Job Description

- Junior Practitioner (once qualified working towards Practitioner experience and rate) / Practitioner (must have minimum 2 years experience)

As a Nursery Practitioner, you will be responsible for providing a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for children in our care. You will work as part of a team to help children grow and develop through engaging activities and educational play, in line with the Early Years Frameworks of Scotland, including the Curriculum for Excellence, Realising the Ambition and the Scottish Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Policy.

Key Responsibilities

Childcare and Education

: Provide high-quality care and support for children aged from birth to 5 years old Plan and implement engaging learning activities based on the needs and interests of the children, supporting their physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development. Observe and monitor children's progress and behaviour, recording and reporting on their development. Ensure that the children's health, safety, and well-being are maintained at all times, following the nursery's safeguarding policies and procedures. Practitioners are expected to have a good understanding of relevant policies and documents to support their role in delivering high-quality learning experiences, helping children to develop the skills and capabilities they need for life, learning, and work. One of the central purposes is to advocate for a holistic approach to children's development. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing each child's unique potential, respecting their rights, and valuing their voices in the learning process. The framework encourages practitioners to tailor learning and support to the individual needs and interests of every child. "Realising the Ambition" promotes inclusivity and equity in early years settings. It emphasizes the need for all children, regardless of their background or circumstances, to have access to the same high-quality education and care. This helps address issues like inequality, social exclusion, and barriers to learning.
o Practitioners are expected to stay up to date with the latest research, theories, and best practices. Self-reflection and evaluation is expected to be part of the normal routine along with planning, discussing and next steps, fostering an environment where they can continuously assess and improve the centre.

o National policies and frameworks, such as the

Curriculum for Excellence

and

The Scottish Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Policy

, support the ambitions of early years outlined in these policies. It provides a consistent, clear vision for early childhood education that is integrated with the wider educational landscape in Scotland which in turn helps improve the quality across the early years sector. It serves as a tool for practitioners and managers to evaluate their practice and ensure that the learning environment is constantly evolving to meet the needs of children.

Collaboration and Teamwork

: Work alongside the Nursery Manager, Deputy, Senior and other staff to develop and deliver educational programs. Support children with individual needs, providing care and attention as required. Communicate effectively with parents and carers, providing updates on children's progress and addressing any concerns in a professional and supportive manner.

Professional Development

: Attend regular training sessions including Team Meetings and keep up to date with best practices in early years education. Engage in professional development opportunities and actively contribute to the development of the nursery as part of a team and as part of your champion role.

Health and Safety

: Follow all policies and procedures to ensure a safe and healthy environment for both children and staff. Take part in risk assessments and ensure that resources are clean and safe for children to use. Understanding of the

Curriculum for Excellence

and

The Scottish Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Policy

. Knowledge of child development principles and the ability to work with children of varying needs and abilities.

Skills and Attributes

Passion for working with young children and supporting their development. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work effectively as part of a team. Patience, empathy, and a caring nature. Knowledge of child protection and safeguarding procedures.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 13.06-17.80 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

Free parking On-site parking
Work Location: In person