At a Glance
- Tasks: Supervise a team and deliver high-quality early years education in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join St. Gabriel's RC Primary School, a supportive community focused on child development.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, term-time work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Temporary position until March 2027 with potential for career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a caring and safe setting.
- Qualifications: HNC in Early Education and Childcare or equivalent qualifications required.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 47000 £ per year.
The salary advertised is full time (35 hours per week, 52 weeks per year). Part-time hours / sessional posts will be pro-rated accordingly. Hourly rate of pay: £20.13 - £22.51. Temporary secondment cover until 31st March 2027. This is a 39 week sessional post i.e. working hours will be during school term time plus in-service days.
Days and Hours of Work: Monday - Thursday, 08:00-16:00; Friday, 08:00-13:00. To start asap.
We are looking for Senior Early Years Practitioners to join our team at St Gabriel's Nursery to help us continue to deliver high quality child centred service which meets the needs of children and their families. Interviews will take place June 18th 2026.
Job Details: To work as part of and supervise on a day to day basis, a team of early learning and childcare practitioners, in delivering a high quality child centred service which supports the needs of children and families and enables each child to achieve their potential within a caring, safe and welcoming environment.
Please download the Job Outline/Person Specification (available under 'Job Attachments') for the full range of tasks and duties associated with this job. You will need to refer to these in order to complete the application form. You must ensure you meet every 'essential' criteria stated on the Person Specification to be considered for interview.
The ‘East Lothian Way’ – values and behaviours we expect our employees to demonstrate in their everyday work. Should you be invited to interview, you may be asked questions based on these behaviours. Please refer to the document via the link to familiarise yourself with them.
Job Requirements:
- Qualifications: You must be educated to HNC level in Early Education and Childcare or hold SNNB/HNC/SVQ3 qualifications in Childcare/Education or equivalent and be able to evidence additional learning and knowledge of current practice and legislation in relation to Early Learning and Childcare.
- Scottish Social Services Council: SSSC registration is an essential requirement of this role. If you are appointed and are not already a member of the relevant section of the SSSC Register, you will be required to apply for registration within 3 months of your start date to ensure that you are registered within the required 6 months.
- PVG Membership: This post is considered as a Regulated Role with vulnerable children and/or protected adults, as specified in the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020. All preferred candidates for posts carrying out regulated work with these groups will be required to become a PVG Scheme member, or undergo a PVG Scheme update if they are already a member, prior to any formal offer of employment being made by East Lothian Council.
Please note: PVG member’s records are constantly updated with any new vetting information that arises. Any information that is disclosed on a PVG membership or update check, if relevant to the post being applied for, will be discussed with the applicant and investigated prior to any formal offer being made. If you have spent more than 3 months working or living out with the UK in the last 5 years then you will be required to present a copy of an overseas criminal record check.
Details of how to apply and contact details can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Additional Information: For additional East Lothian Council employment information please click on the following link: www.eastlothian.gov.uk/nonteachinginfo. Further details on all East Lothian Council Primary and Secondary Schools, including individual school websites can be found here: Primary and Secondary Schools.
If you have any difficulties creating an account on MyJobScotland or applying for this post please contact the MyJobScotland support team via this link https://www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/contact-us. If you require further information about this vacancy, please call 01620 827868, or email us on recruitment@eastlothian.gov.uk.
Please note: We do not accept CV's (either electronically or by mail). All our vacancies must be applied for by fully completing the on-line application form. Although there is an ‘import data from my CV’ function on MyJobScotland, this only imports very limited data and should not be relied upon to complete the application form. If, for example, due to a disability, you are unable to complete the on-line application form you can contact us for a paper application via the telephone number or email address above.
Senior Early Years Practitioner - St. Gabriel's RC Primary School - EAL12681 employer: East Lothian Council
St. Gabriel's RC Primary School is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its staff within a supportive and nurturing environment. With a commitment to delivering high-quality early years education, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and their families in the vibrant community of East Lothian.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Early Years Practitioner - St. Gabriel's RC Primary School - EAL12681
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Before your interview, check out St. Gabriel's website and social media. Understanding their ethos will help you connect your experience with what they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your skills align with the role of Senior Early Years Practitioner and be ready to share specific examples.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! First impressions matter, so make sure you look professional and approachable. A smart outfit can boost your confidence and show that you take the opportunity seriously.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can set you apart from other candidates. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Early Years Practitioner - St. Gabriel's RC Primary School - EAL12681
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description and person specification thoroughly. This will help us understand what we're looking for and ensure you highlight the right skills and experiences in your application.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! We want to see how your experience aligns with the role of Senior Early Years Practitioner. Use specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to meet the essential criteria outlined in the job description.
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences. Avoid fluff – we want to know what makes you the best fit for our team!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, we only accept applications through our website. So, make sure to complete the online application form fully. If you run into any issues, don’t hesitate to reach out for help – we’re here to support you through the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at East Lothian Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the job outline and person specification. Highlight your qualifications, especially your HNC in Early Education and Childcare, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the essential criteria.
✨Embrace the 'East Lothian Way'
Familiarise yourself with the values and behaviours expected by the school. Prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate how you embody these values, as interviewers may ask about them.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
As a Senior Early Years Practitioner, you’ll be supervising a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how you support and motivate others. Share specific instances where you’ve successfully led a team or improved collaboration.
✨Prepare for PVG Questions
Since this role involves working with vulnerable children, be ready to discuss your understanding of the PVG Scheme and any relevant safeguarding practices. It’s important to show that you take child safety seriously.
