Job Description

About us

Lathallan Nursery

is a place of opportunity where children can regularly engage in a range of imaginative and enriching experiences beyond the classroom. It is a place where children can be courageous and take risks, challenging themselves and each other to be the best they can be.

Strong positive, caring relationships based on trust and respect, are at the heart of our philosophy and our nursery provides a setting for children to develop long-lasting friendships within a safe, secure and welcoming environment indoors and outdoors.

Lathallan Nursery is part of Lathallan School and delivers high quality education and childcare predominantly in the outdoors, for children from birth to 5 years within its sprawling 60 acre grounds.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a skilled and highly motivated practitioner to join our professional, passionate and skilled team. You will lead our Pre-School class delivering adventurous, play-based educational experiences as part of our high quality care and education over four days per week working 42 hours per week including paid breaks.

Making the most of our expansive space, we are heavily outdoor learning focused and are looking for someone who shares our excitement and enthusiasm for nature. Learning is inspired and led by the children exploring the rich, natural landscapes of our environment, our staff role is in supporting them to have fun, flourish and succeed. The possibilities and wonder are endless!

The ideal candidate is passionate about outdoor play and is prepared to spend periods of the day supporting children's play and learning, whatever the weather. You will need to be resilient and organised, there will be days of wet feet, cold noses and of course our favourite, mud!

To work with us at Lathallan Nursery you must be someone who:

Loves the outdoors and is committed to spending time engaging children to thrive through independent exploration. Is passionate about working with young children, caring first and foremost about their emotional and physical wellbeing. Firmly believes in the concept of free play and the benefits it offers to children's learning in addition to their mental health. Can be positive, enthusiastic and professional every day you come to work. Can be creative and flexible in your approach to supporting children to take risks, problem solve and make decisions across all age groups. Is able to step back and take a calm and considered approach, with a genuine interest in the work children do. Understands the value of community and family, particularly when it comes to inspiring children. Promotes the values and ethos of Lathallan School through their interactions with others. Is a team player. Is committed to their own personal development and growth, remaining abreast of current developments in childcare and education policies and practices.

Shifts are 10.5 hours per day (including a paid break) over 4 days per week.

6 weeks paid Holidays.

Early Years Practitioner Required skills and experience. You must have:

Worked with young children in a learning environment for at least 3 years. An ongoing, working knowledge of the Curriculum for Excellence, Realising the Ambition and current good practice. An understanding of the importance and benefits of daily outdoor play for young children. The ability to assist children to come up with ideas for what to do and to problem-solve alongside them, providing them with skills and knowledge in a safe environment. The ability to follow internal policies and procedures whilst also meeting the external legislation and guidelines from our governing bodies. Good observational skills to support accurate and effective assessments, reflecting the needs, interests and stages of development of the child. Be able to work within the team in order to support the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident independent and creative learners. Good administrative skills to ensure children's files, learning and support plans are accurate and up to date with support from the team lead. An understanding of child development and the ability to engage and motivate children across age groups. Strong communication skills to support the development of positive relationships with children, their families and the nursery team. An understanding of nature based inquiry-led learning would be advantageous. A current Childcare Qualification recognised by the Scottish Social Services Council e.g. SVQ3 SSCYP, HNC

Early Years Practitioner Room Leads Responsibilities

Room Leads are expected to manage their room team and ensure that all daily / weekly / monthly and termly admin / paperwork and physical tasks are completed on time and to a high standard. As a room lead you will lead the planning using the relevant curriculum for your age group e.g. Curriculum for Excellence, Realising the Ambition: Being Me. You will track the progress of children via observations and other mediums guided by the Nursery Manager You will update children's chronologies, personal plans, wellbeing info as needed You will take part in Room Lead - Manager meetings and provide information on your room staff and children You will meet with parents to discuss children's progress regularly (termly) You will organise family engagement sessions under the guidance of the nursery manager You will create, edit and carry out risk assessments and support plans for areas / activities and individual children under the guidance of the nursery manager You will encourage best practice among your room staff by role modelling what this looks like and providing regular feedback on your room staff on their practice during 1-1 meetings. You will encourage and facilitate meaningful relationships with children and their families You will adhere to all relevant and up to date local and national guidance documentation and legislations You will follow all setting policies & procedures You will mentor students and modern apprentices ensuring they are aware of and following best practice.

Informal enquiries can be made to nursery@lathallan.org.uk

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Projected Total Compensation: 27,518.00-28,718.00 per year

Benefits:

Company events Company pension Discounted or free food Employee discount Free parking On-site parking
Experience:

Early childhood education: 3 years (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 24/10/2025
Reference ID: EYP October 2025
Expected start date: 04/01/2026