Early Years Practitioner

George Watson's College; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent school in Edinburgh is seeking a qualified Early Years Practitioner for a 1-year fixed-term contract starting August 2025. The role involves delivering the curriculum and supporting children's learning through play. The ideal candidate will have relevant qualifications and a commitment to the school's ethos.

Benefits

Enhanced holiday allowance

Generous pension scheme

Enhanced sick pay

Family-friendly policies

Opportunities for training and professional development

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Registered or eligible for registration as a Practitioner with SSSC.
• Experience in a school setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Delivering the curriculum and supporting children’s development.
• Liaising with families and working within the Nursery School.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Child Development

Education

SVQ Level 3

HNC in Childcare

Job description

The following content displays a map of the job's location - Edinburgh.

Actual Salary for Term Time Only: £24,954 p/a - £27,222 p/a

Working Hours:

35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, Term-Time Only

Location: Edinburgh

Closing Date: 29/05/2025

Department: Operational/Professional Services

Region / Division: George Heriot's School

Job Role: Operational/Professional Services

Package Description

Working for Heriot’s

When you join Heriot’s, you become part of our community, where every individual's contribution is valued. The Heriot’s motto, to “distribute chearfullie,” emphasizes kindness, support, and generosity, values that have been central since George Heriot founded the school in 1628.

Our recent staff survey showed that 97% of employees feel motivated and happy working here. We strive to provide a friendly, welcoming, and supportive environment. Our package includes:

• Enhanced holiday allowance (minimum 38 days)
• Generous pension scheme (up to 11% employer contribution and 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 professional development
• Travel to work schemes
• School Fee Remission (non-contractual)
• Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 counselling and retail discounts
• Opportunities to engage in the wider school community

We welcome applications from all community sections as an Equal Opportunities employer.

The Role

We are seeking to expand our team with a qualified and dedicated Early Years Practitioner for a 1-year fixed-term contract starting August 2025.

The role involves delivering the curriculum, supporting children’s development and learning through play, and liaising with families. You may work within our Nursery School or with P1 and P2 pupils.

Main Responsibilities

Please see the full job description attached.

The Ideal Candidate

• Registered or eligible for registration as a Practitioner with SSSC
• Qualified to SVQ Level 3 or HNC (or equivalent) in a childcare-related subject
• Enthusiastic, resilient, warm, and committed to Heriot’s ethos
• Knowledge of current safeguarding practices and legislation
• Experience in a school setting is preferred but not essential
• Teamwork experience in a nursery environment
• Experience liaising with parents regarding nursery matters

Additional Information

Heriot’s is committed to safeguarding and expects all staff to share this commitment. The role is considered Regulated Work under the PVG scheme, and successful candidates must obtain PVG membership.

Note: Parking is not available on campus.

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

Governing body: Scottish Charity number SC011463

About the school/organisation

George Heriot’s School

Edinburgh’s leading independent school, recognized for excellence in wellbeing, inclusion, and attainment. The school educates 1,670 pupils aged 4-18 and upholds its 400-year motto: I distribute chearfullie.

Founded by George Heriot, a jeweller and goldsmith to King James VI/I, the school has a rich history of supporting the community, including educating refugees and providing bursaries, with significant investments annually.

The school is an award-winning institution, recognized for its teaching of philosophy, rights respecting initiatives, and being named the Sunday Times School of the Decade.