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- Tasks: Deliver high-quality care and education to young children in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join the Erskine Stewart Melville Schools, a supportive community in Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, enhanced sick pay, and access to fitness facilities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and a recognised childcare qualification required.
- Other info: Enjoy a family-friendly workplace with a focus on kindness and community.
The predicted salary is between 22600 - 25000 £ per year.
The Erskine Stewart Melville Schools are recruiting for an Early Years Practitioner to join the Nursery on a temporary basis from 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 8:00 am – 3:15 pm
- Tuesdays 8:00 am – 3:45 pm
- Wednesdays 8:00 am – 3:30 pm
- Thursdays 8:00 am – 3:45 pm
- Fridays 8:00 am – 3:30 pm
You will be entitled to an unpaid lunch of 30 minutes each day, with a total paid working week of 35.5 hours. The salary is pro rata £26,964 to £29,353. Annual leave will be a paid allowance in the annual salary as this is a term-time contract; holidays are taken during school holidays.
Responsibilities
- Deliver a high-quality, child-centred service that meets the needs of children and families
- Plan and implement a curricular programme
- Observe and interact with children to support learning
- Participate in team work across the Nursery
Qualifications & attributes
- Experience working with children
- Recognised childcare qualification
- Strong organisational skills; kind, enthusiastic and responsible
ESMS is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers for this role. International applicants require an alternative right to work in the UK.
Benefits
- Generous holiday allowance
- Enhanced sick pay
- Family-friendly policies; use of swimming pool and fitness room outside school hours
- Membership of the ESMS Discount and Benefits Scheme (130,000+ discounts)
Values
- Kindness
- Confidence
- Resilience
- Integrity
- Curiosity
- Ambition
- Innovation
- 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 have direct access to young people; posts are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Closing date: Wednesday 4 February 2026 at 12 noon. Interviews are anticipated to commence the week of 9 February 2026.
Welcome to ESMS, a family of independent schools in Edinburgh. We offer a co-educational nursery and junior school, single-sex but closely twinned secondary education, and a co-educational sixth form. We value kindness, confidence, resilience, integrity and curiosity, and invest in our staff careers.
EARLY YEARS PRACTITIONER (FULL-TIME) in Edinburgh employer: ESMS: Erskine Stewart's Melville Schools
Contact Detail:
ESMS: Erskine Stewart's Melville Schools Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land EARLY YEARS PRACTITIONER (FULL-TIME) in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery's values and mission. When you walk in for your interview, show us how your passion for early years education aligns with our commitment to kindness and community. It’s all about making that personal connection!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some examples of your experience working with children. We love hearing about real-life situations where you've made a difference. Think about times you’ve planned activities or supported learning – these stories will help us see you in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to ask questions during your interview! Show us your curiosity by asking about our curriculum or team dynamics. This not only demonstrates your interest but also helps you figure out if we’re the right fit for you.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at ESMS. Let’s make this happen together!
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 experience aligns with the role of an Early Years Practitioner. We want to see your passion for working with children and how you can contribute to our nursery!
Showcase Your Qualifications: Don’t forget to mention your recognised childcare qualifications and any relevant experience you have. We’re looking for someone who’s not just enthusiastic but also qualified to deliver a high-quality, child-centred service.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at ESMS: Erskine Stewart's Melville Schools
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and how it applies to your role. Brush up on child development theories and be ready to discuss how you would implement a child-centred approach in your practice.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Share specific examples of how you've engaged with children in previous roles or during your training, highlighting your kindness and creativity.
✨Team Player Vibes
Since teamwork is key in a nursery setting, be prepared to talk about your experience working collaboratively with others. Think of examples where you’ve contributed to a team effort, and how you can bring that spirit to the nursery at ESMS.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the nursery’s approach to curriculum planning or how they support staff development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
