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- Tasks: Deliver high-quality childcare and support children's learning in a vibrant nursery environment.
- Company: Join the award-winning Erskine Stewart Melville Schools in beautiful Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holiday allowance, free lunches, and access to fitness facilities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Must have childcare experience and a recognised qualification.
- Other info: Part-time role with flexible hours, perfect for students seeking valuable experience.
The predicted salary is between 10709 - 11658 £ per year.
Temporary, part-time, term-time commencing on the 23 February to the 26 June 2026. The post holder will be working Monday and Tuesday each week.
Remuneration is dependant on skills and experience, at a pro rata salary of £10,709 to £11,658.
Working Hours: 14
Location: Edinburgh
Closing Date: 04/02/2026
Department: Early Years/Nursery
The Role
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 part-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
You will be entitled to an unpaid lunch of 30 minutes each day, a total paid working week of 14 hours. 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 program, 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.
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.
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, 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 (Part-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 (Part-time) in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, attend local events, and join online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to early years education. Think about how you can showcase your experience and passion for working with children – it’s all about making a great impression!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on places that align with your values. Research ESMS and its commitment to kindness and community. Tailor your approach to show how you embody these values in your work with children.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance of landing that role! It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets directly to the right people. Plus, you’ll be one step closer to joining a fantastic team at ESMS!
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Practitioner (Part-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 of kindness and resilience.
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t hold back on sharing your previous experience with children! Whether it’s through formal roles or volunteer work, we love to see how you’ve made a positive impact in their lives. Remember, specific examples can really make your application stand out.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points if necessary, and make sure to proofread for any typos or errors before hitting send!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super straightforward, and you’ll find all the information you need about the role there. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to be part of our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at George Watson'S College
✨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 service. 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 resonate well with the values of ESMS.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about their approach to curriculum planning or how they support staff development. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and the school’s ethos.
✨Dress the Part
While it’s important to be professional, remember that you’re applying for a role in a nursery. Opt for smart-casual attire that reflects your personality but is also appropriate for a childcare setting. This helps create a positive first impression.
