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

Reading Borough Council; England; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 21,000; Part time

Job summary

A local authority employer in the United Kingdom is seeking an enthusiastic Level 3 qualified Early Years Practitioner to join the dedicated team at their childcare centre. This part-time role involves working with children aged 3 months to 5 years, promoting their learning and development. Candidates should have strong communication skills, a caring nature, and experience in early years settings. Training and benefits such as childcare fee discounts are provided.

Benefits

60% staff discount on childcare fees

Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme

Free access to Employee Assistance Programme

Paid wellbeing time

Weekly CPD opportunities

Nurturing work culture

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience caring for babies and young children aged 3 months to 5 years.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive, non-discriminatory childcare.
• Understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

Responsibilities

• Support children through their early learning and development stages.
• Work positively with children, families, and colleagues.
• Ensure children's safety and enjoyment during care.

Skills

Creativity

Strong communication skills

Flexibility

Caring nature

Understanding of EYFS

Experience with young children

Education

Level 3 qualification in Early Years

Job description

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 part‑time post offered for 3 days per week (22.2 hours per week) on either early/late shift on a rota or compressed over 2 days (18.5 hours per week) or 3 days (27.75 hours per week). 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 2 or 3 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

What we offer

• 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.
• Pro‑rata paid wellbeing time per year to support your work‑life balance.
• Access to the Reading Borough Council staff benefits scheme.

Additional benefits

• 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.

For the purposes of Equal Opportunities we can only accept Reading Borough Council application forms.

Please do not send a CV.

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