environment. If you're excited to be part of a charity that makes a real difference, we'd love to hear from you.
Reading SU strives to be an equal opportunities employer. We champion diversity and remove barriers to inclusion, and are committed to ensuring that our workforce is an inclusive community that celebrates difference. We develop positive policies in all aspects of our work that promote equal opportunities for everyone, irrespective of their age, disability, ethnic background, gender or gender identity, home country, sexuality, race or religious beliefs. If you think you have what it takes to join our dedicated team, but don't necessarily meet every point above, please get in touch. We'd love to have a chat and see if you could help us to achieve great things for Reading SU and our community.
Early Years Practitioner- Level 3 Qualified in Reading employer: Reading Students' Union
Little Learners Nursery, located on the picturesque University of Reading Whiteknights Campus, is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of both its staff and the children in its care. With generous benefits such as 35 days of holiday, discounted childcare, and a commitment to professional growth through training opportunities, we foster a supportive and inclusive work culture where every team member can thrive. Join us in making a meaningful impact within our community while enjoying a rewarding career in early years education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Practitioner- Level 3 Qualified in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before your interview, take a stroll around the University of Reading Whiteknights Campus and familiarise yourself with Little Learners Nursery. This will help you feel more confident and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for early years education! During your interview, share specific examples of how you've supported children's learning and development in previous roles. We love hearing about your experiences and ideas!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss safeguarding practices. As an Early Years Practitioner, it's crucial to demonstrate your understanding of child safety and welfare. Brush up on relevant policies and be prepared to talk about how you would implement them.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us that you're keen on joining our team at Little Learners Nursery. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Practitioner- Level 3 Qualified in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. We want to see how much you care about early years education and how you can contribute to our Little Learners team.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and qualifications, especially your NVQ Level 3 in childcare. We love seeing how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure to communicate your ideas effectively without unnecessary fluff. This helps us understand your fit for the role quickly.
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 position. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Students' Union
✨Know Your EYFS Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Be ready to discuss how you would implement it in your daily activities and support children's development. Bring examples from your past experience to showcase your understanding.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Little Learners Nursery values teamwork, so be prepared to talk about how you’ve collaborated with colleagues in previous roles. Share specific instances where you contributed to a positive team environment or helped resolve conflicts.
✨Engage with Parents and Carers
Highlight your ability to build relationships with parents and carers. Think of examples where you’ve communicated effectively about a child's progress or addressed concerns. This will show that you understand the importance of partnership in childcare.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Safeguarding
Safeguarding is crucial in this role, so be ready to discuss your knowledge of safeguarding practices. Share any relevant training or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of children.
