The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
18 months apprenticeship
We’re looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Early Years Apprentice to join our team at Lodge Day Nursery. This is a fantastic opportunity to start your career in childcare, learn from experienced professionals and gain a recognised early years qualification while working hands‑on with children under 5.
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
You’ll learn how to support the development and wellbeing of children under 5 by working closely with qualified early years educators. Through hands‑on experience and college study, you’ll gain a solid understanding of child development, safeguarding and the Early Years Foundation Stage.
You will also:
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Build strong relationships with a small group of key children, observing their progress and supporting their individual learning needs.
- Contribute to creating an inclusive, safe and stimulating environment where children feel valued and secure.
- Record observations using the system, helping parents and carers stay connected with their child’s learning journey.
- Support positive behaviour and act as a positive role model.
- Assist with daily routines including snack preparation, hygiene practices and maintaining a clean, safe setting.
- Work as part of a team and use your initiative to provide high quality care and learning experiences.
About you
You’ll be someone who genuinely enjoys spending time with young children and is enthusiastic about building a career in childcare. You’ll bring warmth, curiosity and a willingness to learn, along with the motivation to work hard both in the nursery and at college.
We’re also looking for:
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A friendly, approachable and confident person who can build positive relationships.
- Someone organised, proactive and able to use their initiative.
- Experience caring for children (this can be informal, such as babysitting).
- Willingness to attend occasional evening/weekend work when required.
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 do
Drive 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 potential
Be 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 way
Make 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 needed
Our offer
We 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:
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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 leave
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities
- Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
- Local 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 work
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax
To arrange a confidential discussion on this position please contact
[email protected]
Closing Date: Sunday 5th July 2026
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Interview Process: To be confirmed
