At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan and organise play sessions to support children's learning and development.
- Company: Join a vibrant nursery dedicated to early years education in Gaelic.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive of Distant Islands Allowance, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and to work in a collaborative team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while promoting Gaelic language and culture.
- Qualifications: Experience with young children and a qualification meeting Scottish Social Services Council standards.
The predicted salary is between 31476 - 34009 £ per year.
37 hours per week, term time, Permanent position. £31,476 - £34,009 per annum, inclusive of £2,589 Distant Islands Allowance per annum.
The post holder will plan a curriculum which supports and guides children's all-round learning and development. You will plan and organise the play session taking into account the needs of every child. You will provide cover for the Manager as and when required.
Duties will include:
- Organising with the Manager and Nursery Key Workers, daily, weekly and termly play schedules taking into account each child's developmental stage;
- Making observations, assessments and keeping records of children and play activities to ensure children's learning and development needs are met;
- Maintaining and updating an accurate attendance register and records of children's personal details;
- Overseeing the safe collection of children at the end of the day by an authorised adult.
It is essential you have knowledge and understanding of the Curriculum for Excellence, Pre-birth to Three, Building the Ambition, How Good is Our Early Learning & Childcare and the National Care Standards. You must have proven childcare experience working with young children and their families in an early years setting and a qualification that meets the Scottish Social Services Council's requirements for Practitioners. You must have the ability to plan and implement a curriculum through short, medium and long term planning. The ability to speak and read Gaelic is essential.
This post is subject to membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme as a legal requirement of a regulated role with Children.
It is vital you read the job description and person specification; in your Experience statement please detail how you meet each of the essential criteria we ask for in the person specification. Interviews will be conducted in person, providing candidates with the chance to personally meet the team and experience our work environment.
Closing Date: Monday 8 June 2026
Gaelic Play Leader – Early Years Curriculum in Kirkwall employer: Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Join our dedicated team at Balivanich Nursery, where we foster a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the growth and development of both children and staff. With competitive salaries, including a Distant Islands Allowance, and opportunities for professional development, we are committed to creating a nurturing environment that values Gaelic language and culture. Experience the unique advantages of working in a vibrant community focused on early years education, where your contributions will make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Gaelic Play Leader – Early Years Curriculum in Kirkwall
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! When you land that interview, take the chance to chat with the staff. It’s a great way to show your enthusiasm and get a feel for the nursery vibe.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your Gaelic skills! Since speaking and reading Gaelic is essential for this role, make sure to highlight your language abilities during the interview. It’ll set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Bring examples of your work! Whether it’s lesson plans or activities you’ve organised, having tangible examples can really impress the interviewers and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, shoot a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your professionalism.
We think you need these skills to ace Gaelic Play Leader – Early Years Curriculum in Kirkwall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly:Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the job description and person specification. This will help us see how your experience aligns with what we're looking for.
Tailor Your Experience Statement:When detailing your experience, be specific about how you meet each of the essential criteria. Use examples from your past roles to show us you're the perfect fit for the Gaelic Play Leader position.
Show Off Your Gaelic Skills:Since speaking and reading Gaelic is essential for this role, don’t forget to highlight your language skills. Let us know how you've used Gaelic in your previous work or personal experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
✨Know Your Curriculum
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Curriculum for Excellence and other relevant frameworks like Pre-birth to Three. Brush up on how these apply to early years education, as you'll likely be asked how you would implement them in your role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work with young children and their families. Highlight how you've tailored learning experiences to meet individual needs, as this will demonstrate your understanding of child development and your ability to adapt.
✨Get Comfortable with Gaelic
Since speaking and reading Gaelic is essential, practice discussing your ideas and experiences in Gaelic. This will not only show your language skills but also your commitment to the role and the community.
✨Engage with the Team
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare questions about the team dynamics and the nursery's approach to early years education. This shows your interest in collaboration and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
