At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team to deliver high-quality early learning and childcare for young children.
- Company: Avoch Primary School, part of Highland Council, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Relevant childcare qualifications preferred; unqualified candidates must work towards certification.
- Other info: Fixed term role until July 2026 with opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 19568 - 23431 £ per year.
Location: Avoch Primary School
Hours: 30 hours per week
Duration: Fixed Term until 2 July 2026
Salary: £19,568- £21,431 (Unqualified) £21,735 - £23,791 (Qualified)
Salary placing will normally be at the first point of the scale.
Job Purpose: To work as an effective member of a team, delivering a flexible, high quality, early learning and child care service that meets the needs of young children and their families.
Requirements:
- This position is classified as a regulated role. An Overseas Criminal Record Check may be required depending on your nationality and recent residency history.
- You must be a national of the United Kingdom or one of the following countries: Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Hungary, Greece, France, Ireland, Italy, Spain, or Poland.
- You must not have lived or worked in any country outside of the UK or those listed above for a period of three months or more, while aged 18 years or over, within the past five years.
- Those employed as Early Years Practitioner (unqualified) will be required to work towards a recognised qualification within an agreed timescale.
- Those employed as Early Years Practitioner (qualified) should hold a recognised qualification in Childcare and Education (e.g., HNC/NNEB/SVQ 3).
- The Early Years Practitioner is required to hold a relevant Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) registration or agree to apply to SSSC to register as a practitioner.
- Qualifications in Food Handling and First Aid would be advantageous.
The Highland Council understands that diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity and being fair and inclusive. We welcome applicants from people from all backgrounds, representative of the communities we serve and particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be under-represented in our workforce.
As a disability confident employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria requirements for the post.
Prior to confirming appointment, we will require successful candidates to become members of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme.
Short listed applicants will normally be contacted by email, unless otherwise stated. Please check your emails regularly, including your junk/spam folder.
Early Years Practitioner (30hpw), (Fixed Term until 2 July 2026), Avoch Primary School - HGH202[...] employer: Highland Council
Contact Detail:
Highland Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Practitioner (30hpw), (Fixed Term until 2 July 2026), Avoch Primary School - HGH202[...]
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Research Avoch Primary School and understand their approach to early years education. This will help you tailor your conversation during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through local community groups. They can provide insider tips about the school culture and what they look for in an Early Years Practitioner.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions! Think about scenarios where you've demonstrated teamwork, flexibility, and high-quality care. We all know that confidence is key, so rehearse your answers until you feel ready to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the role and keen to join the Highland Council team.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Practitioner (30hpw), (Fixed Term until 2 July 2026), Avoch Primary School - HGH202[...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in an Early Years Practitioner and how your skills match up. This will help you tailor your application to stand out!
Show Your Passion for Early Years Education: We want to see your enthusiasm for working with young children! In your application, share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your love for early years education. Let us know why this role excites you!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use simple language and avoid jargon. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your key points shine through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Online Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It's the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you're considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised. Happy applying!
How to prepare for a job interview at Highland Council
✨Know Your Role
Make sure you understand the responsibilities of an Early Years Practitioner. Familiarise yourself with the job description and think about how your skills and experiences align with what they’re looking for. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Passion
When discussing your experience, highlight your passion for early years education. Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted children's learning and development. This will demonstrate your commitment to providing high-quality care and education, which is crucial for this position.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work as part of a team. Think of situations where you’ve had to adapt your approach or collaborate with others to achieve a goal. Practising these responses can help you feel more prepared and less anxious during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready to ask the interviewer. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you. You might ask about their approach to early years education or how they support staff development. It’s a great way to leave a positive impression!