At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate nursery team to create a nurturing environment for young learners.
- Company: Join George Heriot's, a historic school dedicated to inspiring lifelong learners.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, enhanced sick pay, and family-friendly policies.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive community.
- Qualifications: Qualified Early Years teacher with management experience and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Be part of a motivated team where your contributions are valued and celebrated.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 ÂŁ per year.
George Heriot's are looking for an experienced Nursery specialist to provide overall leadership to the nursery team and ensure that the nursery provides high quality care, supportive and nurturing environment for all of George Heriot's pupils. The Head of Nursery role is an exciting new opportunity for a qualified Early Years specialist Teacher. George Heriot's Nursery has clear vision, aims and our values guide us every day, ensuring that the Nursery is a fun, nurturing and inspiring place where children can thrive and get the best possible start in life: to provide a safe, happy, caring, secure and stimulating environment for our pupils to inspire lifelong learners who are confident discoverers, explorers and creators and who live out values; work hard, be kind, be yourself to help all children to prepare for the future.
The successful applicant will be an experienced, motivated, and child‑centred practitioner and will continue to develop an enriching, nurturing and high‑quality early years environment. Interviews for this role are due to take place on W/c 23rd March.
Main Responsibilities:Please see attached job description for full details.
Ideal Candidate:The successful candidate will have the following skills and attributes:
- Appropriately qualified and successful teacher of Primary Education – registered with/eligible for registration with GTCS (essential attribute)
- Previous management experience of delivering an Early Years curriculum
- Proven ability to relate well to and communicate effectively with parents, staff and pupils.
- Enthusiasm, resilience and warmth
- Understanding and commitment to the Heriot’s aims and values.
- Confidence and ability to deal with sensitive issues affecting pupils and parents
- Ability to prioritise effectively and to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
Heriot’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. This post is considered Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and/or Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 and the successful candidates will be required to obtain membership of the PVG scheme. Please note that parking is not available on our campus. George Heriot’s Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Package Description:When you join the team at Heriot’s, you become part of our community, where the contribution of every individual is important and valued. The Heriot’s motto, to “distribute chearfullie”, is at the heart of school - distributing of kindness, of support and of generosity remains as live today as it was in 1628 when George Heriot founded the school. Our most recent staff survey reported that 97% of employees at Heriot’s feel motivated and happy to work here and we aim to provide a friendly, welcoming, and supportive environment for all of our people. This aim is reflected in the package we offer which, for our teaching staff, in addition to salary (which includes a Heriot’s enhancement), teacher holidays and pension, includes:
- Enhanced sick pay, maternity and paternity pay
- Family friendly policies (Including Personal Emergency Leave Days)
- Continued professional development opportunities
- Travel to work schemes
- School Fee Remission (non-contractual benefit)
- Employee Assistance programme, including 24/7 counselling helpline and high street, supermarket, and general retail discounts
- Opportunities for involvement in the wider school community
We aim to attract and retain a diverse group of talented people, who are committed to upholding the school’s ethos. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Head of Nursery in Edinburgh employer: George Heriots School
Contact Detail:
George Heriots School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Nursery in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery's values and mission inside out. When you walk into that interview, show them how your experience aligns with their vision. We want to see that you're not just a fit on paper but that you genuinely care about creating a nurturing environment for the kids.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! You’ll need to relate well to parents, staff, and pupils. We suggest doing mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable discussing your approach to early years education and how you handle sensitive issues.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your management experience! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led teams in the past. We want to hear about your successes and how you’ve developed a high-quality early years environment that inspires both children and staff.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions during the interview! This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the nursery is the right fit for you. We recommend asking about their professional development opportunities and how they support staff wellbeing.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Nursery in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for early years education shine through in your application. We want to see how much you care about creating a nurturing environment for children, so share your experiences and what inspires you!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience and qualifications. We’re looking for someone who aligns with our values, so don’t forget to mention any previous management roles or your approach to delivering the Early Years curriculum.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for the Head of Nursery role. Be personal, be genuine, and connect your skills to our mission at George Heriot’s. We love hearing your story!
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us without a hitch, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at George Heriots School
✨Know the Nursery's Values
Before your interview, take some time to really understand George Heriot's values and vision for their nursery. Think about how your own teaching philosophy aligns with theirs and be ready to share specific examples of how you've embodied these values in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Nursery, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare to discuss your past management experiences, focusing on how you've successfully led teams, supported staff development, and created a nurturing environment for children. Use concrete examples to illustrate your points.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street! Be prepared to ask thoughtful questions about the nursery's approach to early years education and how they support their staff. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your ability to handle sensitive issues involving pupils and parents. Think through potential challenges you might encounter and how you would address them, demonstrating your child-centred approach and commitment to safeguarding.