Early Years Practitioner, Shapinsay Primary School - ORK09915

Orkney Islands Council; Scotland; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

A local educational authority in Scotland seeks an Early Years Practitioner at Shapinsay Primary School for a temporary position until April 2026. This role requires a passion for working with young children, commitment to their growth and development, and qualifications including HNC in Early Education and Child Care. The successful candidate will work alongside a dedicated team, participating in planning and implementation of engaging activities, while gaining further training and support in a nurturing environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years experience involving children.
• Ability to register with the SSSC as a Practitioner (Day Care of Children).
• Available to attend training to gain practice qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Support and nurture children in a primary school setting.
• Plan and develop activities responsive to children's needs.
• Collaborate with a dedicated team to deliver high-quality care.

Skills

Experience working with children

Passion for early childhood education

Strong communication skills

Education

HNC in Early Education and Child Care

SVQ Level 3 Social Services (Children and Young People)

Job description

Advert

EDUCATION, COMMUNITIES AND HOUSING

Shapinsay Primary School

Early Years Practitioner

17.5 hours per week, Term Time

Temporary up to 23 April 2026

£30,389 - £31,009 / £31,739 - £33,929 pro rata

£16.65 - £16.99 / £17.39 - £18.59 per hour

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.

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.

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

To be appointed at 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.

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 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 appointment grades, you should also be registered with the SSSC as a Practitioner (Day Care of Children) no later than 3 months from commencing in post.

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

To find out more, please contact, Emma Clements, Head Teacher on 01856 771218 or email emma.clements@

Closing Date: 23:59 on Sunday 4 January 2026

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