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- Tasks: Create fun activities for children and families, building community connections.
- Company: A vibrant group of Church of England parishes in Berkshire.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, holiday allowance, and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while growing your ministry skills.
- Qualifications: Passion for working with children and families, and strong leadership abilities.
- Other info: Supportive team environment with opportunities for spiritual growth.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 34000 £ per year.
The Benefice of Loddon Reach, Reading, England, United Kingdom
Hours: 37 hours per week (including regular Sundays)
Salary: £32,000–£34,000 | Contract: 3 years (with possible extension)
Be part of a growing, outward-looking group of four Church of England parishes just south of Reading. This is a pioneering role for someone who loves children and families, wants to see people encounter Jesus through the Holy Spirit, and who can build sustainable, creative ministry across schools, homes and community spaces.
Role summary
You will develop and grow a children and families ministry across the benefice: creating welcoming spaces, launching age-appropriate activities, building school and community links, and recruiting and equipping volunteers. You will be supported by an experienced Team Rector and a well-resourced ministry team.
Key responsibilities
- Design and run regular children and family activities (midweek and Sunday) and special seasonal events.
- Build and deepen relationships with local schools and community groups.
- Recruit, train and lead volunteer teams.
- Ensure safeguarding, GDPR and risk assessments are in place and followed.
- Manage a modest ministry budget and provide clear records and reports.
Package and support
- 5% stakeholder pension, 20 days holiday plus bank holidays (with agreed school-holiday pattern).
- Regular line management, mentoring and access to diocesan networks.
- CPD allowance and time for spiritual formation and supervision.
How to apply
Send an application form and a covering letter to rev.beer@loddonreach.org.uk. Download the application form and full details at www.loddonreach.org.uk/work-with-us.
Closing date for applications: 6th May 2026.
Loddon Reach is a group of four churches, Shinfield, Swallowfield, Spencers Wood and Beech Hill which are a part of the Church of England. We are located just south of the M4, in the Berkshire countryside, but just 5 miles from the centre of Reading. Our vision is to be God’s transforming presence for the communities in which we live and beyond.
Children and Family Pioneer in Reading employer: The Benefice of Loddon Reach
Contact Detail:
The Benefice of Loddon Reach Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Children and Family Pioneer in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your community, especially those connected to schools and local groups. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in local events! Attend community gatherings or church activities to meet families and children. This not only shows your commitment but also helps you understand their needs better.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your creativity! When you meet potential volunteers or community members, share your ideas for engaging activities. People love to see fresh, exciting plans that can make a difference.
✨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 mission to support children and families.
We think you need these skills to ace Children and Family Pioneer in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us: Before you start writing, take a moment to really understand who we are at Loddon Reach. Check out our website and get a feel for our values and mission. This will help you tailor your application to show how you fit into our community.
Craft Your Covering Letter: Your covering letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal and engaging. Share your passion for working with children and families, and highlight any relevant experience. Remember, we want to see your personality come through!
Be Specific in Your Application Form: When filling out the application form, be as specific as possible. Use examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills in building relationships and leading activities. We love seeing concrete evidence of your abilities!
Proofread Before Sending: Before you hit send, give your application a good proofread. Typos and errors can distract from your message. A clean, well-presented application shows us that you care about the details and are serious about the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Benefice of Loddon Reach
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to research the Benefice of Loddon Reach and its community. Understand their values, mission, and the specific needs of children and families in the area. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in making a positive impact.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
As a Children and Family Pioneer, creativity is key! Prepare to discuss innovative ideas for activities and events that engage children and families. Think about how you can create welcoming spaces and build relationships with local schools and community groups. Bring examples or even a mini portfolio if possible!
✨Highlight Your Leadership Skills
You'll be recruiting and leading volunteer teams, so it's important to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Share past experiences where you've successfully managed a team or project, focusing on how you motivated others and ensured everyone felt valued and included.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about safeguarding, GDPR, and risk assessments, as these are crucial in this role. Brush up on your knowledge of these areas and be ready to discuss how you would implement and manage these responsibilities effectively within the ministry.