Early Years Practitioner

The City of Edinburgh Council; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational authority in Edinburgh seeks an Early Years Practitioner for a fixed-term role until September 2026. You will deliver play-based learning in a nurturing environment, support young learners, and collaborate with families and the community. Ideal candidates will demonstrate a passion for inclusive education, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to safeguarding practices. A flexible work arrangement can be discussed.

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to supporting early learners in play-based environments.
• Ability to nurture development and facilitate learning opportunities.
• Experience with regulated work with children, required to join PVG Scheme.

Responsibilities

• Deliver play-based learning in the Early Learning and Childcare facility.
• Support learners aged up to 35 years in their development as responsible citizens.
• Model high standards of pedagogy and inspire colleagues in practice.
• Build relationships with learners, families, and the community.

Skills

Passion for play-based learning

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Commitment to inclusion and diversity

Job description

Early Years Practitioner – Fixed term until 30/09/2026

Canaan Lane Primary School – South Edinburgh

Salary: In accordance with the Scheme of Salaries and Conditions of Service for Teaching Staff in School Education.
Hours: 36 per week

About the Role

An exciting opportunity for a skilled and enthusiastic Early Years Practitioner to work at Canaan Lane Primary School, a new school opened three years ago. The school currently has two Primary 1‑2‑3‑4 classes and an Early Learning and Childcare facility.

In the Early Learning and Childcare facility, learners are supported in nurturing, creative, and well‑resourced learning environments and encouraged to discover a love of learning. Outdoor spaces provide daily access to outdoor learning.

The selected candidate will work within an innovative and creative learning environment where learners are empowered to discover and build on their interests, share ideas, and be motivated to learn.

Responsibilities

• Deliver play‑based learning in the Early Learning and Childcare facility.
• Support learners aged up to 35 years, nurturing their development as leaders and responsible citizens.
• Model high standards of pedagogy and inspire, motivate, and support colleagues in developing their own playroom practice.
• Build and maintain relationships with learners, families, and the wider community based on mutual trust and support.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Passion for play‑based learning, wellbeing, inclusive practice, and nurturing approaches.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Commitment to the organisation's values of inclusion and diversity.
• Regulated work with children/protected adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007; required to join or update the PVG Scheme and provide an overseas criminal record check if applicable.

Other information

This position is a regulated role; an unconditional offer will be contingent upon satisfactory pre‑employment checks including PVG and, where relevant, overseas criminal record checks.

Salaries will be in accordance with the Scheme of Salaries and Conditions of Service for Teaching Staff in School Education.

We are committed to creating a workplace culture where all people feel valued and included.

Flexible working can be discussed.