Early Years Educator (Level 3) - Sure Start Whitley Nursery

Reading Borough Council; Reading; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous holiday entitlement

LGPS membership

Life Assurance (LGPS)

Job summary

Reading Borough Council invites applications for an Early Years Educator (Level 3) at Sure Start Whitley Nursery. You will support children aged 0–5, act as a Key Person and plan activities within the EYFS framework, fostering inclusion and safeguarding best practices.

The role emphasizes high-quality care, collaborative teamwork with families and professionals, and a warm, proactive approach to child development in a diverse setting. The nursery values inclusion and professional growth.

Qualifications

• Hold a Level 3 Early Years / Childcare qualification.
• Have experience working with young children in a nursery or similar environment.
• Have a good understanding of the EYFS framework and safeguarding responsibilities.
• Be warm, caring and able to act as a positive role model.
• Have strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Support children aged 0–5 with their learning, development and wellbeing.
• Act as a Key Person, building strong relationships with children and families.
• Plan and deliver engaging activities in line with the EYFS framework.
• Observe, assess and record children’s progress to support development.
• Promote a safe, inclusive and stimulating learning environment.
• Follow safeguarding procedures and report concerns.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, parents and external professionals.
• Support children with additional needs and contribute to SEND support plans as required.
• Maintain high standards of health, safety and hygiene across the setting.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Initiative

Observation & assessment

Child development

Safeguarding knowledge

Education

Level 3 Early Years / Childcare

Job description

Early Years Educator (Level 3) - Sure Start Whitley Nursery

We are looking for a passionate and caring Level 3 Early Years Educators to join our friendly team at Sure Start Whitley Nursery. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting children’s early learning and development.

You’ll help create a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where children feel valued, supported, and inspired to learn. Working within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), you will deliver high-quality care and “in the moment” teaching that supports every child to thrive.

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

In this role, you’ll play a key part in creating a nurturing, safe, and engaging environment where children can learn, develop, and thrive. You’ll support children through high quality care and teaching, helping them build confidence, curiosity, and key early learning skills.

You’ll work closely with colleagues and families to ensure every child receives the best possible start, adapting your approach to meet individual needs and promoting inclusive practice.

Support children aged 0–5 with their learning, development, and wellbeing

Act as a Key Person, building strong and supportive relationships with children and families

Plan and deliver engaging activities in line with the EYFS framework

Observe, assess, and record children’s progress to support their development

Promote a safe, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment

Follow safeguarding procedures and report concerns

Work collaboratively with colleagues, parents, and external professionals

Support children with additional needs and contribute to SEND support plans where required

Maintain high standards of health, safety, and hygiene across the setting

About you

You’ll be passionate about early years education and committed to making a difference in children’s lives. You’ll bring a caring and positive approach, with the ability to build meaningful relationships and support children from a wide range of backgrounds.

You’ll be someone who enjoys working as part of a team, takes initiative in your role, and is motivated to continue learning and developing your skills.

Hold a Level 3 Early Years / Childcare qualification

Have experience working with young children in a nursery or similar environment

Have a good understanding of the EYFS framework and safeguarding responsibilities

Be warm, caring, and able to act as a positive role model

Have strong communication and teamwork skills

Be organised, proactive, and able to use your initiative

Be committed to inclusive practice and supporting every child to thrive

You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we doDrive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potentialBe Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive wayMake a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are neededOur offerWe 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 leaveA wide range of flexible working opportunitiesLocal Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)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 workLease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road taxTo arrange a confidential discussion on this position please contact Nursery Manager - [e-mail] Date: Sunday 22nd November 2026Interview Date: To be confirmedInterview Process: To be confirmed

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme