Early Years Practitioner

Scottish Council of Independent Schools; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension contributions

Staff meals

Cycle-to-work

Access to school facilities

Death in service benefits

Job summary

Scottish Council of Independent Schools is seeking an Early Years Practitioner for a full-time fixed-term role in Edinburgh. You will contribute to delivering the designated curriculum and support the care and development of Nursery and Junior School children.

The position involves safeguarding, monitoring development, and creating a stimulating learning environment in line with Scottish guidance, for a term-time plus in-service days schedule, fixed-term to 6 August 2027.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a designated curriculum and provide care in accordance with School policies and Scottish guidance.
• Support nursery and junior school children in development, safeguarding, and pastoral care.
• Uphold children’s rights and promote equality and inclusion in daily activities.

Job description

EARLY YEARS PRACTITIONER | Full-Time, Fixed Term

Hours of Work

• 42.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm with 30-minute unpaid lunch break).
• Term Time plus in-service days. 3 weeks Holiday Club work during Normal School Holidays will also be required.
• Fixed-term until 6th August 2027.

Salary

• Annual salary of £26,432.37 per annum.

Key Dates

• Closing Date: Sunday 25th October 2026
• Interviews: TBC, but expected to be early November 2026

Job Purpose

To be responsible to the Head of Junior School and Nursery in contributing to the delivery of the designated curriculum and to provide a service compatible with good practice in the education and care of children, in accordance with the policies and systems laid down by the School and in line with current Scottish legislation and national guidance, including the requirements of the Care Inspectorate, the Health and Social Care Standards, Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC), Realising the Ambition: Being Me and, where applicable, the National Standard for Early Learning and Childcare. The post holder will uphold children’s rights in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child as incorporated into Scots law;

To be responsible to the Head of Junior School and Nursery in contributing to the pastoral care of Nursery children and for monitoring and recording their overall development progress;

To promote a stimulating environment which balances education and care for children, meeting their individual needs and those of their families, enabling each individual to achieve his or her potential.

Accountable To

Head of Junior School and Nursery

Main Responsibilities:

Key Responsibilities

The following sections are part of the role; they include safeguarding and child protection duties, child development support, and responsibilities across the Nursery, Junior School and Whole School. The detailed duties below cover safeguarding, providing a nurturing and educational environment, promoting equality and inclusion, coordinating with colleagues, and supporting families. Where text contains special terminology or references to policies, these should be taken in the context of the School’s current procedures and Scottish legislation.

Ideal Candidate: Further information can be found in the attached Job Pack,

Package Description: Competitiveremunerationand benefits package including:-

• Reduced school fees and wraparound care at St George’s School
• Pension Contribution
• Staff lunches
• Access to school buses on school bus routes for all staff (small charge payable)
• Professional learning and development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Opportunity to benefit from the use of the many school facilities; libraries; sports facilities etc
• Death in service benefits all staff
• Opportunity to join our community and contribute to social, music, drama and other events and activities.