At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan and organise play sessions to support children's learning and development.
- Company: Balivanich Nursery, a vibrant and supportive environment for early years education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, Distant Islands Allowance, and a permanent position.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a dynamic team and develop your skills in early years education.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a fun, engaging setting.
- 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
Play Leader, Gaelic, Balivanich Nursery (5659) - CNS06245 in Kirkwall employer: Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
At Balivanich Nursery, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the growth and development of our staff. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and creativity, allowing Play Leaders to design engaging learning experiences for children while benefiting from ongoing professional development opportunities. Located in the picturesque Outer Hebrides, we offer a unique working environment that includes a competitive salary with a Distant Islands Allowance, ensuring a rewarding and fulfilling career in early years education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Play Leader, Gaelic, Balivanich Nursery (5659) - CNS06245 in Kirkwall
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery's vibe! Before your interview, take a stroll around Balivanich Nursery if you can. Familiarising yourself with the environment will help you feel more at ease and show the team that you're genuinely interested in their setting.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your Gaelic! Since speaking and reading Gaelic is essential for this role, practice a few phrases or even some nursery rhymes. It’ll not only impress the interviewers but also demonstrate your commitment to the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some engaging questions! Think about what you want to know about the nursery’s approach to play and learning. Asking thoughtful questions shows that you’re proactive and really care about how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to submit your application directly. Plus, it helps us keep track of all the amazing candidates like you who are eager to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Play Leader, Gaelic, Balivanich Nursery (5659) - CNS06245 in Kirkwall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing, give the job description a good read. It’s packed with info on what we’re looking for, so make sure you understand the key responsibilities and requirements.
Tailor Your Experience Statement:When you write your experience statement, be specific! Highlight how your skills and experiences match the essential criteria we’ve outlined. This is your chance to shine, so don’t hold back!
Show Off Your Gaelic Skills:Since speaking and reading Gaelic is essential for this role, make sure to mention your language skills prominently. If you have any relevant experiences using Gaelic in a childcare setting, definitely include those!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s super easy and ensures your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need right there!
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 your role as a Play Leader, as you'll need to demonstrate your understanding during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work with young children and their families. Highlight how you've planned and implemented play sessions that cater to individual needs, as this will show your practical experience and suitability for the role.
✨Get Comfortable with Gaelic
Since speaking and reading Gaelic is essential, practice your language skills before the interview. Be ready to demonstrate your proficiency, as it’s a key requirement for the position and will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Engage with the Team
During the interview, take the opportunity to engage with the team. Ask questions about their approach to early learning and childcare, and share your thoughts on how you can contribute. This shows your enthusiasm and willingness to collaborate.
