Nursery Assistant | Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust; Reading; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare provider in Reading is seeking a qualified Level 2 Nursery Assistant to join their team. The role involves providing care and developmental support for children aged 6 months to transition to reception. You will maintain high care standards in a nurturing environment. The position offers full-time hours with supportive training and development opportunities.

Benefits

Flexible working options

27 days annual leave

Generous NHS pension scheme

Excellent learning and development opportunities

Discounts at popular retailers and restaurants

Qualifications

• NVQ 2 in childcare or equivalent qualification.
• Understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
• Knowledge of safeguarding children and child protection.

Responsibilities

• Support care and activities for children aged 6 months to reception.
• Maintain high standards of care and learning opportunities.
• Work in partnership with parents and maintain records.

Skills

Understanding of Early Years Foundation Stage

Knowledge of safeguarding children and child protection

Education

NVQ 2 in childcare or equivalent

Job description

Overview

We are looking for a qualified Level 2 Nursery Assistant to join our team.

Location: Little Dragons, Bath Road, Reading

Salary: £24,465

About the employer

We are Little Dragons Day Nursery located within Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. We pride ourselves on nurturing a positive and supportive environment for our children, and we are looking for a Nursery Assistant, Level 2 qualified to join us on a full-time basis.

About you / Your wellbeing

Your wellbeing is our top priority, and we understand the challenges that come with this role. To support you, we offer full support in obtaining your Level 3 qualification with no course fees to worry about!

Working hours

We are open Monday to Friday, from 7:30am to 6:00pm, closed on Bank Holidays and during the Christmas and New Year period. Our team works on a rota basis, covering 37.5 hours per week typically 7.5 hours per day.

Your role

You will support the team in caring for and engaging a group of children, providing daily care and activities, while also assisting with developmental reviews. We offer care and education for children aged 6 months through to their transition to reception. You will be responsible for maintaining high standards of care and creating learning opportunities in a safe, stimulating environment, all while supporting the Early Years Foundation Stage.

• To provide the best possible care and stimulation for the children of the nursery meeting their physical, intellectual, emotional and social needs in a non-discriminatory manner.
• To work in partnership with parents and encourage their involvement in the aims of the nursery and in all aspects of their child’s care.
• To provide and maintain records as necessary and appropriate, in line with the EYFS Statutory Framework.
• To attend training courses, to ensure that modern, innovated and forward looking practices are maintained and to allow for personal career development.
• To assist in the daily domestic management of the nursery; ensuring that the nursery is kept safe, secure and clean at all times.

Benefits and values

Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated ‘outstanding’ by the CQC, we’re committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire. As an employer, we’re committed to offering an inclusive and compassionate environment where our people share in a sense of belonging and are supported to flourish.

• Flexible working options to support work-life balance.
• 27 days’ annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sell
• Generous NHS pension scheme
• Excellent learning and career development opportunities
• ‘Cycle to Work’ and car leasing scheme
• Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services
• Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants
• Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities and armed forces community to support equality
• Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave.
• Free parking across Trust sites

Qualifications / must haves

• NVQ 2 in childcare or equivalent qualification in line with those listed on the ‘qualification finder’ section of www.education.gov.uk
• An understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage
• A knowledge of safeguarding children and child protection

Additional information

For further information about the role, please see attached job description and person specification.

We strongly encourage you to review how you meet the criteria in the person specification and write about this point-by-point in your supporting statement for the best chance of being shortlisted.

Equal opportunities

We’re committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in our accreditations: Race Equality Matters Silver Trailblazer, Neurodiversity in Business Corporate Member, Disability Confident Leader, Carer Confident Level 2, and the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award. Reasonable adjustments will be provided to candidates as needed.

How to apply / contact

We welcome a conversation about flexibility and any other questions you may have. Please don’t hesitate to call: Rebecca Croft on 0118 9585316 or email [e-mail] who’ll be delighted to help.

Application notes

*Applications for this role will be considered on a first come first serve basis and we may close the vacancy early if the right candidate is found.

Please note, we may close this role earlier than the advertised closing date, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

This advert closes on Wednesday 1 Oct 2025