Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver high-quality, child-centred services and support children's learning in a vibrant nursery.
- Company: Join the award-winning Erskine Stewart Melville Schools in beautiful 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 working in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and a recognised childcare qualification are essential.
- Other info: Embrace values of kindness, confidence, and curiosity in a dynamic educational setting.
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 teamwork 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.
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.
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.
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. From virtual reality headsets in the classroom to developing one of the first outdoor learning programmes in Scotland, we are always searching for new ways to develop the whole child. 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, 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: George Watson'S College
Contact Detail:
George Watson'S College 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 put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to early years education. Think about how you can showcase your kindness and enthusiasm for working with children during your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on places that align with your values. Research ESMS and be ready to discuss how you embody their values of kindness, confidence, and resilience in your work.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing the role. Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience and qualifications in early years education!
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 how you embody our values of kindness, confidence, and resilience!
Show Your Passion for Childcare: In your written application, let us know why you’re passionate about working with children. Share any relevant experiences or anecdotes that showcase your enthusiasm and commitment to 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 your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at ESMS.
How to prepare for a job interview at George Watson'S College
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the Early Years curriculum and the specific needs of children in that age group. Brush up on your knowledge about child development theories and how they apply to your role. This will show that you’re not just passionate but also well-informed.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
During the interview, let your passion for working with children shine through. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your enthusiasm and commitment to child-centred care. Employers love to see candidates who genuinely care about making a difference in children's lives.
✨Team Player Vibes
Since teamwork is key in this role, be prepared to discuss how you’ve successfully collaborated with others in previous positions. Think of examples where you’ve contributed to a positive team environment or supported colleagues in delivering high-quality care.
✨Embrace the Values
Familiarise yourself with ESMS's values: Kindness, Confidence, Resilience, Integrity, and Curiosity. Be ready to explain how you embody these values in your work. This alignment will demonstrate that you’re a great cultural fit for the school and its mission.
