Job Description

Are you passionate about working with children and looking to begin a career in early years? We have an exciting opportunity for a Trainee Early Years Practitioner / Assistant Childminder to join our well-established, home-based childcare setting.

We care for children from birth upwards in a nurturing, home-from-home environment. Our approach is inspired by Realising the Ambition: Being Me, Scotland's national guidance for children in their early years, and by the Curriculum for Excellence for children aged 3 and over. At the heart of everything we do is GIRFEC (Getting it Right for Every Child), which helps us focus on children's wellbeing through the SHANARRI indicators: Safe, Healthy, Achieving, Nurtured, Active, Respected, Responsible and Included.Together, these values guide us to provide high-quality, child-centred care where every child can grow, learn and thrive.

We are proud to be partner providers with Scottish Borders Council, delivering funded Early Learning and Childcare for 2, 3, and 4-year-olds. We also support families experiencing crisis through the Supported Childminder Scheme. Our setting has been graded Very Good (5s) by the Care Inspectorate, and we are committed to maintaining those high standards.

What the role involves

Caring for and supervising children of all ages

Supporting daily routines, personal care, and preparing healthy meals and snacks

Assisting with play-based learning experiences and supporting children as they transition to school

Helping to maintain a safe, inclusive, and stimulating environment indoors and outdoors

Carrying out day-to-day cleaning, health and safety, and dynamic risk assessments

Working in partnership with families, respecting their choices, and maintaining confidentiality

Becoming familiar with Scottish early years legislation and frameworks (full training provided)

We are looking for someone who is:

Compassionate, patient, non-judgemental, and passionate about children's rights

Resilient, adaptable, and committed to never giving up on a child

Respectful and able to work in partnership with families

Keen to learn, undertake training, and develop professionally in early years

Confident in caring for multiple children and responding to their needs

Willing to undergo a PVG membership (arranged and paid for by the setting)

Desirable

Experience caring for children (personal or professional)

Paediatric First Aid (training can be arranged)

Child Protection / Safeguarding awareness

Above all, we're looking for the right person, someone caring, committed, and ready to learn. Qualifications are less important than your passion and potential.

We will also consider applications from qualified Early Years Practitioners with experience, particularly those who are keen to continue their studies and work towards an Early Years degree.

Hours & Pay

This is initially a part-time role with the potential to lead to a full time post. Hours will be above the minium requirement for each course.

6 weeks paid holidays per year, with the option to take an additional 2 weeks unpaid.

Qualification pathways include:

SVQ Level 2 Social Services (Children and Young People)

SVQ Level 3 Social Services (Children and Young People)

With progression opportunities towards a BA (Hons) in Childhood Practice / Childhood Education.

We are a Real Living Wage employer and offer pay above the Real Living Wage, dependent on experience and qualifications.

This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience, achieve qualifications, and grow professionally in a supportive early years environment.

To apply, please send a CV and a short statement explaining why you'd like to join our team.

Please don't contact us or send information via social media

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: 12.70-15.70 per hour

Expected hours: 16 - 26 per week

Benefits:

Additional leave Casual dress Childcare Flexitime Free flu jabs On-site parking
Work Location: In person