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 prominent healthcare organization in Reading is seeking a qualified Level 2 Nursery Assistant to join its team. The role involves providing high-quality care and education for children while supporting their developmental needs. Candidates must hold an NVQ 2 in childcare or equivalent and understand the Early Years Foundation Stage. The organization offers a supportive environment with opportunities for career advancement and a range of benefits including flexible working options, career development, and generous leave entitlements. Applications will be considered on a first-come basis.

Benefits

Flexible working options

27 days annual leave

Generous NHS pension scheme

Career development opportunities

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounts at retailers

Free parking

Qualifications

• Must have NVQ 2 in childcare or equivalent qualification as listed on the qualification finder.
• Understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage is essential.
• Knowledge of safeguarding children and child protection is required.

Responsibilities

• Support the team in caring for and engaging a group of children.
• Provide daily care and activities for children aged 6 months to reception.
• Maintain high standards of care and create learning opportunities.

Skills

Understanding of Early Years Foundation Stage

Knowledge of safeguarding children and child protection

Education

NVQ 2 in childcare or equivalent qualification

Job description

Position Summary

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

Location & Salary

Location: Little Dragons, Bath Road, Reading
Salary: £24,465

Who are we

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 is our top priority, and we understand the challenges that come with this role. We offer full support in obtaining your Level 3 qualification with no course fees.

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.

Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

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.

Our values at Berkshire Healthcare

• Caring for and about you is our top priority
• Committed to providing good quality, safe services
• Working Together with you to develop innovative solutions

Benefits

• 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.

Must haves for this role

• 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.

Further information

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

Equal opportunities

We welcome applications from all sections of the community. 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.

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].

Application process

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.

Closing date

This advert closes on Wednesday 14 Jan 2026.