ST JOSEPH'S COLLEGE READING TRUST

Early Years Practitioner
(L3 Qualified Desirable)

Permanent

From 0.6-1 FTE

Information for prospective
members of staff

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Appointment of an Early Years
Practitioner

St Joseph’s College is seeking to appoint an Early Years Practitioner, who is either Level
3 qualified or willing to complete the training, for an immediate start. This is an exciting
opportunity for a skilled practitioner to join our friendly and supportive school.

The full-time working hours are 42.5 hours a week Monday to Friday and the contract is
for 50 weeks per year. The role is offered between 0.6-1 FTE and hours will be discussed
at interview.

Closing Date: 9am on Monday 5 January 2026
Interviews will take place shortly after the closing date.

Contents
Message from the Head

About the Prep School

Duties and Responsibilities

Areas of Responsibility and Key Tasks

Person Specification

About the College

Our Missions and Aims

Why St Joseph’s?

Non-contractual Benefits

Appointment Procedure

Interview Process

How To Find Us

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Message from the Head,
Mrs Laura Stotesbury

Thank you for your interest in St Joseph’s College.
I am delighted that you are considering our school
and I trust that this recruitment pack will provide
you with the information you require both about
the post and the College.

I believe that this is an exciting time to be joining St Joseph’s College. There
has been a significant growth in the pupil roll over the last few years and
the governors are continually looking to invest in the facilities. There is a real
appetite for what we have to offer as both an educational establishment and
an employer.

The College seeks to be a school which places an emphasis on providing
an all-round education: academic, pastoral, social and spiritual, where
pupils develop the attributes of commitment, collaboration, confidence,
communication and compassion through the various aspects of school life.
The College is a very happy place, and staff enjoy working here.

I hope that you will want to apply for this post. I recognise that much time
and thought goes into preparing an application and we, in turn, will give your
application serious consideration.

Mrs Laura Stotesbury
Head

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About the Prep School

Pupils join Pre-Reception from the age of three and, through the forward-thinking curriculum in place at the College,
pupils develop high levels of skills and expectations. The successful candidate will work with the Head of EYFS in
motivating and inspiring the pupils to enjoy and value their learning.

You will provide a safe and secure environment for them to develop their social and communication skills, while recording
observations and summarising their achievements.

You will be primarily based in the Pre-Reception class working with pupils aged 3-4 years and you will be supported by
a number of Early Years Practitioners. Specialist teachers take the Pre-Reception pupils for lessons in PE and Music and
teaching and learning in the classroom is varied and adaptive, using diverse resources and thinking skills. Each classroom is
equipped with an Interactive Whiteboard and the College uses Read Write Inc. as our phonics programme and reading
takes place daily.

Assessment is completed in line with helping the pupils work to achieve the Early Learning Goals and supporting the
successful transition to the Infant Section of the Prep School. Through the pastoral support, regular assemblies and
structure of the school day, pupils are encouraged to adopt a strong work ethic and begin to develop independent
learning skills. Pupils of all ages are expected to think for themselves and to think of other people.

The successful candidate needs to be a dedicated professional who is prepared to work collaboratively in a close-knit
team. They will need to be enthusiastic, hardworking and passionate about education and pupil progress.

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Conditions of Service

The role is offered between 0.6-1 FTE and hours will be discussed at interview.

The full-time working hours are 42.5 hours a week, Monday to Friday, and the contract is for 50 weeks per year.  The working
schedule will be agreed in advance between the hours of 7.30-6pm (on a rota basis) and you are entitled to 20 days paid
annual leave, plus public and bank holidays, which you will be required to take as they fall. The hourly rate will depend on
experience and qualifications of the appointed candidate and the school has a pension scheme in operation.

Training for the Level 3 Childcare qualification may be available for the right candidate.

About the Role
The post-holder will be responsible in the first instance to the Head of Early Years and, during term time, to the Early Years
Teacher. During Holiday Club that responsibility passes to the Head of Holiday Club.

Duties and Responsibilities
Our Pre-Reception delivers an early education programme which aims at supporting each pupil’s personal, social, academic,
physical and emotional development. The Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum is followed and there is a mixture of child
and teacher-initiated learning. The Senior EYP is responsible for setting up enabling classroom environments which capture
pupils’ curiosity and give them opportunities to be creative and explore. The key aim is to ensure that the pupils develop at
the pace that is appropriately challenging for them and that the characteristics of effective learning are fostered to prepare the
pupils for their next educational steps. This is continued throughout the holiday club where the senior EYP is responsible for
the EYFS planning.

Members of staff are expected to comply with any reasonable request from a manager to undertake work of a similar level
that is not specified in this job description.

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Main Requirements

Three qualities are essential:

1.  You must be a first-rate practitioner who has a real enthusiasm for working in a Prep school environment
2.  You must enjoy the pastoral aspects of supporting pupils’ learning
3.  You must want to contribute to the extra-curricular activities of the College

In fulfilling the requirements of the post, the practitioner should demonstrate essential professional characteristics, and in
particular will:

Engage and motivate pupils

Inspire trust and confidence in pupils and colleagues

•
•  Be committed to working with colleagues as part of a team
•
•  Demonstrate analytical thinking to improve the quality of pupils’ learning
•  Be a reflective practitioner
•  Uphold the values and mission of St Joseph’s College and maintain them both inside and outside the classroom
•  Promote the wider aspirations and values of the College

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Areas of Responsibility and Key Tasks
Supporting Teaching and Learning

Interact, engage and play with children, inspiring and extending their thinking

•
•  Offer constructive and sensitive feedback to help children recognise what they have achieved and think about what

they might do next

•  Have high expectations of all children and demonstrate commitment to ensuring that they achieve their full potential
•  Contribute to and sustain a safe, welcoming, nurturing and stimulating environment where children feel confident,

secure and inspired

•  Use observation and other strategies to contribute to the monitoring and documentation of children’s activity,

development and progress systematically and carefully

•  Contribute to effective use of a range of assessment, monitoring and recording strategies, including using ‘Tapestry’

•

under the guidance of the Pre-Reception Teacher
In accordance with the Pre-Reception Teacher’s planning, prepare and use a range of resources suitable for children’s
ages, interests and abilities, taking account of diversity and promoting equality and inclusion

•  Maintain a safe, hygienic, well ordered learning environment for children. Prepare snacks and meals safely with

attention to allergies, food safety and children’s preferences

•  Monitor and actively support the development of children’s language and communication skills through both daily

conversations and planned screening and support strategies

•  Promote positive behaviour, self-control and independence through using effective behaviour management strategies

and developing children’s social, emotional and behavioural skills

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Safeguard children by recognising when a child is in danger or at risk of harm and know how to act to protect them

Pastoral Duties
•
•  Promote the general progress and well-being of individual pupils and of the class as a whole
•

Liaise with the Pre-Reception Class Teacher/Head of Early Years to ensure implementation of the College pastoral
system

•  Accompany pupils to assemblies and other parts of the campus, encourage their full attendance and active

participation in all aspects of College life

•  Alert appropriate staff to any problems being experienced by pupils
•  Communicate as appropriate with parents of pupils Support with Pre-Reception/Infant Assemblies and Class

Assemblies as required

•  Recommend pupils for the award of House Points, Golden Certificates, College Deputy Head (Prep) Commendations

and Class Prizes

Other Professional Requirements

•  Attend meetings and other functions as appropriate
•  Undertake supervisory duties during the school day
•  Meet all deadlines reasonably requested
•  Assisting with the provision of First Aid cover for pupils (First Aid Training will be provided)
•  Adhere to all policies (including Health and Safety and Safeguarding) and raise any concerns to the appropriate person.
•  To supervise and engage with pupils outside the classroom as necessary, for example lunchtimes and play times
•  Be aware of wider curriculum developments
•  Undertake professional development to enhance teaching and pupils’ learning
•  Carry out other duties as reasonable directed by the Pre-Reception Class Teacher,
•  Head of Early Years, the College Deputy Head (Prep) or the Head

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Person Specification

Criteria

Essential

Education,
Qualifications
and Experience

NVQ Level 3 (or willingness to complete the training)
GCSE Maths and English Language (Grade C or above) or L3 Functional Skills Worked
in an environment which involves direct care for children
Basic awareness of health and safety practices

Skills and
Attributes

Personal
Qualities

Good communication and interpersonal skills
Empathy with pupils across the age and ability range
Capacity to deal sensitively with problems raised by pupils
High expectations of pupils
Ability to inspire trust in parents and carers

Passion for Early Years
Excellent role model for pupils
Enthusiastic and able to enthuse and encourage others
Ability to establish good working relationships and work well in a team
Flexible, motivated, able to work unsupervised and an ability to deal with unpredictable
situations.

Desirable

Paediatric First Aid Training
Knowledge of appropriate play activities e.g. games, crafts, stories, songs
etc. Knowledge and experience of Read Write Inc. programme and of an IT
application to log observations and evidence such as Tapestry
Working experience with children aged 3-5 years

High standards of written and spoken English
Good computer skills
Ability to diffuse difficult situations using different strategies such as careful
listening, sensitive use of humour, praise and recognition
Have particular skills related to guiding children in their play
Ability to use initiative

Forward thinking approach

Commitment to own continuing professional development

Other
Requirements

Fully supportive of the College’s Catholic tradition Commitment to the ethos of the
College
Willingness to contribute to extra-curricular activities
Commitment to safeguarding and well-being of all pupils

Commitment to the whole life of the College
Able to promote the image of the College through an articulate and
confident approach

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About the College

St Joseph’s College is the leading independent day school for boys and girls aged 3 to 18 in Berkshire. It is fully
co-educational and consists of the Senior School (ages 11 to 18) and the Prep School (ages 3 to 11). The Senior School
and Prep School are located within a single campus.

Awards
The College has won several awards over the last few years including TES Independent School of the Year, Outstanding
Progress at the Education Business Awards and Outstanding Leadership Team at the Leadership Awards.

Ethos
St Joseph’s is a Catholic school welcoming pupils of every faith or no faith. Pupils are educated in an atmosphere where
Christian values and standards are recognised and established. The size of our classes means everyone receives the
individual guidance and support they need to achieve their potential. Staff, pupils and parents form strong links, with a
focus on both the academic progress and the well-being of each pupil.  We encourage all pupils to develop an awareness
of their own role in society.

Points of Entry
The main points of entry to the school are at age 3, 11, 13 and 16. Entry into the Senior School is by formal assessment,
and around 60% of applicants to the Senior School are from maintained primary schools.

Leavers’ Destinations
The majority of Sixth Form leavers go on to their choice of university to study a diverse range of subjects. Examination
results are strong and improving year-on-year, however our focus is very much on producing young adults who also have
skills for life such as confidence, social skills and a good understanding of the world around them.

Recent Developments
During the past six years the Governors have taken a number of measures to develop the College. In addition to
becoming co-educational these include an emphasis on marketing and a substantial investment in facilities, buildings and
staff. Consistently rising pupil numbers provide momentum for growth and the confidence to make further investment.

The Future
Looking to the future, St Joseph’s will continue its ambitious plans to enhance and develop the College. However, we will
ensure that as we grow, our caring ethos remains at the heart of the College. The warm and friendly nature, together
with the way pupils display concern and respect for one another, are often commented upon by visitors and parents. We
are proud of this and it is one of the most rewarding aspects of working here.

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At St Joseph’s, our mission is to encourage, inspire, challenge and support pupils to fulfill their potential in a community founded on Catholic Christian values.

We aim to develop life skills of compassion, commitment, collaboration, confidence and communication in each pupil, throughout each of their years at the school.

Our Mission and Aims

The College’s ISI inspection took place in May 2022

The Educational Quality Inspection report examines the quality
of the school’s work and focusses on two key outcomes:

•  The achievement of the pupils, including their academic development,

and

•  The personal development of the pupils.

Their key findings were that the quality of the pupils’ academic and other
achievements is good. They commented that ‘pupils have a strong focus
in lessons and work positively both as independent and collaborative
learners’.

They found that the quality of pupils’ personal development is excellent,
noting that ‘pupils have a very positive attitude towards supporting
other people both within the school and wider community’, and ‘pupils
embrace positively the diversity of their school and respect and value their
differences.’

The school scored highly in other areas too, with inspectors praising the
co-curricular opportunities offered by the school, noting ‘pupils achieve
success in a wide range of activities both within and beyond the classroom
and they gain valuable new skills from their involvement’.

Regulatory Compliance Inspection Report

Regulatory compliance inspections from ISI focus on whether the school

meets the Education (Independent Schools Standards) Regulations

and the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework. These

are the national standards for all independent schools. In each of the

eight discrete areas, including all areas relating to safeguarding, the

inspectors found that ‘the standards are met’. This is the highest possible

achievement under this current inspection framework and is a huge

accolade.

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Why St Joseph’s?

Education for boys and girls from age 3 to 18

At St Joseph’s we offer:
•  A safe and happy environment in which academic and social skills are developed
•
•  A varied curriculum and excellent facilities
•  A strong sense of community
•  High academic reputation
•  Wide range of extra-curricular activities including a strong tradition of music and drama

St Joseph’s is staffed by teachers who combine the best in traditional educational values with a sharp awareness of what is
appropriate for pupils who need to be prepared for the twenty-first century. Our pupils are encouraged to be confident,
questioning, independent learners, whilst at the same time developing a moral and spiritual sense of purpose in their lives
and in their studies.

Salary
The College has its own salary scales, with starting salaries dependent on the experience and qualifications of the
successful candidates. Salary scales are reviewed annually by the Governors, to ensure they remain competitive. Annual
salary is paid by bank transfer on the last working day of each month, in 12 equal monthly instalments.

Non-contractual benefits

School fee reduction
Staff at St Joseph’s College (who are not employed on casual contracts) are eligible for a staff discount on basic tuition
fees of 50% for full-time staff, pro rata for part-time staff, subject to their child(ren) meeting the entrance requirements.

Childcare vouchers
St Joseph’s participates in the government’s salary sacrifice childcare voucher scheme or government tax-free childcare
scheme.

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Pension
The College participates in a contributory pension for non-
teaching staff. Further details are available from the Bursar’s
Office.

Legal advice
Staff have access to a 24 hour legal information telephone
helpline, covering issues such as consumer rights, debt, tax and
personal injury.

Drinks and snacks
Tea, coffee and biscuits are available to all staff at break time,
and there is access to hot drinks throughout the day. Snacks
and light meals are provided to staff when working later in the
evening for school events.

Lunch
A duty meal may be obtained from the Dining Hall.

Laptop
Teaching staff are loaned a school laptop to assist with their
teaching and administration, and docking stations are available
throughout the school.

Use of a private vehicle
Subject to a journey being approved by the Bursar or Head,
staff can use their private vehicle for school journeys during
working hours. The insurance will be under the school’s
insurance and staff can claim for mileage.

Car parking
All staff may park in the school car park, subject to the
availability of a space. A valid school parking permit must be
displayed clearly on the windscreen of any car parked onsite.

Counselling
Staff have access to a 24 hour telephone counselling helpline.
In addition, the lay chaplain or visiting school counsellor may be
able to see staff.

Healthcare helpline
A telephone based healthcare support service is available to all
staff at no cost.

Swimming pool
Staff are permitted to use the school swimming pool during
designated staff swimming sessions.

CPD and training
Professional development is nurtured and encouraged, and the
school has a full annual INSET programme. There is strong support
for new teaching staff. Newly qualified teachers can undertake their
accredited NQT year through the Independent Schools Council
programme and a number of members of staff have completed
teaching qualifications whilst employed at St Joseph’s.

Staff Room
There is a professional, friendly and supportive Staff Room,
together with departmental workspaces throughout the school.

The above non-contractual benefits are currently available to
staff. They are at the discretion of the Governors who reserve
the right to withdraw them without notice.

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Appointment Procedure

•  Applications will only be accepted from candidates completing the College

Teaching Application Form in full, accompanied by a covering letter.

•  The covering letter should illustrate specifically why you think you should be

considered for this role, giving clear evidence of how your skills and experience
meet the requirements of the role. You should give clear examples, and relate
these to the job description and person specification.

•  These should be emailed to recruitment@sjcr.org.uk or alternatively sent by

post to Mrs Guest, HR Coordinator, St Joseph’s College, Upper Redlands Road,
Reading, Berkshire RG1 5JT. Electronic application is encouraged and preferred.
•  The closing date is 9am on Monday 5 January 2026. Interviews will take place

shortly after the closing date.

•  All offers of employment are subject to the receipt of two satisfactory

references, one of which must be from your current or most recent employer.
For shortlisted applicants for teaching posts, references may be taken up prior to
interview.

•  St Joseph’s College employs personnel who are best qualified for the post

without discrimination in respect of age, disability, race, gender or native origin.
•  The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children

and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.

•  Successful applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks

with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

•  A copy of the College Recruitment, Selection and Disclosures Policy and
Procedures can be found on the College website: https://www.sjcr.org.uk/
vacancies/

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Interview Process

•  All candidates invited to interview must bring documents confirming any educational and professional qualifications that are necessary or relevant for the post (e.g. the original or

certified copy of certificates, diplomas etc). Where originals or certified copies are not available for the successful candidate, written confirmation of the relevant qualifications must
be obtained by the candidate from the awarding body.

•  During your visit you should expect to attend a number of interviews with different members of staff. We will also assess your suitability to work with children.

•  You will also be required to teach a lesson which will be observed. You will be provided with a brief for the lesson beforehand.

•  In addition to formal interviews there will also be an opportunity for shortlisted candidates to tour the College and to meet prospective colleagues.

•  The College requests that all candidates invited to interview also bring with them:

•  A current driving licence including a photograph, a passport and a birth certificate
•  A utility bill or financial statement issued within the last three months showing the candidate’s current name and address
•  Where appropriate any documentation evidencing a change of name
•  Proof of entitlement to work and reside in the UK

Please note that originals of the above are necessary. Photocopies or certified copies are not sufficient.

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How to find us

•  St Joseph’s College is situated in central Reading, near the University
and the Royal Berkshire Hospital. It is close to the M4 (Junction 11)
and has excellent transport links.

•  If travelling by train, the school is approximately 20 minutes’ walk
from Reading Station, or alternatively there are a number of local
buses that stop close by.

•  To accurately locate the College entrance at 64 Upper Redlands

Road on some GPS satellite navigation systems it may be necessary
to use the postcode RG1 5JP.

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