At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and inspire young learners in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join St Joseph’s College, a leading independent school in Reading.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, professional development, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in Early Years or willingness to train.
- Other info: Dynamic team atmosphere with a focus on individual pupil success.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
We require a self-motivated and organised member of staff to join St Joseph’s College as Early Years Practitioner for an immediate start. The post holder will have a passion for working in Early Years and be Level 3 Qualified or willing to train for the qualification. The successful candidate will need to work collaboratively in a close-knit team and be enthusiastic about pupil progress in education.
The role is offered between 0.6-1 FTE and the full-time hours are 42.5 hours a week, scheduled on a rota between 7.30am-6pm. This is an exciting time to become part of our dynamic team. Situated in the heart of Reading, St Joseph’s College is the leading independent day school for boys and girls aged 3 to 18 in Berkshire. For us, success is about more than just exam results or awards. We celebrate each pupil as an individual and aspire for them to leave St Joseph’s as mature and confident citizens, ready to tackle life head on with energy and vigour.
You will be fully supportive of the College Catholic tradition and expected to contribute to the full life of the School.
For further details about the school, please visit our website or contact the HR & Recruitment Officer. Applicants for this post need to complete the application form and return it together with a covering letter to recruitment@sjcr.org.uk or alternatively sent by post to Mrs Guest, HR & Recruitment Officer, St Joseph’s College, Upper Redlands Road, Reading, Berkshire RG1 5JT. Electronic application is encouraged and preferred.
Closing date: 9am, Monday 5 January 2026
Interviews: Will take place after the closing date
The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
Early Years Practitioner (L3 Qualified - Desirable) employer: The Independent Schools Council
Contact Detail:
The Independent Schools Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Practitioner (L3 Qualified - Desirable)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who work with Early Years. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get an interview, let your enthusiasm for Early Years shine through. Share stories about your experiences and how they’ve shaped your approach to education.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to demonstrate your skills! Bring along examples of activities or projects you've worked on in Early Years. This will show that you’re not just talk but can deliver results.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on being part of our dynamic team at St Joseph’s College.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Practitioner (L3 Qualified - Desirable)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working in Early Years shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about pupil progress and are excited about the role!
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure your cover letter is specific to St Joseph’s College. Mention how your values align with our commitment to celebrating each pupil as an individual. This will help us see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Be Organised: Keep your application neat and structured. We appreciate a well-organised application that’s easy to read. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully, especially when it comes to submitting your documents.
Apply Online: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s quick and easy, and you’ll get all the info you need right there. Don’t forget to send your application before the closing date!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent Schools Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the Early Years framework and any relevant educational practices. Brush up on your Level 3 qualifications and be ready to discuss how your knowledge can benefit the pupils at St Joseph’s College.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted children's learning and development in previous roles or experiences.
✨Team Player Mindset
Since this role involves working closely with a team, be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others. Think of examples where you’ve worked effectively in a team setting, especially in an educational context.
✨Embrace the School's Values
Familiarise yourself with St Joseph’s College’s ethos and values. Be ready to explain how you align with their commitment to nurturing individual pupils and supporting the Catholic tradition, as this will show you’re a great fit for their community.