Job Description

Senior Early Years Practitioner

Position:

Senior Early Years Practitioner (with responsibility for Outdoor Learning)

Setting:

First Nursery, Peebles

Salary:

14.15 to 15.15 reflective of experience and leadership responsibility

Contract:

Full-Time / Permanent 40 hours P/Week

About Us:

First Nursery, Peebles, is a thriving and nurturing setting in the heart of the Scottish Borders. We are proud of our child-centred approach and our strong commitment to outdoor, Forest School-inspired pedagogy. We believe in empowering our staff to lead with passion and innovation, creating magical early years experiences that ignite a lifelong love of learning and nature.

The Role:

We are looking for an inspirational and fully qualified Room Leader to lead one of our age-based rooms. This is a hands-on, pedagogical leadership role for a practitioner who is not only an excellent early years educator but also a champion of outdoor learning. You will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership of your room team, the quality of provision, and the further development of our Forest School practice.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide daily leadership, support, and mentoring to a team of nursery practitioners.

Ensure the highest standards of care, education, and safeguarding within your room.

Act as a role model for outstanding, child-led practice indoors and in our outdoor woodland environment.

Oversee planning, observation, and assessment processes in line with Curriculum for Excellence (Early Level) and Realising the Ambition.

Drive the development and quality of our Forest School provision, acting as a lead and motivator for outdoor learning.

Build strong, collaborative partnerships with parents and carers.

Manage the day-to-day organisation of your room, including resources, staffing rotas, and learning environments.

Work closely with the Nursery Management team to implement policies, self-evaluation, and improvement plans.

Essential Requirements:

A recognised Scottish Early Years Qualification at SCQF Level 7 or above (e.g., HNC Childhood Practice, SVQ 3 with leadership units, or a relevant degree).

Current SSSC registration in a supervisory role (or must be achieved within 6 months).

Substantive experience in an early years setting, with a proven track record of mentoring others or leading practice.

A deep passion and considerable experience in Forest School/outdoor learning. Forest School Leadership qualification is highly desirable, or a committed willingness to work towards it.

In-depth knowledge of Scottish early years frameworks, child development, and safeguarding.

Excellent organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Resilience, positivity, and the ability to motivate and inspire a team.

Desirable Attributes:

Forest School Leader qualification.

Previous experience in a Room Leader/Supervisor position.

Training in pedagogical leadership or coaching and mentoring.

Paediatric First Aid certification.

What We Offer:

A genuine leadership role in a supportive and ambitious setting.

The freedom to innovate and shape our outstanding outdoor learning practice.

Significant investment in your professional development.

A competitive salary and benefits package.

The opportunity to work in a beautiful location with exceptional outdoor resources.

A friendly, dedicated team environment where your ideas are valued.

How to Apply:

If you are a motivated leader with a passion for early years and a belief in the transformative power of outdoor play, we want to hear from you.

Please send your CV and a detailed covering letter outlining your leadership experience and your philosophy on integrating Forest School into early years practice to:

info@firstnurserypeebles.com

First Nursery is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This post requires an enhanced PVG membership.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 14.15-15.15 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

Additional leave Childcare Company events Company pension Free parking On-site parking Sick pay
Work Location: In person