Job Description

Childcare Nursery Assistant / Lunch Cover

The Orchard Day Nursery is an outdoor setting on the outskirts of Caversham set in beautiful 1/2 acre landscaped gardens. We provide full day care and education all year round for babies and young children in a homely environment from 8 am to 6 pm.

The number of families who like Orchard's nature-based and creative atmosphere is increasing and we need to grow our team to cope with this interest. We have a range of part time assistant positions available including Lunch Cover, short day, morning only or afternoon only shift patterns.

So, please get in touch if you are experienced in working with young babies and children and know how to keep them safe, stimulated and nurtured and you will find a genuinely happy space where you can make a difference.

Your salary is negotiable dependent on your childcare experience.

The Orchard can provide you with a wholesome and professional environment where you can contribute to giving young children the best start in life and be supported by an intelligent, kind and respectful team.

Children spend most of each day outside playing and laughing and parents tell us how happy their children are to come to nursery.

Your daily tasks will vary based on the care and education needs of the children and your experience. Duties range from cooking, serving and supervising meals and making bottles to building garden dens and creating largescale nature inspired art. It is expected that all practitioners and assistants develop the skills to work with the whole age range from 9 month old babies to 7 year holiday club children.

The job is varied and interesting and while each day can feel different it is built on a solid care routine with strict policies and procedures that comply with all statutory regulations.

Your interest in child development, childcare and early education as well as a strong desire to work outdoors are essential qualities. If you also are interested in gaining a full and relevant early years qualification as part of your job then we can help you achieve this goal.

Your personal qualities are also of huge interest to us. Please check the list below to see if you are a good fit for us before applying by sending us your up to date CV and a covering letter.

Skills and Personal Characteristics

Caring and kind Interested in working with children Imaginative and fun A genuine connection with Nature and the Great Outdoors Approachable and reassuring Curious and creative Willing to work with parents and carers Health and safety conscious Aware of Child Protection and Safeguarding Excellent communication skills Willing to try new things Positive attitude to problem solving Good organisational skills Good observational skills

Essential and useful training is provided as part of the induction process

You must be prepared to undertake an Enhanced police check through the disclosure and barring service as a condition of being offered a position. We require Two references prior to commencement of work and you must be able to prove you have the right to work in the UK.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From 27,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company events Company pension Discounted or free food Sick pay
Application question(s):

Do you hold a full and relevant Early Years qualification?
Education:

GCSE or equivalent (required)
Experience:

Childcare: 2 years (required)
Language:

English (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Location:

Reading RG4 (preferred)
Work Location: In person