Early Years Lead Practitioner, Westray Junior High School - ORK09957. Job in Orkney Education &[...]

Orkney Islands Council; Scotland; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

A local council in Scotland is seeking an Early Years Lead Practitioner for Westray Nursery, offering 17.5 hours per week on a permanent basis. The ideal candidate should have at least 2 years' experience in an Early Learning and Childcare environment and be qualified to register with the SSSC as a Practitioner. The position supports the development of high-quality care and learning services for young children and their families while working within a dynamic team. Closing date for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 18 January 2026.

Qualifications

• Candidates must have 2 years of experience in a relevant early childhood setting.
• Eligible for registration with the SSSC as a Practitioner.

Responsibilities

• Deliver flexible, high-quality care and learning services.
• Support children and their families in a nursery setting.

Skills

Minimum 2 years’ experience in Early Learning and Childcare

Good general standard of literacy and numeracy

Education

HNC in Childhood Practice or SVQ Level 3

Job description

Job Description

Ensure you read the information regarding this opportunity thoroughly before making an application.

EDUCATION, COMMUNITIES AND HOUSING

Westray Nursery

Early Years Lead Practitioner

17.5 hours per week, Term Time

Permanent

£31,739 - £33,929 / £34,458 - £37,123 pro rata

£17.32 - £18.59 / £18.88 - £20.34 per hour

The above amounts include Distant Islands Allowance

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual who would enjoy being part of a dynamic whole-school team to help deliver a flexible, high quality care and learning service that meets the needs of young children and their families.

Applicants are required to have a minimum of 2 years' experience in an Early Learning and Childcare setting or other relevant early childhood setting.

To be appointed at grade F:

You should have a good general standard of literacy and numeracy, and will be required to achieve a relevant qualification which enables registration with the SSSC as a Practitioner (Day Care of Children), e.g., HNC in Childhood Practice, SVQ Level 3 (SCQF7) Social Services (Children and Young People) within 3 years of taking up post.

The Early Years Service will support you to gain any practice qualifications whilst you work. You will also be able to attend training delivered by the early years team to support your practice development.

To be appointed at grade G:

You will hold a relevant qualification which enables registration with the SSSC as a Practitioner (Day Care of Children), e.g., HNC in Childhood Practice, SVQ Level 3 (SCQF7) Social Services (Children and Young People).

Appointees at either grade are required to register with the SSSC within 3 months of taking up post.

This post is subject to Level 2 Disclosure Check with PVG for working in a regulated role with children.

Prospective applicants can discuss the post by contacting Julie Muir, Head Teacher, on or by e‑mail to:

Closing Date:

23:59 on Sunday 18 January 2026

Please note that interview expenses are not payable for this post.