Early Years Practitioner - Fox Covert Primary School

The City of Edinburgh Council; Easter Howgate; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

PVG scheme support

Job summary

The City of Edinburgh Council is seeking an Early Years Practitioner at Fox Covert Primary School on a fixed-term basis until 28 May 2027. The role is 36 hours per week, 39 weeks per year, pro-rata for part-time and sessional staff, with a salary range of £30,188 to £34,452.

You will support 5-year-old learners in P1, contribute to play-based learning, and collaborate with class teachers to bridge nursery and primary development.

Qualifications

• Experience with nursery and primary settings.
• Ability to support play-based learning and development.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience in planning curricular activities and outings.

Responsibilities

• Cover maternity leave in P1 and support 5-year-olds.
• Collaborate with P1 teachers to bridge nursery to primary development.
• Promote inclusive practices and safeguarding.
• Plan organised outings and maintain child development records.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Play-based learning knowledge

Education

HNC in Childcare and Education

SVQ Level 3 or Social Services SCQF Level 7

First Aid certificate

PEEP

Learning Together

Job description

Early Years Practitioner - fixed term until 28/05/2027
Fox Covert Primary School
Salary: £30,188 - £34,452 (pro-rata for part-time and sessional)
Hours: 36 per week, 39 weeks sessional
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a skilled and enthusiastic Early Years Practitioner to work in Fox Covert Primary school within the Primary 1 classes. Within our school we have an enthusiastic and committed school staff team, there are nurturing, creative and well-resourced learning environments where all learners are supported and encouraged to discover a love for learning.

We are seeking to appoint an Early Years Practitioner to cover maternity leave with a passion for working with our 5-year-old learners in a school setting. This post presents an excellent opportunity to be working as part of our innovative and creative learning environment where our learners are empowered to discover and build on their interests, share ideas and be motivated to learn. Working collaboratively with both P1 class teachers to bridge the developmental gap between nursery play and structured primary benchmarks.

At Fox Covert Primary School, we are not only committed to providing the very best educational experiences and opportunities but also to develop our learners as leaders and responsible citizens. We are committed to developing relationships based on mutual trust and support. We strive to be at the heart of our school community and develop skills to enable contributions to our local community and the wider world.

Candidates who are passionate about play-based learning within a classroom environment, wellbeing, inclusive practice, nurture and can demonstrate a commitment to nurturing approaches are invited to apply for this post. Applicants should be able to demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills and model high standards of play pedagogy to inspire, motivate and support colleagues in the development of their own classroom practice.

Please note - You must ensure that you have one of the following qualifications before you apply:

• SVQ Social Services (Children and Young People) SCQF Level 7
  or
• HNC Childhood Practice

When completing the application form please state the name of your qualification and level as stated above.

If you do not have either of these qualifications, we will be unable to consider your application.

Experience:

• Experience of working with children (special needs, if applicable).
• Experience of contributing to the planning of a curricular programme
• Experience of planning organised outings
• Experience of inclusion programmes for pupils moving into mainstream schools.

Knowledge, skills and understanding:

Ability to work within and across a multi-disciplinary team Ability to make informed decisions. Ability to work with children across a nursery &/or primary setting. Ability to produce and maintain accurate records relating to a child’s development. Possess an awareness of up-to-date professional knowledge and current initiatives. An awareness of general Health & Safety and Child Protection policies Promotion of equality and an understanding of diversity issues relating to children and young people.

Qualifications and training:

HNC in Childcare and Education or SVQ Level 3 or Social Services (Children and Young People) SCQF Level 7. First Aid certificates, PEEP, Learning Together.

Job specific requirements:

Registered with SSSC as a Practitioner in the Day Care of Children, without conditions. Develop effective relationships with children and parents Ability to work in a sensitive and empathetic manner. Accurately assess children’s behaviour and be able to respond accordingly. Ability to create a stimulating environment which assists in the development of language, communication, behaviour and personal care in children. Must demonstrate a commitment to continuous personal development. Ability to work unsupervised Ability to effectively handle issues arising with pupils, staff and parents Experience of planning organised outings. Experience of inclusion programmes for pupils moving into mainstream schools.

This post is regulated work with children and/or protected adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. The preferred candidate will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check. Where an individual has spent a continuous period of 3 months or more out with the UK in the last 5 years, an Overseas Criminal Record Check will be required. You will be required to provide this check. Anunconditional offer of employment and commencement in the post will be subject to the outcome of both these pre-employment checks being deemed satisfactory.

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone feels valued and able to be their best. We particularly encourage applications from women for senior roles, as well as people from minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities or neurodivergent people, care experienced people, carers and LGBT+ people across all levels of the organisation, all of whom are currently underrepresented. All applicants will be considered fairly based on skills and experience. Disabled and care-experienced applicants who meet the minimum job criteria will be guaranteed an interview.

Find out more about our commitment to equalities https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/work-us/inclusive-edinburgh/4

As part of our goal to improve organisational culture and create a great place to work together for the people of Edinburgh, we want to make sure we're recruiting the best people. We’re interested not only in your skills and experience but also in your approach to work. Therefore, part of our interview process will be an assessment of how you would bring Our Behaviours of Respect, Integrity and Flexibility into your ways of working.

You can find out more on Our Behaviours web page Our Behaviours – The City of Edinburgh Council

Our salary range typically reflects the initial starting salary and annually increases until it reaches the top of the range.

Happy to talk flexible working.

Follow us on X at @edincounciljobs

View Early Years Practitioner job pack

View sessional working information