Job Description

The Kids Village Nursery is a nurturing, inclusive, and forward-thinking early learning and childcare setting for children aged 2-5 years. We believe in the power of child-led, play-based learning and are proud to offer a unique learning environment that includes our purpose-built interactive Play Village. We adopt the Montessori approach to our learning which is based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning and collaborative play. Our immersive space allows children to engage in imaginative role-play, build social skills, and explore real-world experiences through play. Alongside our Play Village, we offer rich indoor and outdoor learning opportunities, including regular Beach School sessions, to support holistic child development.

The Role:

We are looking for a passionate and experienced Senior Early Years Practitioner to join our leadership team. In this vital role, you will lead by example in creating high-quality, nurturing learning experiences, inspire and guide fellow practitioners, and work collaboratively with management to maintain and enhance the quality of care and education across the nursery.

Key Responsibilities:

Assist in supporting a team of practitioners in delivering engaging and meaningful play experiences rooted in Curriculum for Excellence, Realising the Ambition, and HGIOELC.

Creatively incorporate the use of our interactive Play Village into daily planning, encouraging role-play, storytelling, and exploration of real-life scenarios.

Take the lead in planning and facilitating outdoor learning and Beach School sessions, fostering a love for nature and active learning.

Ensure all daily paperwork, including observations, risk assessments, safety checks, and incident logs, is completed to a high standard.

Use skilled questioning and high-quality interactions to extend children's thinking and promote curiosity.

Triangulate learning effectively through planning, observations, and tracking of progress.

Develop and manage Staged Intervention plans, including SMART targets and working closely with external professionals.

Maintain a safe and inclusive environment through ongoing risk assessment and adherence to safeguarding procedures.

Promote inclusive, nurturing practice that supports every child's individual needs and developmental stage.

Monitor and evaluate practice across the setting, supporting quality assurance, peer observations, and contributions to self-evaluation.

Support and motivate team members through coaching, mentoring, and leading in-house professional learning sessions.

Collaborate with the management team to lead improvement planning and uphold high standards aligned with Care Inspectorate expectations.

Keyholder responsibility - you will be responsible for the overall running of the nursery when the Nursery Manager leaves each day. You will see in the cleaner at 5:30pm and are responsible for ensuring cleaning schedules are followed accordingly. At 6:30pm you, the cleaner & the last children will exit the building and you will set the alarm etc.

About You:

SVQ Level 3 or HNC in Childhood Practice (or equivalent); SCQF Level 9 or working towards is highly desirable.

Significant experience working with children aged 2-5, including time in a senior or leadership role.

Strong understanding and practice in play-based learning, imaginative role play, and outdoor education and knowledge of the Maria Montessori Learning Approach

Experience in delivering or supporting Beach School or nature-based learning.

Confident in completing daily documentation and ensuring compliance with health and safety and safeguarding procedures.

Skilled in using national frameworks (CfE, Realising the Ambition, HGIOELC) to support planning, learning, and assessment.

Familiarity with Staged Intervention, ASN processes, and partnership working.

Reflective, driven, and passionate about improving outcomes for children.

Registered with the SSSC and committed to ongoing professional learning and upholding the Codes of Practice.

What We Offer:

A supportive, friendly, and innovative working environment.

Access to our unique interactive Play Village as a core part of the curriculum.

Opportunities to lead and develop outdoor and Beach School experiences.

Ongoing CPD opportunities and career progression pathways.

A collaborative team culture where your ideas and contributions are valued.

Your Hours:

We are currently looking for the following shift cover, however, there may be overtime offered regularly to cover team member absence through holidays or sick, where you would be asked to come in from the morning.

During term time (when Scottish schools are in) your standard working week will be:

Monday - Friday 13:00 - 18:30 (27.5 Hours p/w) - Term Time

During school holidays/public holidays, your standard working week will be:

Monday - Friday 07:30-16:30 (40 Hours p/w) - Public Holidays/School Holidays

(The additional 12.5 hours per week paid to you as Overtime). This can be discussed further at the interview if you are interested in the role and can accommodate these hours.

The nursery will be open all year round except Christmas day, Boxing day, Hogmanay and New Years Day. You will have 154 hours annual leave to take per full year, however, you are expected as part of your contract, to work public & school holidays.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: 15.00 per hour

Expected hours: 27.5 per week

Schedule:

Day shift Monday to Friday No weekends Overtime
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 16/05/2025
Reference ID: Senior Early Years Practitioner
Expected start date: 09/06/2025