At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan and organise play sessions to support children's learning and development.
- Company: Balivanich Nursery, a vibrant Gaelic-speaking environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, Distant Islands Allowance, and a supportive team.
- 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 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 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 thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact on children's lives. With competitive salaries, including a Distant Islands Allowance, and opportunities for professional development, we are committed to nurturing both our employees and the young minds they inspire.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Play Leader, Gaelic, Balivanich Nursery (5659) - CNS06245
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery and its values before your interview. Research their approach to early years education and think about how your experience aligns with their curriculum. This will help you stand out as someone who genuinely cares about their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your Gaelic! Since it's essential for this role, brush up on your language skills. You could even prepare a few phrases or activities in Gaelic to showcase your ability during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with children. Think of specific examples where you've supported their learning and development. This will show that you can effectively implement the curriculum they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions during your interview! This shows your interest and helps you gauge if the nursery is the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to learn more about their team dynamics and daily routines.
We think you need these skills to ace Play Leader, Gaelic, Balivanich Nursery (5659) - CNS06245
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 to match our needs.
Tailor Your Experience Statement:In your experience statement, be specific about how you meet each of the essential criteria listed in the person specification. Use examples from your past work with children to demonstrate your understanding of the Curriculum for Excellence and your childcare experience.
Show Off Your Gaelic Skills:Since speaking and reading Gaelic is essential for this role, make sure to highlight your language skills in your application. If you have any relevant qualifications or experiences that showcase your Gaelic proficiency, don’t forget to include them!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and allows you to keep track of your application status easily.
How to prepare for a job interview at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
✨Know the Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Curriculum for Excellence and other relevant frameworks mentioned in the job description. Brush up on key concepts like Pre-birth to Three and Building the Ambition, as these will likely come up during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Childcare Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences working with young children and their families. Highlight how you’ve planned and implemented play sessions that cater to individual needs, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Gaelic Skills
Since speaking and reading Gaelic is essential, practice discussing your experiences and ideas in Gaelic. This will not only show your language proficiency but also your commitment to the role and the community.
✨Engage with the Team
Interviews are a two-way street! Be ready to ask questions about the nursery’s approach and team dynamics. Showing genuine interest in the work environment can set you apart from other candidates.
