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- Tasks: Deliver high-quality, child-centred service and support children's learning in a vibrant nursery environment.
- Company: Join the award-winning Erskine Stewart Melville Schools, a pioneer in rounded education.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, free lunches, fitness access, and discounts at 130,000 locations.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives while developing your career in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and a recognised childcare qualification are essential.
- Other info: Embrace values of kindness, confidence, resilience, integrity, and curiosity in your role.
The predicted salary is between 22600 - 24700 £ per year.
The Erskine Stewart Melville Schools are currently recruiting for an Early Years Practitioner to join the Nursery on a temporary basis from the 23 February to 26 June 2026 (subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks). This is a full-time, term-time position with the following days and hours of work:
- Mondays from 8 am to 3:15 pm
- Tuesdays from 8 am to 3:45 pm
- Wednesdays from 8 am to 3:30 pm
- Thursdays from 8 am to 3:45 pm
- Fridays from 8 am to 3:30 pm
You will be entitled to an unpaid lunch of 30 minutes each day, a total paid working week of 35.5 hours. Remuneration is dependent on skills and experience, at a pro rata salary of £26,964 to £29,353. Annual leave will be a paid allowance in the annual salary as this is a term time only contract. All holidays will be taken during the school holidays.
The purpose of this role is to deliver a high quality, child centred service which meets the needs of our children and their families. Key duties include planning and implementation of a curricular programme, observing and interacting with children to support their learning and participating in team work aspects across the Nursery.
Successful candidates will be a kind, enthusiastic, and responsible individual who prioritises the interests of children and works well within a team. They will have experience working with children, possess a recognised childcare qualification, and demonstrate strong organisational skills.
Eligibility: ESMS is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. International applicants will therefore be unable to apply for and secure a Skilled Worker visa. The successful candidate will only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Benefits: Staff are offered a range of benefits including a generous holiday allowance, enhanced sick pay, family friendly policies, use of the Schools’ swimming pool and fitness room outside school hours, membership of the ESMS Discount and Benefits Scheme, including a range of discounts at 130,000 retail and entertainment locations.
Values: We are looking for individuals who can embody and promote ESMS values of Kindness, Confidence, Resilience, Integrity, and Curiosity while role modelling behaviours in line with our school pillars of Ambition, Innovation, and Community.
ESMS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and Disclosure Scotland. All staff working at ESMS have direct access to young people; therefore, all posts within the school are considered exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
The closing date for the position is Wednesday 4 February 2026 at 12 noon. We anticipate interviews will commence the week commencing 9 February 2026.
About ESMS: Welcome to the ESMS, a vibrant family of independent schools, set in beautiful grounds in the heart of Edinburgh. We offer a co-educational nursery and junior school, single-sex but closely twinned secondary education, and a co-educational sixth form. We are a consistently award-winning School, with an educational legacy that stretches back more than 300 years. Our Schools have always been pioneers of rounded education. Children’s education is underpinned by our values: kindness, confidence, resilience, integrity and curiosity.
The people that work for us are passionate, pioneering and strive for excellence in everything they do. We value the incredible contributions they make to school life, we invest in their careers and we support their ambitions so that they flourish professionally and personally.
Employees get access to a range of benefits including:
- Fee remission from Nursery to S6
- Free school lunches
- Free Sports’ Club membership, including access to pool and fitness suites
- Generous holiday allowance
- Generous pension
- Death in service benefit
- Family friendly policies, including enhanced maternity leave
- Membership of the ESMS Discount and Benefits Scheme, including a range of discounts at 130,000 retail and entertainment locations
- Employee Assistance Service
- Cycle to work scheme
- Car leasing salary sacrifice scheme
- Annual professional review process
- Regular salary reviews
- Funding towards professional qualifications
Early Years Practitioner (Full-time) in Edinburgh employer: Erskine Stewart Melville School
Contact Detail:
Erskine Stewart Melville School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Practitioner (Full-time) in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with children. They might know about openings or can give you a heads-up on what ESMS is really looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of child development and early years education. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported children's learning in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm! When you get that interview, let your passion for working with children shine through. Talk about why you love being an Early Years Practitioner and how you embody ESMS values like kindness and curiosity.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the ESMS family.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Practitioner (Full-time) in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of an Early Years Practitioner. We want to see your passion for working with children and how you embody our values!
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t hold back on sharing your relevant experience! Whether it’s your childcare qualifications or hands-on work with kids, let us know how you’ve made a positive impact in previous roles.
Be Authentic: We love genuine applicants! Be yourself in your application and let your personality shine through. Show us your enthusiasm for the role and why you’re excited about joining our team at ESMS.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Erskine Stewart Melville School
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the key duties of an Early Years Practitioner. Brush up on child development theories and be ready to discuss how you would implement a child-centred curriculum. This shows you’re not just interested in the role, but that you understand it.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Share specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your kindness, resilience, and ability to work as part of a team. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a personal level.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions that reflect your interest in the school’s values and culture. For instance, ask about how they promote curiosity and innovation in their teaching methods. This demonstrates that you’re not only focused on getting the job but also on being a good fit for their community.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations involving children. Think about scenarios where you had to demonstrate your organisational skills or resolve conflicts. Practising these responses can help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.
