Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan and organise play sessions to support children's learning and development.
- Company: Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar, a supportive and engaging environment for young learners.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, year-round work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a vibrant community.
- Qualifications: Experience in childcare and fluency in Gaelic are essential.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to early years education.
The predicted salary is between 29215 - 31572 £ per year.
Overview
Stiiriche Cluiche, Foghlam tro Mheadhan na Gidhlig, Sgoil-raich Thunga (9266)
26 hours per week, term time, permanent position. Salary £21,426 – £23,148 per year, including £1,820 Distant Islands Allowance per year.
Play Leader, Gaelic, Sgoil Araich Thunga (9266)
26 hours per week, term time, permanent position. Salary £21,426 – £23,148 per year, including £1,820 Distant Islands Allowance per year.
Responsibilities
- Plan a curriculum which supports and guides children\’s all-round learning and development.
- Plan and organise play sessions appropriate to the needs of each child.
- Provide cover for the Manager as required.
- Organise with the Manager and Nursery Key Workers daily, weekly and termly play schedules taking into account each child’s development stage.
- Make observations, assessments and keep records of children and play activities to ensure learning and development needs are met.
- Maintain accurate attendance registers and records of children’s personal details.
- Ensure the safe collection of children at the end of the day by an authorised adult.
- Collaborate with the Manager and Nursery staff to plan and deliver learning experiences across routines (clear documentation of weekly and termly plans).
- Provide ideas, carry out assessments and share information about children and play activities to ensure needs are met.
- Maintain health and safety standards and take responsibility for children’s safety at the end of each day.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Knowledge and understanding of Curriculum for Excellence, Pre-birth to Three, Building the Ambition, How Good is Our Early Learning & Childcare and the National Care Standards.
- Proven childcare experience working with young children and families in an early years setting.
- A qualification that meets the Scottish Social Services Council requirements for Practitioners.
- Ability to plan and implement a curriculum through short, medium and long-term planning.
- Ability to speak and read Gaelic is essential.
- Membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme is required for this regulated role with children.
Additional Information
- It is essential that you have read the job description and person specification, and in your experience statement detail how you meet each essential criterion.
- Interviews will be conducted in person to allow candidates to meet the team and experience the work environment.
- Closing Date: Monday 9 February 2026.
Salary for the above post is inclusive of Distant Islands Allowance.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Play Leader employer: Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Contact Detail:
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Play Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar and their approach to early years education. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions related to childcare and your experience. Think about how you can relate your past experiences to the specific needs of the Play Leader role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Bring along examples of your planning and assessment work, or even a portfolio of activities you've organised. This will give the interviewers a tangible sense of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Play Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, make sure to read the job description and person specification thoroughly. This will help us understand what we're looking for and how you can showcase your skills and experience effectively.
Tailor Your Experience Statement: In your experience statement, be specific about how you meet each of the essential criteria. Use examples from your past roles to demonstrate your skills in planning, organising, and working with children. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Showcase Your Gaelic Skills: Since fluency in Gaelic is essential for this role, make sure to highlight your language skills prominently. Whether it's through your qualifications or practical experience, let us know how you can contribute to our Gaelic Medium environment.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures that all your details are captured correctly. Plus, it shows us you're keen to join our team!
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. Brush up on how they apply to early years education, as this will show your understanding of the role and your commitment to children's development.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past childcare experience that highlight your ability to plan and implement engaging play sessions. Be ready to discuss how you've met the needs of different children and how you’ve adapted activities based on their developmental stages.
✨Demonstrate Your Gaelic Skills
Since fluency in Gaelic is essential, practice speaking it before the interview. You might be asked to demonstrate your language skills, so be prepared to engage in a conversation or explain concepts in Gaelic to showcase your proficiency.
✨Engage with the Team
Interviews at Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar are a chance to meet the team, so be friendly and approachable. Ask questions about their approach to play and learning, and share your ideas. This will help you connect with them and show that you’re a team player.
