Early Years Practitioner, Papdale Nursery - ORK10903

Orkney Islands Council; Kirkwall; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Orkney Islands Council invites applications for the post of Early Years Practitioner at Papdale Nursery in Kirkwall. The role focuses on delivering a high quality Early Learning and Childcare service to meet the needs of young children and their families.

You will work with a nurturing team, showing warmth and curiosity about children's development, and contribute to planning the environment and experiences that support growth. Regular training and PVG membership are part of the role.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a high quality Early Learning and Childcare service for young children and families.
• Play a role in planning for and developing the environment and experiences in response to children's needs.
• Work alongside a nurturing and dedicated team committed to delivering the best for children and their families.

Job description

Early Years Practitioner, Papdale Nursery - ORK10903

The above amounts include Distant Islands Allowance.

You will be reporting to the Nursery Manager.

Your working pattern is Monday to Friday. We are happy to talk flexible working, where possible.

The purpose of this role is to

deliver a high

quality Early Learning and Childcare service

which meets the needs of and promotes the

development of young children and their

families.

We are looking for enthusiastic people with a passion for working with young children. You will be a warm and caring person with a real interest in playing with and supporting young children as they grow and develop. You will be curious about young children and keen to develop their interests. You will play a role in planning for and developing the environment and experiences in response to children’s needs. You will work alongside a nurturing and dedicated team who are all committed to delivering the very best for children and their families.

Regular training and courses are offered to all practitioners to support practice development, and there are plenty of opportunities to network with practitioners in other settings. Practitioners are also able to collaborate with practitioners from other settings and share learning.

The necessary qualification, experience and skills required for this role are detailed in the 'must have' section of the attached job profile. These criteria are used for decisions on shortlisting and appointment of applicants.

This post is subject to membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme in respect of regulated work with children.

Applications close at 23.59 on Sunday 15 November 2026 with shortlisting taking place from 16 November 2026 and interviews are scheduled for week beginning 23 November 2026.

For a discussion about the role, contact Rachel Mills, ELC Manager, Papdale Nursery at [e-mail] or on 01856 872650 or Shaun Tulloch, Operational Manager (Early Learning and Childcare) on [e-mail].

Orkney Islands Council is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of age, gender, race or ethnicity, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity status or gender reassignment status.