Early Years Practitioner

The Independent Schools Council; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading educational institution as an Early Years Practitioner, where you will play a vital role in nurturing children's development and facilitating their learning. This position offers a supportive environment with a commitment to safeguarding and professional growth. Enjoy a generous benefits package, including enhanced holiday and pension schemes, while being part of a diverse and inclusive community.

Benefits

Enhanced holiday allowance

Generous pension scheme

Enhanced sick pay

Family-friendly policies

Annual review and training opportunities

Travel to work schemes

School Fee Remission

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Registered or eligible for registration with SSSC.
• Thorough knowledge of safeguarding practices.

Responsibilities

• Delivering the curriculum and supporting children’s development.
• Facilitating learning through play and engaging with families.

Skills

Enthusiasm

Resilience

Warmth

Teamwork

Education

SVQ Level 3

HNC in Childcare

Job description

Working for Heriot’s

When you join the team at Heriot’s, you become part of our community, where the contribution of every individual is important and valued. The Heriot’s motto, to “distribute cheerfully”, is at the heart of the school - distributing kindness, support, and generosity remains as vital today as it was in 1628 when George Heriot founded the school.

Our most recent staff survey reported that 97% of employees at Heriot’s feel motivated and happy to work here. We aim to provide a friendly, welcoming, and supportive environment for all our staff. This is reflected in the package we offer, which for Support Staff, in addition to the basic salary, includes:

• Enhanced holiday allowance (38 days minimum)
• Generous pension scheme (up to 11% employer contribution with 5% employee contribution)
• Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity pay
• Family-friendly policies (including Personal Emergency Leave Days)
• Annual review and opportunities for training and continued professional development
• Travel to work schemes
• School Fee Remission (non-contractual benefit)
• Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 counselling helpline and discounts at high street shops, supermarkets, and other retailers
• Opportunities for involvement in the wider school community

We aim to attract and retain a diverse group of talented individuals who are committed to upholding the school’s ethos. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are seeking to expand our talented team of Early Years Practitioners with the recruitment of a new, suitably qualified and dedicated Early Years Practitioner for a 1-year fixed-term contract starting in August 2025.

Our Early Years Practitioners share responsibility, in close conjunction with teaching staff, for delivering the curriculum, supporting children’s development and progress, facilitating learning through play, and engaging with children and families. You may be based within our Nursery School but could also work with P1 and P2 pupils.

Please see the full job description attached. The key requirements are:

• Be registered or eligible for registration as a Practitioner with SSSC
• Qualified to SVQ Level 3 or HNC (or equivalent) in an appropriate childcare-related subject
• Demonstrate enthusiasm, resilience, warmth, and a commitment to the Heriot’s ethos
• Thorough knowledge of current safeguarding practices and legislation in a nursery environment
• Previous experience working within a school setting is preferable but not essential
• Proven ability to work effectively as part of a team in a nursery environment
• Experience liaising with parents regarding their child’s nursery experience, addressing concerns, and escalating issues to nursery staff as appropriate

Additional Information

Heriot’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers share this commitment. This position is considered Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and/or Protected Adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007, and the successful candidate will be required to obtain PVG scheme membership.

Please note that parking is not available on our campus

George Heriot’s Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

George Heriot’s School is governed by George Heriot’s Trust, Scottish Charity number SC011463