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Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust

Nursery Assistant

The closing date is 01 July 2026

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Job summary

We are looking for a qualified Level2NurseryAssistantto join our team.

Who are we:weareLittle DragonsNurserylocatedwithin Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.We pride ourselves on nurturing a positive and supportive environment for our children, and we are looking for aNursery Nurse, Level2qualifiedto join us on a full-time basis.

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 willbe responsible fora group of children, providing daily care, activities, and completing developmental reviews. You will support children from 6 months to reception age, ensuringhigh standardsof care and learning in a safe, stimulating environment, in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage. You will support and inspire children to become independent, creative, and confident individuals. By planning engaging and stimulating activities, you will help children achieve their full potential. Also building strong relationships with parents is essential.

You will alsomaintaina positive, caring approach, contribute creative ideas, and work collaboratively within the team and bring experience in working with children with special needs, working closely with the nursery team and the area SENCO to provide the best support.

Main duties of the job

  • To provide the best possible care and stimulation for the children of the nursery meeting their physical, intellectual,emotionaland 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 andmaintainrecords as necessary andappropriate, in line with the EYFS Statutory Framework.

  • to attend training courses, to ensure that modern, innovated andforward lookingpractices aremaintainedand to allow for personal career development.

  • Toassistin the daily domestic management of the nursery; ensuring that the nursery is kept safe,secureand cleanat all times.

About us

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 are:

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

Your wellbeing is important to us. Some of the benefits of working for us include:

  • 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 including electric vehicles
  • Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services
  • Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants
  • Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities, the environment and armed forces community to support equality
  • Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave
  • Free parking across Trust sites

Details

Date posted

08 May 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£25,272 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

371-TAP-CS360

Job locations

Nursery Little Dragons , 57-59 Bath Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG30 2BA

Reading

RG30 2BA

United Kingdom


Job description

Job responsibilities

The 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

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.

Werecommitted 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.

We welcome a conversation about flexibility and any other questions you may have. Pleasedonthesitate to call:Rebecca Croft, Nursery Manager on01189044638oremail :rebecca.croft@berkshire.nhs.ukwhollbe delighted to help.

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, if we receive a high number of applications, we may close this role earlier than the advertised closing date, so pleasesubmityour application as soon as possible.

Job description

Job responsibilities

The 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

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.

Werecommitted 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.

We welcome a conversation about flexibility and any other questions you may have. Pleasedonthesitate to call:Rebecca Croft, Nursery Manager on01189044638oremail :rebecca.croft@berkshire.nhs.ukwhollbe delighted to help.

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, if we receive a high number of applications, we may close this role earlier than the advertised closing date, so pleasesubmityour application as soon as possible.

Person Specification

Education/Qualifications /Training

Essential

  • 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

Continuous Professional Development

Essential

  • As stated in the EYFS, a good standard of written and spoken English. Also able to read and understand English such as to follow instructions or interpret a policy
  • A knowledge of safeguarding children and child protection and appropriate protocol
  • Evidence of ongoing professional development

Desirable

  • Paediatric First Aid Certificate
  • Food Hygiene Certificate
  • Working towards an NVQ 3 in childcare or equivalent qualification in line with those listed on the 'qualification finder' section of www.education.gov.uk

Previous Experience

Essential

  • Experience of any work which demonstrates the skills required for the post
  • Experience of team work
  • Previous relevant work in childcare

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Essential

  • Good communication skills
  • An understanding of the role of the Key Person
  • Knowledge of inclusive practice

Additional Requirements

Essential

  • Flexible approach to hours which includes a willingness to attend meetings, training and nursery events as appropriate
Person Specification

Education/Qualifications /Training

Essential

  • 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

Continuous Professional Development

Essential

  • As stated in the EYFS, a good standard of written and spoken English. Also able to read and understand English such as to follow instructions or interpret a policy
  • A knowledge of safeguarding children and child protection and appropriate protocol
  • Evidence of ongoing professional development

Desirable

  • Paediatric First Aid Certificate
  • Food Hygiene Certificate
  • Working towards an NVQ 3 in childcare or equivalent qualification in line with those listed on the 'qualification finder' section of www.education.gov.uk

Previous Experience

Essential

  • Experience of any work which demonstrates the skills required for the post
  • Experience of team work
  • Previous relevant work in childcare

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Essential

  • Good communication skills
  • An understanding of the role of the Key Person
  • Knowledge of inclusive practice

Additional Requirements

Essential

  • Flexible approach to hours which includes a willingness to attend meetings, training and nursery events as appropriate

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust

Address

Nursery Little Dragons , 57-59 Bath Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG30 2BA

Reading

RG30 2BA

United Kingdom


Employer's website

https://www.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust

Address

Nursery Little Dragons , 57-59 Bath Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG30 2BA

Reading

RG30 2BA

United Kingdom


Employer's website

https://www.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Nursery Manager

Rebecca Croft

rebecca.croft@berkshire.nhs.uk

01189044638

Details

Date posted

08 May 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£25,272 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

371-TAP-CS360

Job locations

Nursery Little Dragons , 57-59 Bath Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG30 2BA

Reading

RG30 2BA

United Kingdom


Supporting documents

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