Early Years Practitioner, Shapinsay Primary School

Orkney Islands Council; Balfour; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading education provider in Orkney seeks an Early Years Practitioner for Shapinsay Primary School. The role involves nurturing young children and creating supportive learning environments. Candidates should have relevant qualifications and a passion for early childhood education. The position is part-time and temporary, with training provided.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years experience involving children.
• Able to register with SSSC as a Practitioner in Day Care of Children.

Responsibilities

• Support young children's growth and development.
• Plan and develop environments and experiences responding to children’s needs.

Skills

Passion for working with children

Curiosity about child development

Education

Good general standard of education including literacy and numeracy

HNC in Early Education and Child Care

SVQ Level 3 in Social Services (Children and Young People)

Job description

Location: Shapinsay Primary School Shapinsay Orkney, KW17 2DY

Salary: £29,192 - £32,605 per year pro rata

Contract Type: Temporary

Position Type: Part Time

Hours: 17.5 hours per week

Advert

EDUCATION, COMMUNITIES AND HOUSING

Shapinsay Primary School

Early Years Practitioner

17.5 hours per week, Term Time

Temporary up to 23 April 2026

The above amounts include Distant Islands Allowance

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.

The early years service will support you to gain any practice qualifications whilst you work. You will also be able to attend training delivered by the early years team to support your practice development.

To be appointed at Grade E:

You should have a good general standard of education including literacy and numeracy and a minimum of 2 years work or volunteering experience involving children.

You are also required to achieve an HNC in Early Education and Child Care, SVQ Level 3 (SCQF7) Social Services (Children and Young People) or other recognised qualification that enables registration with the SSSC as a Practitioner (Day Care of Children) within 3 years of taking up post.

To be appointed at F:

You will hold an HNC in Childhood Practice, SVQ Level 3 (SCQF7) Social Services (Children and Young People) or other recognised qualification that enables registration with the SSSC as a Practitioner (Day Care of Children).

You are also required to have at least one years' experience of working with young children in a dedicated Early Learning and Childcare setting (this may be in a training or student role).

For both Grades, you should also be registered with the SSSC as a Practitioner in Day Care of Children, or where new to employment as a Practitioner in Day Care of Children, register within 6 months of taking up post.

This post is subject to Level 2 Disclosure Check with PVG for working in a regulated role with children

You should be able to travel efficiently and effectively between work locations within Orkney to meet the operational requirements of the Service.

Prospective applicants are invited to discuss this post by contacting, Catherine Diamond, Head Teacher on 01856 873535 or email [e-mail].

Closing Date: 23:59 on Sunday 6 July 2025

Please note that interview expenses are not payable for this post.