At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children's learning and wellbeing in a vibrant nursery environment.
- Company: Dean Park Primary School, a community-focused school in Balerno, Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, part-time hours, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusion and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a nurturing environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in early years education and a passion for child development.
The predicted salary is between 34452 - 40501 £ per year.
Early Years Officer - Fixed term until 26/06/2027 – Dean Park Primary School
Salary: £34,452 - £40,501 (pro‑rata for part time and sessional)
Hours: 15.5 per week, 39 weeks sessional
About the School
Dean Park Primary School serves the village of Balerno in south‑west Edinburgh. The school operates across two sites: a large nursery annexe located in the heart of the village and the main campus within the Marchbank housing estate. We currently have capacity for 88 full‑time children in our nursery and a primary school roll of 504 pupils. Our main campus is also undergoing an exciting expansion, with six new classrooms due for completion this year. Dean Park Primary is a vibrant, inclusive school with a strong sense of community and shared purpose. Our vision, "creating a learning environment where everyone has the opportunity to flourish" underpins all that we do. As a Gold Level Rights‑Respecting School, we place children's rights at the centre of our ethos, guiding our values, decisions and daily practice.
Key Responsibilities
- Support children’s learning, wellbeing and development within the nursery environment.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with families and colleagues.
- Design and deliver an engaging early years curriculum that reflects best practice, inclusion and child development principles.
- Provide a safe, stimulating and supportive environment where every child can flourish.
- Assist with planning, monitoring and recording children’s progress.
Working Conditions and Requirements
This post is regulated work with children and protected adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. The preferred candidate will require joining the PVG Scheme or completing a PVG Scheme update check. Individuals who have spent a continuous period of three months or more outside the UK in the last five years must obtain an Overseas Criminal Record Check. An unconditional offer of employment and commencement in the post will be subject to satisfactory outcomes of the above pre‑employment checks. Employment is fixed term until 26/06/2027 with 39‑week sessional work and 15.5 hours per week. Payroll is pro‑rata for part‑time and sessional working.
Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone feels valued and able to be their best. We particularly encourage applications from women for senior roles, as well as people from minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities or neurodivergent people, care‑experienced people and LGBT+ people across all levels of the organisation, all of whom are currently underrepresented. All applicants will be considered fairly based on skills and experience. Disabled and care‑experienced applicants who meet the minimum job criteria will be guaranteed an interview.
Interview Process
The interview process will include an assessment of how you would bring our Behaviours of Respect, Integrity and Flexibility into your ways of working.
Early Years Officer - Dean Park Primary School - 14771_1780044645 employer: CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL
Dean Park Primary School is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work environment in the heart of Balerno, south-west Edinburgh. With a strong commitment to children's rights and a focus on professional development, staff are encouraged to grow and thrive while making a meaningful impact on young learners' lives. The school's community-oriented culture fosters collaboration and support, ensuring that every employee feels valued and empowered to contribute to a nurturing educational experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Officer - Dean Park Primary School - 14771_1780044645
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Dean Park Primary School and its values. Understanding their community-focused approach will help you tailor your responses during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their vibrant environment.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or local education forums. They can provide insider tips about the school culture and what they look for in an Early Years Officer, giving you an edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those behavioural questions! Think about how you've demonstrated respect, integrity, and flexibility in your past roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them memorable.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and serious about the role. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little nudge can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Officer - Dean Park Primary School - 14771_1780044645
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Early Years Officer role. Highlight your experience in supporting children's learning and wellbeing, as well as any relevant qualifications or training you've completed.
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for early years education shine through! Share examples of how you've created engaging learning environments or built strong relationships with families and colleagues. We love seeing genuine passion for what you do.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. This helps us quickly understand your skills and experiences, making it easier for us to see why you'd be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with Dean Park Primary School's vision and values. Understanding their commitment to creating a learning environment where everyone can flourish will help you align your answers with their ethos during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience working with children, particularly in early years settings. Prepare specific examples of how you've supported children's learning and wellbeing, as well as how you've built relationships with families and colleagues. This will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that assess how you embody the Behaviours of Respect, Integrity, and Flexibility. Think of scenarios from your past where you've demonstrated these qualities, and be prepared to share them. This will show that you can integrate these behaviours into your work at the school.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the nursery environment or the school's expansion plans. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
