Early Years Practitioner

Early Years Practitioner

Dundee Full-Time 24000 - 36000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support and develop the education and care of children aged 3 to 5 years.
  • Company: Join The High School of Dundee, a vibrant community focused on nurturing young minds.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for professional development and engaging activities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives while working in a fun and dynamic setting.
  • Qualifications: SVQ 3/HNC in Childcare/Education and experience in early years required.
  • Other info: Interviews will be held in person; apply before 9 June 2025.

The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.

The School has an exciting opportunity for an Early Years Practitioner.

Job Purpose: The Early Years Practitioner will work as part of a team to plan, support and develop the education and care of young children aged 3 to 5 years.

Key Outputs & Responsibilities:

  • Plan, develop and extend learning for all children
  • Organise and lead small group and individual activities
  • Be the key worker for a group of children
  • Liaise with other nursery staff to share information about individual children
  • Follow health and safety and child protection guidelines and procedures at all times
  • Assist in the organising, layout and clearing of the indoor and outdoor play areas ensuring all equipment is hygienic and well maintained
  • Attend to all aspects of children’s care and wellbeing, including assisting with toileting and changing, administering first aid and medication
  • Fostering and maintaining good relations with children, colleagues and parents
  • Participate in reporting and progress monitoring for children
  • Engage in Staff Review and CPD
  • Participate in nursery staff meetings
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of the nursery improvement plan
  • Ensure the positive management of children’s behaviour at all times
  • Undertaking such other duties as the Rector may from time to time determine
  • Leading and participating in parent’s evenings 2 per year.

Person Specification Essential:

  • SVQ 3/ HNC In Childcare / Education or equivalent
  • Significant experience of working in early years establishments
  • A dynamic approach to learning and teaching
  • Empathy with children - especially aged 3-5
  • Enthusiasm and drive
  • An open and approachable manner
  • A comprehensive knowledge of current Early Years educational initiatives and procedures according to National guidelines
  • The ability to work within a team
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Excellent observational and organisational skills
  • High standard of IT skills
  • Ability to communicate and liaise effectively and sensitively with parents
  • A commitment to ongoing professional development
  • Ability to work on own initiative

The School requires all newly appointed staff to undertake a check with the Scottish Criminal Records Office in line with the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (‘PVG’) Scheme. Offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory registration with the PVG Scheme. Please note we are unable to provide sponsorship for a work visa so candidates should ensure they already have or are able to obtain the right to work in the UK before applying.

Interested candidates are welcome to make informal enquiries in advance of the closing date. Closing date is 9 June 2025. Interviews will take place in person at The High School of Dundee Week Commencing 9th & 15th June 2025.

About the High School of Dundee: At the High School of Dundee, our unique location in the heart of the city is a major strength, helping our pupils feel connected to the real world, creating fully rounded and grounded young people. The school currently has over 900 pupils, from age 3-18, who divide their time between our main city centre campus and our extensive sports facility, Mayfield.

Our approach is built on a profound belief that if young people are valued, supported known, and engaged in their learning, they can achieve amazing things. We have a long track record of outstanding exam results, which we owe to our rigorous approach, expertise built up over many years and a genuine desire to see our pupils realise their potential.

In our Primary School, the children work daily on the crucial building blocks of literacy and numeracy, but the focus is also on making learning fun, engaging and wide-ranging. And in the Senior Years, choice is paramount. In S3, our pupils can choose eight subjects to focus on, while in S5 they can select from 25 subjects at Higher level. At Advanced Higher, 23 subjects are available.

The timetabling of exciting new interdisciplinary STEM Innovation and Business Enterprise courses, in addition to computer science for all, has embedded Future Skills into our curriculum. In tandem, the development of partnerships with local businesses is allowing us to provide real world learning opportunities which further enriches our pupils’ learning.

A focus on the essential importance of Pastoral Care and on encouraging all pupils to make the most of the opportunities presented by our vibrant and extensive co-curriculum, helps create an environment in which the School’s Core Values are ever-present and where the desire to learn, support one another and grow is embraced by all.

Early Years Practitioner employer: High School of Dundee

The High School of Dundee is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises the growth and development of its staff. With a strong commitment to professional development and a supportive environment, employees are encouraged to engage in ongoing training and collaboration, ensuring they can make a meaningful impact on the lives of young learners. Located in the heart of the city, the school provides unique opportunities for real-world learning and community engagement, making it an ideal place for passionate Early Years Practitioners to thrive.
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Contact Detail:

High School of Dundee Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Early Years Practitioner

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest Early Years educational initiatives and procedures. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in the field.

✨Tip Number 2

Engage with current practitioners in early years settings. Networking can provide insights into the role and may even lead to recommendations or referrals that could boost your application.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've supported children's learning and development in previous roles. Being able to share real-life experiences will make you stand out during the interview process.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your enthusiasm for working with young children by participating in relevant workshops or training sessions. This not only enhances your skills but also reflects your dedication to professional development.

We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Practitioner

SVQ 3/HNC in Childcare/Education or equivalent
Experience in early years establishments
Dynamic approach to learning and teaching
Empathy with children aged 3-5
Enthusiasm and drive
Open and approachable manner
Knowledge of current Early Years educational initiatives
Teamwork skills
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Observational and organisational skills
High standard of IT skills
Ability to communicate effectively with parents
Commitment to ongoing professional development
Ability to work on own initiative
Understanding of health and safety and child protection guidelines

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in early years education. Emphasise your qualifications, such as SVQ 3 or HNC in Childcare, and any specific roles you've held that relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for working with young children. Mention specific examples of how you've planned and led activities, supported children's learning, and maintained positive relationships with parents and colleagues.

Highlight Key Skills: In your application, focus on essential skills mentioned in the job description, such as excellent communication, organisational skills, and the ability to work within a team. Provide concrete examples of how you've demonstrated these skills in previous roles.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in an educational setting.

How to prepare for a job interview at High School of Dundee

✨Show Your Passion for Early Years Education

Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with young children. Share specific examples of how you've engaged with children aged 3-5 in previous roles, highlighting your dynamic approach to learning and teaching.

✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills

Since the role involves working as part of a team, be prepared to discuss your experience collaborating with colleagues. Provide examples of how you've effectively communicated and shared information about children's progress in past positions.

✨Highlight Your Knowledge of Current Initiatives

Familiarise yourself with current Early Years educational initiatives and procedures according to national guidelines. Be ready to discuss how you would implement these in your practice and contribute to the nursery improvement plan.

✨Prepare for Behaviour Management Scenarios

Think about how you would handle various behaviour management situations. Be ready to share strategies you've used in the past to foster positive behaviour and maintain good relations with children, parents, and colleagues.

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