Early Years Practitioner (Full time) - Norcot Early Years Centre

Reading Borough Council; England; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority employer in England is seeking an enthusiastic Level 3 qualified Early Years Practitioner to join their team. This full-time role involves building nurturing relationships with children and providing high-quality care and education. The position offers a vibrant workplace, comprehensive training, and excellent staff benefits including a childcare fee discount and pension scheme. Immediate start available.

Benefits

60% staff discount on childcare fees

Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme

Access to Employee Assistance Programme

One day per year paid wellbeing time

Comprehensive training opportunities

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience caring for babies and young children aged 3 months to 5 years.
• Solid understanding of the EYFS and commitment to inclusive childcare.

Responsibilities

• Build strong, nurturing relationships with children.
• Support children's individual needs through planning and interactions.
• Deliver high standards of care and education.

Skills

Creativity

Enthusiasm

Strong communication skills

Flexibility

Caring nature

Education

Level 3 qualification in Early Years

Job description

37 Hours per week – Permanent

Norcot Early Years Centre is seeking an enthusiastic Level 3 qualified Early Years Practitioner to join our dedicated team at the Waterside Day Care building. This is a permanent position, available for an immediate start.

This is a full‑time post offered as either an early or late shift on alternate weeks or compressed over 4 days.

Early shift is 7.40 am to 4.00 pm, late shift is 9.55 am to 6.15 pm with an hour for lunch break. Compressed hours over 4 days start at 7.40 am and finish at 6 pm with an hour for lunch break.

Working in early years and childcare is more than just a job – it’s a chance to make a real difference. Every day brings new moments of joy as you support children through the earliest and most important stages of their learning and development. You’ll help shape their future while being inspired by their curiosity, creativity, and growth.

As a keyworker, you’ll build strong, nurturing relationships with your group of children, supporting their individual needs through thoughtful planning and meaningful interactions. You’ll be part of a friendly, experienced team, working together to deliver the revised EYFS and maintain high standards of care and education. Through play and positive role‑modeling, you’ll create engaging, inclusive learning experiences that spark imagination and help every child thrive.

The successful candidate will:

• Bring creativity, enthusiasm, and strong communication skills to your role.
• Show flexibility and a warm, caring nature in your approach to working with children.
• Demonstrate a solid understanding of the EYFS and a strong commitment to inclusive, non‑discriminatory childcare.
• Have hands‑on experience caring for babies and young children aged 3 months to 5 years.

We can offer you:

• A vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming workplace, where dedicated staff support and educate children with a wide range of needs and abilities.
• A strong, professional team backed by an experienced and supportive Senior Management Team.
• Excellent partnerships with parents, governors, and the wider community.
• Comprehensive training, including Safeguarding, Health & Safety, First Aid, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
• 60% staff discount on childcare fees (subject to availability in the nursery school or day care).
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Free access to an Employee Assistance Programme offering confidential support and advice.
• One day per year paid wellbeing time to support your work‑life balance.
• Access to the Reading Borough Council staff benefits scheme.

We offer :

• Wellbeing Day off each year (Pro rata)
• Weekly CPD opportunities
• High levels of staff retention
• A warm, nurturing culture where everyone is valued

This Centre is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to provide satisfactory background checks, references and an enhanced DBS disclosure will be sought.

We have a strong commitment to inclusion and safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We follow safer recruitment practices.

Please do not send a C.V. For the purposes of Equal Opportunities we can only accept Reading Borough Council application forms.

An application form and recruitment pack can be found online at Reading Borough Council under the jobs link.

For further details about the post or to arrange a visit, please contact Waterside office: 0118 937 5677 or email [e-mail].

or visit: https://www.norcotearlyyearscentre.co.uk

No agencies please, we are a local authority employer.

The advert will close when a suitable candidate has been appointed.