Total 43 job vacancies by Reading Borough Council

About the Team/role

We are seeking to develop our IFA service in line with the changing expectations of the courts around permanence through fostering being a suitable long-term care option of Children Looked After, and the need to increase our in-house fostering resource and to reduce the numbers of children being placed away from the Reading area. 2024 will be an exciting time to join our IFA service and help us to shape its future development.



Joining our IFA will give you the opportunity to have a varied case load covering different aspects of carer recruitment and retention. This will include assisting with the preparation, assessment, supervision, support and ongoing training of Foster Carers. You will also contribute to the matching process and assist with placing children with Foster Carers, in accordance with the Agency’s ethos and guidelines. In addition, as part of our social work team you will help us to provide a level of out of hours support to our carers, on a rota basis, during the evening and at weekends, in order to assist them to maintain high standards of care for all children who are placed with them (an extra allowance is paid for this).


Job responsibilities:

To support the ongoing development of our IFA fostering service.
To assist with the recruitment of Foster Carers and support shared retention activities.
To actively participate in the recruitment, preparation and assessment of prospective Foster Carers.
To provide and deliver professional support and supervision to BFfC’s IFA’s foster carers in line with regulatory requirements, whilst always promoting the safe care and development of the looked after children/young people who are placed in their care.
To develop and maintain positive working relationships with children, their families and other professionals.
To keep up to date with contemporary issues in children’s social work / fostering, including legislation and evidence-based practice, and to attend relevant training and development opportunities.
To at all times comply with the Fostering Service Regulations, National Minimum Standards for Fostering and any other relevant legislation, policy and procedures.
To maintain accurate and timely case recording.
When working with foster carers and vulnerable looked after children/young people, to recognise safeguarding concerns, risk assess and monitor identified risks. Where necessary to escalate any safeguarding concerns in a timely manner and plan mitigating actions, complying with any child protection, and safeguarding requirements.



Essential Qualification/Experience:



Social Work Qualification – Diploma in Social Worker, BA or equivalent.
Social Work England (SWE) registration.
Able to understand and apply knowledge of the legal, social, economic, and ecological context of social work practice.
A good understanding of the range of issues relevant to fostering services, including relevant fostering legislation and standards.
Reasonable computer literacy, including the ability and confidence to use email, to access the internet, and to use basic IT systems to maintain electronic records.
A good understanding of safeguarding policies, in particular:
The role of the LADO
Handling Allegation/Standards of Care Management
Child Protection and Working Together.


Our offer

We offer a very supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to be creative and focus on innovative and ambitious interventions that leads to sustainable change for children placed with our Foster Carers. We seek to be supportive of our staff, to work respectfully and collaboratively with colleagues and carers, and to consistently work in ways that uphold our company values. We offer a competitive salary along with a range of benefits:



Local Government Pension Scheme
Relocation Scheme
26 days’ holiday (from 1 April 2023) plus public holidays (rising to 33 after 10 years’ service)
Discounted Child Care (on site nursery)
Cycle to work scheme.
Season ticket loans
A range of local discounts
Free parking
Salary sacrifice car lease scheme


Inclusion and Diversity

We want Brighter Futures for Children to be a great place to work and to ensure that our children, young people and families are represented in leadership roles and positions of power. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking.




We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and those of Other Ethnicities, LGBT+, disabled and neurodiverse communities to make a real difference to our children, young people and families so that equalities and justice remains at the heart of everything we do.



Asking for Adjustments

Brighter Futures for Children is committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and as accessible as possible for everyone. This includes making adjustments or changes for disabled people, neurodiverse people or people with long-term health conditions.




If you would like us to do anything differently during the application, interview or assessment process, including providing information in an alternative format, please let us know.




Closing date: 17th November 2024



We very much look forward to hearing from you!

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

About the role
We currently have a vacancy for an experienced Team Manager to join our ASYE Academy Team, part of the Family Help & Safeguarding service. We firmly believe that relationship-based social work makes a real difference to the lives of children, young people and their families, and our ASYE Academy Team focus on delivering outstanding support to families.

Our newly created ASYE Academy Team has been developed in order to allow children and families to benefit from the continuity of having only one social worker, and to form a relationship with that worker that promotes sustained positive change. The benefit for our ASYE social workers in this practice model is the ability to form consistent, meaningful relationships with children and their families; the opportunity to learn and to develop new skills whilst working across the journey of the child in statutory social work; to have lower caseloads, and a supportive environment that makes relationship-based social work flourish.
Our practitioners in the ASYE Academy Teamwork with children during S.17 (Children Act, 1989) single assessments, S.47 child protection investigations, as well as working with children subject to Child In Need Plans, Child Protection Plans, pre-proceedings, proceedings and those becoming looked after. They are provided with regular support and supervision by a Consultant Practitioner in the Team.

As a Team Manager you will be responsible for leading and managing the team comprising of 3 Consultant Practitioners and 9 ASYE social workers and taking new cases from our Children’s Single Point of Access Team (MASH). You will also be responsible for overseeing the learners and practice educators within BFfC’s Children’s Social Care. You will provide passionate and inspiring leadership to your Team, providing regular high-quality supervision and support, and will ensure that the child’s lived experience is at the very heart of everything that is done. At Brighter Futures for Children, we have a culture of providing high support and high challenge, in the very best interests of children. We are immensely proud to be growing and developing our staff in the Family Help & Safeguarding service and now benefit from having a very stable workforce where over 90% of our staff are permanent, our reliance on agency cover is low, and caseloads are mostly manageable. We need skilled and committed people to join our Team and support our delivery within this relationship-based practice model and make a real difference to our children and families in Reading. In return we offer a very competitive salary and benefits package, a recruitment and retention allowance, generous pension, relocation package, annual leave up to 26 days, and excellent career progression opportunities. Whether you want to develop your skills and experience as a social worker or step into more senior roles including management, we offer a comprehensive range of training and learning opportunities to do so, making a commitment to investing in you. At Brighter Futures for Children, we invest in the well-being of our staff too, and know that we can’t deliver excellent outcomes for families if our staff are also not exceptionally well supported. We really do like to “grow our own” and are immensely proud at how so many of our staff have stayed working with us, and have been supported to progress in their careers, including to more senior roles. If you like the sound of this, please get in touch with us today for a confidential discussion about the post.

For more information about the role, please read the job description and person specification.


Our offer
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition are strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.


Inclusion and Diversity

We want Brighter Futures for Children to be a great place to work and to ensure that our children, young people and families are represented in leadership roles and positions of power. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking.

We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and those of Other Ethnicities, LGBT+, disabled and neurodiverse communities to make a real difference to our children, young people and families so that equalities and justice remains at the heart of everything we do.

Asking for Adjustments
Brighter Futures for Children is committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and as accessible as possible for everyone. This includes making adjustments or changes for disabled people, neurodiverse people or people with long-term health conditions.

If you would like us to do anything differently during the application, interview or assessment process, including providing information in an alternative format, please let us know.

Closing date: 8 November 2024
Interview date: 15 November (face to face)


We look forward to hearing from you!

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

About the role

We currently have a vacancy for an experienced Service Manager to join our Family Help & Safeguarding service. We firmly believe that relationship-based social work makes a real difference to the lives of children, young people and their families, and our generic Together for Families Teams, ASYE Academy Team, and Supporting Families Team all focus on delivering outstanding support to families.


Our Together for Families (TfF) Teams have been developed in order to allow children and families to benefit from the continuity of having only one social worker, and to form a relationship with that worker that promotes sustained positive change. The benefit for our social workers in this practice model is the ability to form consistent, meaningful relationship with children and their families; the opportunity to learn and to develop new skills whilst working across the journey of the child in statutory social work; to have lower caseloads, and a supportive environment that makes relationship-based social work flourish.


Our Together for Families teams, and the ASYE Academy Team both work with children during S.17 (Children Act, 1989) single assessments, S.47 child protection investigations, as well as working with children subject to Child In Need Plans, Child Protection Plans, pre-proceedings, proceedings and those becoming looked after.


Our Supporting Families Team currently provides a range of supportive interventions including supervised contact for Children Looked After; specialist support for parent/carers with substance misuse difficulties via a Consultant Practitioner; providing direct work and parenting interventions for those children subject to CIN and CP Plans and offering group work support for parents/carers who are survivors of domestic abuse. There is also now an exciting development within the Team to introduce a small group of Lead Practitioners to case hold Child in Need (S.17, Children Act 1989) cases, with the support of a social work qualified and experienced Assistant Team Manager.


As a Service Manager you will be responsible for leading and managing 4 Together for Families Teams, each team comprising a Team Manager and 5 social workers and taking new cases from our Children’s Single Point of Access Team (MASH) on a 9-week duty cycle. You will also manage the ASYE Academy Team, comprising of a Team Manager, 3 Consultant Practitioners and 9 ASYEs.

You will provide passionate and inspiring leadership to your Teams, providing regular high quality management oversight, supervision and support. You will ensure that the child’s lived experience is at the very heart of everything that is done. At Brighter Futures for Children, we have a culture of providing high support and high challenge, in the very best interests of children. We are immensely proud to be growing and developing our staff in the Family Help & Safeguarding service and now benefit from having a very stable workforce where over 90% of our staff are permanent, our reliance on agency cover is low, and caseloads are mostly manageable. We need skilled and committed people to join our Team and support our delivery within this relationship-based practice model and make a real difference to our children and families in Reading. In return we offer a very competitive salary and benefits package, a recruitment and retention allowance, generous pension, relocation package, annual leave up to 26 days, and excellent career progression opportunities. Whether you want to develop your skills and experience as a social worker or step into more senior roles including management, we offer a comprehensive range of training and learning opportunities to do so, making a commitment to investing in you. At Brighter Futures for Children, we invest in the well-being of our staff too, and know that we can’t deliver excellent outcomes for families if our staff are also not exceptionally well supported. We really do like to “grow our own” and are immensely proud at how so many of our staff have stayed working with us, and have been supported to progress in their careers, including to more senior roles. If you like the sound of this, please get in touch with us today for a confidential discussion about the post.


Inclusion and Diversity

We want Brighter Futures for Children to be a great place to work and to ensure that our children, young people and families are represented in leadership roles and positions of power. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking.




We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and those of Other Ethnicities, LGBT+, disabled and neurodiverse communities to make a real difference to our children, young people and families so that equalities and justice remains at the heart of everything we do.



Asking for Adjustments

Brighter Futures for Children is committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and as accessible as possible for everyone. This includes making adjustments or changes for disabled people, neurodiverse people or people with long-term health conditions.




If you would like us to do anything differently during the application, interview or assessment process, including providing information in an alternative format, please let us know.



Closing date: 8 November 2024

Interview date: 27 November (face to face)


We look forward to hearing from you!

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Service Manager


Brighter Futures for Children

Service Manager - Children’s Single Point of Access (CSPoA) and Partnerships


Full time, permanent post

Salary: £69,179 - £74,833 (Includes £10,500 annual market supplement)




About us

Brighter Futures for Children is a not-for-profit company, owned by, but independent of, Reading Borough Council. Although we are independent, we are very much part of the Reading Family. Our people enjoy all of benefits as other Council employees including membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme and continuous service.



We work closely with partners in the local community and key organisations including Reading Borough Council, policy, public health and voluntary groups. We are responsible for the delivery of children’s social care, early help & prevention, education services (including SEND). This also includes fostering and adoption, the Youth Offending Service and traded services with schools.



Our main aim is to protect and enhance the lives of the children of Reading. We help families find long-term solutions to ensure children lead happy, healthy and successful lives.


About the role



We have an exciting opportunity for you to join our CSPOA team. This is a key management post with both operational and strategic responsibilities.




You will work together and across local partnerships to provide the right support and services at the right time to deliver the best possible outcomes for children and their families.




The postholder is responsible for delivering statutory and non-statutory services as identified including:

Children Single Point of Access (CSPoA)
Partnership Team
One Reading Children & Young People’s Partnership
Reducing Parental Conflict Programme



You will lead on the operational management of CSPoA, ensuring it delivers an effective and safe service that meets key performance requirements.




You will ensure that the Partnership team works effectively for individual children while, at the same time, developing robust and effective partnerships with schools, health colleagues and other key partners. This work will focus on reducing the escalation of need and risk while contributing to increased resilience across the partnership.




You will provide strategic leadership (alongside the Head of Service) in the development of the One Reading Children & Young People’s Partnership arrangements, including the development of the Early Help Strategy across the partnership and the engagement of partners in delivering on that strategy.




You will be wholly focused on brighter outcomes for children and young people and will be able to demonstrate how you’ve achieved this.




You will be the strategic lead for the Reducing Parental Conflict Programme, a grant funded programme funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to support the partnership to work with parents and carers where conflict features that is frequent, intense and unresolved. At this time there is a commitment for this programme from the DWP until March 2025.




Join us now and you will have a real opportunity to be involved in the reshaping of our services to have a lasting impact on improving outcomes for Reading’s children, young people and their families.




For more information about the role, please read the job description and person specification.



Our offer

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition are 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:

Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution
Incremental holidays starting with 26 days plus public holidays (rising to 33 after 10 years’ service)
Discounted Childcare (on site nursery)
Cycle to work scheme.
Season train ticket loans.
Salary Sacrifice Car Lease Scheme
A range of local shopping discounts

Inclusion and Diversity

We want Brighter Futures for Children to be a great place to work and to ensure that our children, young people and families are represented in leadership roles and positions of power. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking.




We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and those of Other Ethnicities, LGBT+, disabled and neurodiverse communities to make a real difference to our children, young people and families so that equalities and justice remains at the heart of everything we do.



Asking for Adjustments

Brighter Futures for Children is committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and as accessible as possible for everyone. This includes making adjustments or changes for disabled people, neurodiverse people or people with long-term health conditions.




If you would like us to do anything differently during the application, interview or assessment process, including providing information in an alternative format, please let us know.



Closing date: 4th November 2024

Interview date: To be confirmed.


We look forward to hearing from you!

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

We are looking for someone with transferable skills to join our friendly Money Advice Team, the aim of the team is to help improve people’s situations and prevent homelessness, full training will be provided.



The role involves supporting residents to increase their income often by identifying benefit entitlement, reducing outgoings, and exploring options to deal with their debts in a realistic time. The role also includes the assessment of applications for financial support.



We are open to flexible working patterns and can provide a hybrid working environment which utilises the best of both worlds with a mix of office working in central Reading and homeworking according to the needs of the Service.


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 would be required to:


Provide general money advice, completing appointments and casework to prepare a financial statement.
Review income and outgoings to provide relevant advice and support.
Explore the clients debt options and give full advice for them to make an informed decision.
Provide benefit advice regarding entitlement, making applications, maintaining claims, and challenging decisions.
Assessment of Discretionary Housing Payments and Discretionary Council Tax Support Payment applications.
Make accurate records of advice given, actions taken and financial awards made.


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



About you


The following experience is required for this role:


GCSE or equivalent in English and Mathematics.
Experience in giving help and advice to the public in some form of advisory capacity in relation to regulations or legislation in Housing, or Benefits.
Experience of using computer based applications.
Record of working on own initiative, using own judgement to research and solve problems.
Good verbal and written communication skills and be able to communicate effectively at different levels.
Ability to manage own workload and to maintain a balanced workload, having regard for completing demands in an often highly pressurised environment.


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:



Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 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)
On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted,
Season Ticket Loan - to help with the cost of your rail/ bus journey, to & 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


For more information on this position please contact recruitment@reading.gov.uk


Closing Date: 27th October 2024

Interview Date: 30 October 2024



Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Brighter Futures for Children

The Lodge nursery, Southcote

The Lodge nursery

About BFFC

Brighter Futures for Children is a not-for-profit company, owned by, but independent of, Reading Borough Council. Although we are independent, we are very much part of the Reading Family. Our people enjoy all of benefits as other Council employees including membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme and continuous service.




We work closely with partners in the local community and key organisations including Reading Borough Council, policy, public health and voluntary groups. We are responsible for the delivery of children’s social care, early help & prevention, education services (including SEND). This also includes fostering and adoption, the Youth Offending Service and traded services with schools.




Our main aim is to protect and enhance the lives of the children of Reading. Our responsibility is to deliver quality children's services, early help, education and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services in the borough.




The Lodge Nursery

The Lodge Day Nursery is a busy, popular and well-established nursery providing high quality, affordable and funded childcare to local families in the west of Reading. The nursery is set out over three rooms which connect to a private garden space. Our local community is diverse with children attending our setting from a range of different backgrounds and with many different languages represented. Our practitioners are completely focused on ensuring that all children achieve and have an equal chance of success in an environment which is inclusive, inspiring and nurturing.




The children are very important and so is our team. We work closely with our practitioners to ensure that they continue to learn, develop and share good practices.




We are currently looking for a Nursery manager who can provide professional leadership and management of the nursery to ensure a high quality, inclusive, sustainable service where parents, partners and the team are ambitious for the children and completely focused on their wellbeing and success.



The nursery manager is responsible for ensuring that all areas of the provision comply with legal requirements surrounding health and safety and Ofsted.




About Team/Role

The role of the nursery manager is to.

Provide professional leadership and management of the nursery to ensure a high quality, inclusive, sustainable service where parents, partners and the team are ambitious for the children and completely focussed on their wellbeing and success.
Ensure that all areas of the provision comply with legal requirements surrounding health and safety and Ofsted.
Be responsible for the operational day to day management of the nursery and the strategic planning of the direction, delivery and performance with the service manager.
Lead on the development and delivery of a business plan which ensures a flexible, affordable and inclusive offer with a high-quality service which generates an income to ensure sustainability.
Maintain and develop strong links into local partnerships, strategies and policies representing the interests of the setting and children across a variety of sectors.



About you

You will be passionate and enthusiastic about providing an excellent early education with early identification of need, in order to ensure every child achieves their potential.
Applicants will have a Level 3 Early Years Qualification and evidence of ongoing professional development. You will also possess a degree related to early years and/or child development or work experience demonstrating a similar level of attainment.
You will have leadership experience and be competent in managing an inclusive service for children and for supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities.
You will bring excellent interpersonal skills and experience of working in partnership with parents and involving them in supporting their child’s development.
To must have thorough knowledge of EYFS and Ofsted standards in childcare settings, current legislation and processes in relation to safeguarding and child protection.


Our Offer

A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution
Incremental holidays starting with 26 days plus public holidays (rising to 33 after 10 years’ service)
Discounted Child Care (on site nursery)
Cycle to work scheme.
Season train ticket loans
Salary Sacrifice Car Lease Scheme
A range of local shopping discounts
Remote/Agile working


Inclusion and Diversity

We want Brighter Futures for Children to be a great place to work and to ensure that our children, young people and families are represented in leadership roles and positions of power. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking.




We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and those of Other Ethnicities, LGBT+, disabled and neurodiverse communities to make a real difference to our children, young people and families so that equalities and justice remains at the heart of everything we do.


Asking for Adjustments

Brighter Futures for Children is committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and as accessible as possible for everyone. This includes making adjustments or changes for disabled people, neurodiverse people or people with long-term health conditions.




If you would like us to do anything differently during the application, interview or assessment process, including providing information in an alternative format, please let us know.




Closing date: 3 November 2024

Interview date: 13 November 2024




We look forward to hearing from you!

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Full Time 1.0 FTE – Permanent - Number on Roll 32


Holy Brook Special School is a Nurturing Special School which provides its pupils with understanding, stability, guidance and support to enable them to manage their SEND and overcome their barriers to learning.


We are looking for a passionate and ambitious teacher to join our "skilful staff team that puts pupils’ learning, development and well-being at the centre of all that is done” (Ofsted 2019)


This is an exciting opportunity for someone looking to take the next step in their career or Early Career Teachers wishing to make a real difference to the educational outcomes for children with Special educational needs.


PGCE Primary with Special Educational Needs Pathway

Are you due to qualify as a PGCE Primary (5–11) with Special Educational Needs Pathway?


Do you wish to secure a permanent Primary SEN ECT teacher post in a supportive, ‘Good’ school based in Reading Berkshire?


Perhaps once you’ve qualified to teach, you’ll be relocating and want to secure a role ASAP ready for September?


If you’re a Primary Teacher who is an ECT or even an experienced teacher, this Primary Teacher role could be the perfect opportunity to secure a permanent position in a Reading Borough council maintained special school.


Primary Teacher:

Primary ECT or more experienced
SEN 1 allowance
Pay scale - negotiable & dependent on experience
‘Good” Ofsted graded primary school
Exceptional leadership
Fantastic & supportive ECT induction program
Interviewing now for a September 2023

We are looking for a teacher who:

Has vision & commitment to promote high standards of teaching & learning
Has patience and understanding when dealing with vulnerable & challenging behaviours
Considers play to be an important part of learning
Is an excellent classroom practitioner who is committed to continuous improvement and raising of standards through self-evaluation.
Shows a caring and positive attitude to all children
Has the ability to lead, manage and inspire colleagues


In return, Holy Brook can offer you:

A generous renumeration package for candidates able to evidence relevant professional skills.
Opportunities for professional development
A caring and inclusive teaching and learning environment
A committed staff team who work effectively together
A friendly, supportive and united Governing Body


Visits to the school are warmly welcomed.


For an application pack containing Job Description, Person specification or an application form or to arrange a visit, please call the school office on 0118 937 5489 or email admin@holybrook.reading.sch.uk.

Visit the school website for more information - www.holybrook.reading.sch.uk


Please do not send a C.V. For the purposes of equal opportunities, we can only accept Reading Borough Council application forms.


Closing date: Applications reviewed upon submission
Interviews: To be confirmed.


This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

An enhanced disclosure barring service check will be sought from the successful candidate.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Brighter Futures for Children


About us
Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC) is a not-for-profit company, owned by, but independent of, Reading Borough Council. As BFfC’s Independent Fostering Agency (IFA), we are very much part of the Reading Family. Our staff enjoy many of the same benefits as Council employees, including membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme and continuous service.



We are closely integrated with BFfC’s Children’s Social Care services and also work closely with partners in the local community and key organisations including Reading Borough Council, policy, public health and voluntary groups. We are members of the SESLIP (South-East Sector Led Improvement Programme) which is a DfE initiative aimed at improving the recruitment and retention of foster carers by local authorities. We also work closely with our local Foster Carers’ Association to hear the voice of Foster Carers, and this is central to shaping our service delivery.



Our main aim is to provide local foster placements for Reading Children Looked After, who need to live apart from their families, that protect and enhance the lives of these children, enabling them to lead happy, healthy and successful lives with dedicated Foster Carers.



About the Team/role

We are seeking to develop our IFA service in line with the changing expectations of the courts around permanence through fostering being a suitable long-term care option of Children Looked After, and the need to increase our in-house fostering resource and to reduce the numbers of children being placed away from the Reading area. 2024 will be an exciting time to join our IFA service and help us to shape its future development.



Joining our IFA will give you the opportunity to have a varied case load covering different aspects of carer recruitment and retention. This will include assisting with the preparation, assessment, supervision, support and ongoing training of Foster Carers. You will also contribute to the matching process and assist with placing children with Foster Carers, in accordance with the Agency’s ethos and guidelines. In addition, as part of our social work team you will help us to provide a level of out of hours support to our carers, on a rota basis, during the evening and at weekends, in order to assist them to maintain high standards of care for all children who are placed with them (an extra allowance is paid for this).


Job responsibilities:

To support the ongoing development of our IFA fostering service.
To assist with the recruitment of Foster Carers and support shared retention activities.
To actively participate in the recruitment, preparation and assessment of prospective Foster Carers.
To provide and deliver professional support and supervision to BFfC’s IFA’s foster carers in line with regulatory requirements, whilst always promoting the safe care and development of the looked after children/young people who are placed in their care.
To develop and maintain positive working relationships with children, their families and other professionals.
To keep up to date with contemporary issues in children’s social work / fostering, including legislation and evidence-based practice, and to attend relevant training and development opportunities.
To at all times comply with the Fostering Service Regulations, National Minimum Standards for Fostering and any other relevant legislation, policy and procedures.
To maintain accurate and timely case recording.
When working with foster carers and vulnerable looked after children/young people, to recognise safeguarding concerns, risk assess and monitor identified risks. Where necessary to escalate any safeguarding concerns in a timely manner and plan mitigating actions, complying with any child protection, and safeguarding requirements.



Essential Qualification/Experience:



Social Work Qualification – Diploma in Social Worker, BA or equivalent.
Social Work England (SWE) registration.
Able to understand and apply knowledge of the legal, social, economic, and ecological context of social work practice.
A good understanding of the range of issues relevant to fostering services, including relevant fostering legislation and standards.
Reasonable computer literacy, including the ability and confidence to use email, to access the internet, and to use basic IT systems to maintain electronic records.
A good understanding of safeguarding policies, in particular:
The role of the LADO
Handling Allegation/Standards of Care Management
Child Protection and Working Together.

Inclusion and Diversity

We want Brighter Futures for Children to be a great place to work and to ensure that our children, young people and families are represented in leadership roles and positions of power. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking.




We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and those of Other Ethnicities, LGBT+, disabled and neurodiverse communities to make a real difference to our children, young people and families so that equalities and justice remains at the heart of everything we do.



Asking for Adjustments

Brighter Futures for Children is committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and as accessible as possible for everyone. This includes making adjustments or changes for disabled people, neurodiverse people or people with long-term health conditions.




If you would like us to do anything differently during the application, interview or assessment process, including providing information in an alternative format, please let us know.



Closing date: 13 October 2024

Interview date: To be confirmed



We very much look forward to hearing from you!

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Reading’s Legal Services Team is composed of our highly regarded internal Corporate Legal Team, serving the needs of the Council across a wide range of functions. Reading is also host to the Joint Legal Team, a long-standing shared legal service for all the Berkshire councils and a recognised centre of excellence for childcare, adults and education law.



The purpose of Legal Services is to provide the Council and its partners with the highest quality professional legal advice and representation which allows them to run their organisations well, and to serve our community. Our ambition is to be the best place to practice law in local government; being close to our customers, recruiting the best talent, successfully deploying legal technology and ensuring the continued growth of the business to new customers.



A range of several new appointments are on offer which reflect the continued growth and investment in the Legal team by the Council and its partners. We are open to flexible working patterns and can provide a hybrid working environment which utilises the best of both worlds with a mix of office working in central Reading and home-working according to the needs of the Service.



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.



We are open to flexible working patterns and can provide a hybrid working environment which utilises the best of both worlds with a mix of office working in central Reading and homeworking according to the needs of the Service



About the role



You will report to the Principal Lawyer in each area who will support you in your work and in your professional development. We place considerable emphasis on learning and development in the role and you will be supported to develop your skills and to move to the next level in your career. You will also be assisted by our new Legal Operations Team supporting you in delivering your work as we invest further in our systems and processes and work towards Lexcel accreditation.



Whatever your specialism or previous experience, you will thrive on the challenge of working in a customer focussed environment and a in team which has an ambitious agenda for the future. You will have plenty of opportunity to join in the wider work of the team outside your specialist field in helping us to reach our team objectives.



All of our lawyer roles are open to qualified solicitors, barristers and chartered legal executives.



We have opportunities for planning and highways lawyers to support a range of regulatory and transactional work and advice. We also support major planning enquiries and are developing further resource to support a renewed emphasis on enforcement work. It is not necessary to have both specialisms, but it would be desirable.





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.


About you



Our ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following experience:



A qualified lawyer who can command the respect of clients with extensive knowledge and experience of a specialist area of law (planning / highways)
Advise planning and highway clients
Attend planning committees (essential requirement)
Offer legal and procedural advice to Members and Officers on Planning and Local Government law. This includes areas such as highways law, TPOs, TROs, enforcement and S106.
Enforcement experience
A team player who can contribute to the wider objectives of the team
Committed to learning and development of staff, colleagues and clients
Experience of delivering continuous improvement in terms of your practice and the work of your clients


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:



Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 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)
On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by OfstedSeason Ticket Loan - to help with the cost of your rail/ bus journey, to & 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




For more information on this position please contact Shaidah Ramzan, Legal Services Manager on shaidah.ramzan@reading.gov.uk




Closing Date: 29th September 2024

Interview Date: To be confirmed



Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Brighter Futures for Children



Youth Justice Service

Location: Katesgrove Community Hub, Reading




‘We found a competent and committed workforce who knew their children and young people well.’ (HMIP Inspection)



About us

Brighter Futures for Children is a not-for-profit company, owned by, but independent of, Reading Borough Council. Although we are independent, we are very much part of the Reading Family. Our people enjoy all of benefits as other Council employees including membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme and continuous service.



We work closely with partners in the local community and key organisations including Reading Borough Council, policy, public health and voluntary groups. We are responsible for the delivery of children’s social care, early help & prevention, education services (including SEND). This also includes fostering and adoption, the Youth Offending Service and traded services with schools.



Our main aim is to protect and enhance the lives of the children of Reading. We help families find long-term solutions to ensure children lead happy, healthy and successful lives.


About the role



Reading YJS has a permanent vacancy for a YJS Caseworker who can engage and support young people who have offended or are at risk of offending. The YJS is in Brighter Futures for Children and has strong links with partner services working with young people.

You will need to have significant experience of engaging well with young people in difficulty. You will need assessment and organizational skills and flexibility in managing a varied caseload and will also need to be prepared to work some evenings/weekends occasionally.


Role Responsibilities:

To manage a caseload of young people, delivering young person focussed interventions.
To ensure appropriate assessments are undertaken with young people and preparing prepare relevant reports.
To act as a Court Officer and attend as a representative of the Youth Offending Team.
To work collaboratively, referring to others in the YJS, and liaising with other services as appropriate



Essential Qualifications:



Educated to degree level in a relevant subject area.



Essential knowledge, skills and experience:

Significant experience of working with young people.
Experience of carrying out assessments of need and risk of young people.
Knowledge of relevant legislation and initiatives in relation to working with children and young people.


For more information about the role, please read the job description and person specification.





Our offer

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition are 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:

Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution.
Incremental holidays starting with 26 days plus public holidays (rising to 33 after 10 years’ service).
Discounted Childcare (on site nursery).
Cycle to work scheme.
Season train ticket loans.
Salary Sacrifice Car Lease Scheme.
A range of local shopping discounts.





Inclusion and Diversity

We want Brighter Futures for Children to be a great place to work and to ensure that our children, young people and families are represented in leadership roles and positions of power. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking.




We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and those of Other Ethnicities, LGBT+, disabled and neurodiverse communities to make a real difference to our children, young people and families so that equalities and justice remains at the heart of everything we do.



Asking for Adjustments

Brighter Futures for Children is committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and as accessible as possible for everyone. This includes making adjustments or changes for disabled people, neurodiverse people or people with long-term health conditions.




If you would like us to do anything differently during the application, interview or assessment process, including providing information in an alternative format, please let us know.



Closing date: 15.09.24

Interview date: 23 & 24.09.24.


We look forward to hearing from you!

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

The Customer Fulfilment Centre (CFC) Advisor is a crucial service delivery role in the Customer Fulfilment Centre which assists by providing high performing, effective and consistent services to residents, businesses and partners.



Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities. We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity is the key to our success.



About the role



Your role will be varied, and you will deal with a range of enquiries face to face, over the telephone, by email and text messaging.



You will be required to:



Provide excellent customer service by giving accurate and up to date advice
Understand the needs of customers and handling difficult situations in a sensitive way
Use several systems to input and extract information, so experience of using a variety of computer packages is desirable


About you



You will have experience of providing a support or help desk function in a customer facing environment, working as part of a team to provide the best possible service.
You will have good communication skills and have the ability to deal with a broad range of customer enquiries.
You will have a high degree of self-motivation and initiative and fit comfortably in a fast-paced and busy Customer Fulfilment Centre.
Experience of using a variety of computer packages in order to extract and input customer and other information


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:



Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 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)
On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted, and a salary sacrifice scheme to help lower the cost of your nursery fees
Season Ticket Loan - to help with the cost of your rail/ bus journey, to & 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


For more information on this position please contact Ben Shiell, Customer Fulfilment Centre Operations Manager at ben.shiell@reading.gov.uk


Closing Date: 30th August 2024

Interview Date: 4th and 5th September 2024



Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Required: September 2024 - Permanent, 35 Hours per week – Term time only including 5 Inset days

Ranikhet Academy is a successful primary school and we are currently seeking a Learning Support Assistant to provide help and support to our amazing children.

The Learning Support Assistant role is vital to the school and involves supporting children with a variety of needs.



We want someone who has:

At least one years’ experience of working with children in the primary age range
Experience of working with children in a friendly, busy environment
An understanding of children with SEN needs
Level 2 qualification in play work/childcare
Knowledge of child safeguarding procedures
Have excellent communication skills
Have the ability to build effective relationships with students, parents and other staff
Have a good understanding of behaviour management strategies
Be able to work as part of a team


In return we can offer:

The chance to be part of a Multi-Academy Trust that genuinely cares about YOU 
The chance to work with a supportive team. 
An excellent CPD training programme with REAch2 and beyond. 
A tenacious and experienced senior leadership team who care fervently about inclusion and promote creativity and thinking outside of the box 
Fun-loving, energetic and enthusiastic pupils (and staff)
Proactive parents who are very supportive of our school 
As part of REAch2 employee benefits we also offer an eye care scheme, access to an Employee Assistance Programme for you and your immediate family and membership of ‘perks at work’ – which includes discounts on holidays, shopping, family days out and much more


If you have a genuine commitment to improving the life chances of children then we would like to hear from YOU!



For an informal discussion, please contact admin@ranikhetacademy.co.uk or on 0118 937 5520 or visit: https://www.ranikhetacademy.co.uk



To apply and for more information please go to My New Term - https://mynewterm.com/jobs/142072/EDV-2024-RA-72433


Closing Date: Midday, Friday 12th July 2024

Interview: To take place on Wednesday 17th July 2024

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory written references will be sought from the successful candidates.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Required: September 2024 - Permanent, Full time – Term time only including 5 Inset days


Are you passionate about nurturing young minds and making a positive impact on children’s lives?


If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!


Ranikhet Academy is looking to recruit an EYFS Practitioner, who can work alongside colleagues in the EYFS classes and create a stimulating, safe and caring teaching and learning environment.

The successful candidate will promote physician, emotional, intellectual, and social development of every child within the Foundation Stage.



We want someone who is:

An excellent practitioner, keen to work in a supportive and principle-based school.
driven by a strong moral purpose to enable all children to achieve and have integrity.
Passionate about creativity and have an excellent sense of humour.
Warm in character, easy to work with and committed to teamwork, recognising that more can be achieved together than is possible as individuals.
A professional who values wellbeing but unafraid of hard work.
Calm and able to handle pressure and setbacks with a smile.
Keen to be challenged to become the best you can be.
Able to be pushed at an accelerated rate of development, and reflective and proactive enough to make it happen.
Determined to succeed with a ‘find a way or make one!’ attitude.
Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and to share this commitment.


In return we can offer:

The chance to be part of a Multi-Academy Trust that genuinely cares about YOU!
The chance to work with a supportive team 
An excellent CPD training programme with REAch2 and beyond
A tenacious and experienced senior leadership team who care fervently about inclusion and promote creativity and thinking outside of the box 
Fun-loving, energetic and enthusiastic pupils (and staff)
Proactive parents who are very supportive of our school 
As part of REAch2 employee benefits we also offer an eye care scheme, access to an Employee Assistance Programme for you and your immediate family and membership of ‘perks at work’ – which includes discounts on holidays, shopping, family days out and much more!


If you have a genuine commitment to improving the life chances of children then we would like to hear from YOU!



For an informal discussion, please contact admin@ranikhetacademy.co.uk or on 0118 937 5520 or visit: https://www.ranikhetacademy.co.uk



To apply and for more information please go to My New Term - https://mynewterm.com/jobs/142072/EDV-2024-RA-57400


Closing Date: Midday, Friday 12th July 2024

Interview: To take place on Wednesday 17th July 2024

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory written references will be sought from the successful candidates.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Main Scale, Full time/Part time - One year fixed term contract from September 2024

Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre is a very popular, oversubscribed and successful school set in 28 acres of parkland in Caversham to the north of Reading.

This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and well-qualified teacher of Music to join a lively and expanding music department, which forms part of the Performing Arts Department.

The department benefits from excellent facilities. Music and Music Technology are popular options at GCSE. We welcome applications from ECTs, for whom we have a superb induction programme.

Why Highdown School?
• We are a Good School with many outstanding features which continues to rapidly improve
• We are committed to staff professional learning and leadership development for all staff, at all levels
• We provide highly regarded ECT induction and Coaching for Excellence programmes
• We have adopted a ‘Fair Workload Charter’
• Staff have subsidised access to Highdown Sport and Leisure facilities
• We are able to offer on-site accommodation for ECTs with competitive rent

For details and an application form visit our website: www.highdown.reading.sch.uk

Please return your completed application form to Miss Nicci Burns, Headteacher’s PA, by email on hnb@highdown.reading.sch.uk

Closing date: Applications will be considered on receipt

Highdown School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.

We are also trained in safer recruitment and the successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, ‘Prohibition from Teaching’ check and pre-interview online search.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Would you like to work in a Special Educational Needs Resource within a mainstream Primary School, we are looking to expand our provision in Katesgrove Primary School.

32.5 hours per week, 8.30am to 3.30pm, plus INSET days & weekly team meetings, term time only - Starting September 2024


Katesgrove and Southcote are both Schools Direct Training Schools and are very supportive of staff wishing to develop future Teaching Careers through this programme.


The successful candidate will:

Have a sound working knowledge of supporting young children’s learning
Demonstrate good interpersonal skills with team members and parents
Have previous experience of working with young children and those with behaviour issues in particular
Have a good standard of spoken and written English
Have specialist skills / training in areas of Special Educational Needs
Passionate about working with children with SEN

We welcome employees who are committed to and will actively contribute to our efforts to celebrate our cultural diversity and be resolute in advancing inclusion and equity.

We encourage candidates who share our ambition to apply, and we welcome applications from those with protected characteristics



Visits to the school are welcomed and encouraged.


Application packs can be downloaded from the school website - https://www.katesgroveprimaryschool.co.uk

Contact the school for more details - admin@katesgrove.reading.sch.uk.



Applications considered on receipt and successful applicants will be invited for interview.


This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

The appointment will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check, appropriate references and health clearance.



The Kennet Federation aspires to be an actively anti-racist organisation. We recognise our aspiration as ongoing, involving collective commitment and accountability.

We welcome employees who are committed to and will actively contribute to our efforts to celebrate our cultural diversity and be resolute in advancing inclusion and equity.

We encourage candidates who share our ambition to apply, and we welcome applications from those with protected characteristics

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme