Senior Children Services Practitioner in Mayfield

Position Number: DAE496

Directorate: Children, Young People & Partnerships

Location: Hawthorn Family Learning Centre

Contract Status: Fixed Term to 31 January 2027

Hours of Work: 36

Working Pattern: Monday - Thursday 8.00am - 4.00pm and Friday 8.00am - 2.30pm

Weeks per year: 52

Knowledge and Qualifications

• Post holder must hold (be working towards or commit to completing) a senior practitioner level qualification - BA Childhood Practice; Postgraduate Diploma Childhood Practice; Masters of Education Childhood Practice; PDA Childhood Practice (at SCQF level 9) or equivalents that meet the requirements for SSSC (Scottish Social Services Council) registration for managers in a day care of children service.
• The post holder must be able to demonstrate a sound working knowledge of early years practice, local and national policy, research, legislation and documentation, and will be expected to implement this knowledge into practice.
• The post holder must have experience of working in an Early Learning Centre and/or Children Services provision, with the ability to demonstrate a sound overview and clear understanding of children's development and progress in literacy, numeracy and health and well-being across the Curriculum.
• Must have a very good understanding of Curriculum for Excellence Early Level, Pre-Birth to Three Positive Outcomes for Scotland's Children and Families, Realising the Ambition, HGIOELC and GIRFEC and Care Inspectorate standards and requirements.
• Ability to demonstrate a passion and flair for working with young children and families and a commitment to equality and social inclusion.
• Experience of working with and protecting vulnerable children and families through relevant legislation, processes and procedures.
• Understanding of Social Work legislation and guidelines and previous experience of working in a Child Care environment and developing and implementing care plans.
• Up-to-date first aid and food hygiene certificate, or commitment to achieving this within 6 months in post.
• Ability to keep up to date with new guidelines and legislation once in post.
• Attends a variety of courses depending on the individual needs of a child (e.g. epilepsy training; gastric feeding; baby & toddler first aid training; behaviour management; training for communication problems such as signing; Hannan language programme and 'picture exchange').
• Previous supervisory experience is desirable.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Demonstrate sound overview and understanding of children's development and progress across literacy, numeracy and health and well-being.
• Implement knowledge of early years policy and documentation into everyday practice.
• Work with and support young children and families, promoting equality and social inclusion.
• Contribute to safeguarding through relevant legislation, processes and procedures.
• Develop and implement care plans in a Child Care environment.

Requirements

• Regulated Work with Children and Adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act, 2007; this post is considered regulated work and it is an offence to apply if barred from working with children or adults.
• Successful candidates require PVG Scheme membership for Regulated Work with Children and Adults. You will be required to join the Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check prior to commencing employment; the cost will be met by you.
• Visit www.disclosurescotland.gov.uk for information. Disclosure Scotland has changed the PVG certificate process. You will be notified by email when the certificate is available to view. The certificate is viewable for 14 days from first viewing; access sharing arrangements and timing may incur additional costs if access is not granted in time.

Additional Information

• If you have difficulty applying for this post or accessing attached documents, or if you have a disability and reasonable adjustment is required, please email the Recruitment Team with the post reference number.
• Midlothian Council is undergoing transformation; some vacancies may involve internal prioritisation and longer delays before outcomes are advised. Internal candidates may be interviewed before the wider pool.
• If you are a trainee of a Midlothian Council Training Programme, have a disability or you are a care experienced young person who has previously been looked after, you are eligible for a guaranteed interview if you meet essential criteria.
• Closing date: Wednesday 25 February 2026; Interview date: Monday 9 March 2026.

Notes: Please note that it is Midlothian Council policy that successful applicants will be appointed to the first point on the salary scale. Based on 36 hours over 52 weeks per year, the minimum actual salary for this position is £43,468.03 per annum.