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- Tasks: Deliver high-quality, child-centred care and support learning in a nursery setting.
- Company: Join the Erskine Stewart Melville Schools, a nurturing and supportive environment.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, enhanced sick pay, and access to fitness facilities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and a recognised childcare qualification required.
- Other info: Part-time, term-time role with flexible hours and great team spirit.
The predicted salary is between 10709 - 11658 £ per year.
Location: Edinburgh
Department: Early Years/Nursery
Role details
The Erskine Stewart Melville Schools are currently 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 part-time, term-time position with the following days and hours of work:
- Mondays from 8:00 am to 3:15 pm
- Tuesdays from 8:00 am to 3:45 pm
You will be entitled to an unpaid lunch of 30 minutes each day, a total paid working week of 14 hours. Remuneration is dependant on skills and experience, at a pro rata salary of £10,709 to £11,658. Annual leave will be a paid allowance in the annual salary as this is a term-time contract; all holidays will be taken during school holidays.
Responsibilities
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 program
- Observing and interacting with children to support their learning
- Participating in team work aspects across the Nursery
Qualifications and qualities
Successful candidates will be kind, enthusiastic, and responsible individuals who prioritise the interests of children and work 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 and safeguarding
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.
Additional information
Closing date: 04/02/2026. The closing date for the position is Wednesday 4 February 2026 at 12 noon. Interviews are anticipated to commence the week of 9 February 2026. For enquiries, contact the HR Team.
EARLY YEARS PRACTITIONER (PART-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 (PART-TIME) in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before your interview, take some time to research the Erskine Stewart Melville Schools. Familiarise yourself with their values and approach to early years education. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to child development and teamwork. Think about your past experiences and how they align with the role. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted children's learning and development in previous roles. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and reinforces your interest in the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace EARLY YEARS PRACTITIONER (PART-TIME) in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Early Years: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. We want to see how much you care about their development and well-being, so share any relevant experiences that highlight your passion!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the role of Early Years Practitioner. Use keywords from the job description and demonstrate how your skills and experiences align with what we're looking for. This helps us see why you're a great fit!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and long-winded explanations. Highlight your qualifications and experiences in a way that's easy for us to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved!
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 positively impacted children's learning and development in previous roles. This will help demonstrate your commitment to their well-being.
✨Team Player Vibes
Since teamwork is key in this role, be prepared to talk about your experience working collaboratively with others. Think of examples where you’ve contributed to a team environment, especially in planning and implementing activities for children.
✨Embrace ESMS Values
Familiarise yourself with the values of Kindness, Confidence, Resilience, Integrity, and Curiosity that ESMS promotes. Be ready to discuss how you embody these values in your work and how they influence your interactions with children and colleagues.