At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children's development and learning in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Sacred Heart Primary School, part of Midlothian Council.
- Benefits: Fixed-term contract, competitive salary, and supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Must hold a relevant practitioner level qualification.
- Other info: Join a transforming council with opportunities for growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 27117 - 27117 £ per year.
Post holder must hold at least a practitioner level qualification, HNC Childhood Practice at SCQF Level 7; or SVQ Social Services (Children & Young people) at SCQF 7 or equivalents that meet the requirements for SSSC (Scottish Social Services Council) registration e.g. SVQ 3 Child Care and Education, SVQ 3 Early Years Care and Education, SVQ Children’s Care Learning and Development SCQF 7, HNC Childcare and Education, HNC Working with Children in Early Years, HNC Early Education and Childcare (at SCQF level 7). Qualifications which were previously recognised for SNNEB/NNEB registration may be acceptable.
CLOSING DATE - Monday 2nd March 2026
INTERVIEW DATE - Thursday 5th March 2026
Position Title: Early Years Practitioner
Directorate: Children, Young People and Partnerships
Location: Sacred Heart Primary School
Contract Status: Fixed Term until 28/06/2026
Hours of Work: 36 hours per week
Working Pattern:
- Week 1: Monday 8-4, Tuesday 8-5, Wednesday 8-4, Thursday 8-4, Friday 8-1
- Week 2: Monday 8-4, Tuesday 8-4, Wednesday 8-4, Thursday 8-5, Friday 8-1
Weeks per year: 39
Please note that it is Midlothian Council's policy that successful applicants will be appointed to the first point on the salary scale. Based on 36 hours over 39 weeks per year, the minimum actual salary for this position is £27,117.25 per annum.
Requirements: This post is considered Regulated Work with Children under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act, 2007. Therefore, it is an offence to apply if you are barred from working with children. Successful candidates will require PVG Scheme membership for Regulated Work with Children. You will be required to join the Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check prior to commencing employment with Midlothian Council, the cost of which will be met by you.
For further information on the PVG Scheme please visit www.disclosurescotland.gov.uk. Please note that Disclosure Scotland has changed the way PVG certificates are issued. You will be notified by email from Disclosure Scotland that your certificate is available to view. Once you have viewed your certificate you will be allowed to share this with your employer and it is only available for 14 days from the first day you have viewed the certificate. If you do not grant access to Midlothian Council to view before access is removed, a further application will need to be generated, and this will incur an additional cost.
Additional Information: If you have difficulty applying for this post or accessing attached documents, or if you have a disability and reasonable adjustment is required, please email the Recruitment Team at recruitment@midlothian.gov.uk stating the post reference number. Midlothian Council is currently undergoing a period of transformation, changing and improving the way it delivers services in Midlothian. As a consequence, there are a number of existing employees for whom we are committed to seeking suitable alternative employment within the Council in accordance with our legal obligations. Candidates are advised that, for some vacancies, internal candidates in this situation will be interviewed before the wider selection pool and a slightly longer delay may be experienced before application outcomes can be advised to you. Thank you for your patience in this matter. If you are a trainee of a Midlothian Council Training Programme, have a disability or you are a care experienced young person who has previously been a looked after child you are eligible for a guaranteed interview if you meet the essential criteria for the post.
Early Years Practitioner - Sacred Heart Primary School - MID07332 employer: Midlothian Council
Contact Detail:
Midlothian Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Practitioner - Sacred Heart Primary School - MID07332
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Sacred Heart Primary School and understand their values and approach to early years education. This will help you tailor your responses during the interview and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to early years practice. Think about your experiences and how they align with the job requirements. We can help you with mock interviews to boost your confidence!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted children's learning and development in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we often have tips and resources available to help you stand out from the crowd. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Practitioner - Sacred Heart Primary School - MID07332
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Qualifications: Make sure to highlight your qualifications that meet the SSSC registration requirements. We want to see your HNC or SVQ credentials front and centre, so don’t be shy about showcasing what you’ve got!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to tailor your application to the Early Years Practitioner role. Use the job description as your guide and sprinkle in relevant experiences that demonstrate your passion for working with children.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforwardness, so avoid fluff and get straight to the good stuff about why you’re the perfect fit for this role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it’s super simple to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Midlothian Council
✨Know Your Qualifications Inside Out
Make sure you can confidently discuss your qualifications, especially those that meet the SSSC registration requirements. Be prepared to explain how your HNC or SVQ relates to the role of an Early Years Practitioner and how it has equipped you with the skills needed for working with children.
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Familiarise yourself with the specific duties of an Early Years Practitioner at Sacred Heart Primary School. Think about how your previous experiences align with these responsibilities and be ready to share examples that demonstrate your ability to engage with children and support their development.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-life situations involving children. Practice responding to scenarios where you might need to handle challenging behaviour or support a child's learning. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Show Your Passion for Early Years Education
Let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through during the interview. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your commitment to early years education. This will help convey your genuine interest in the role and the impact you hope to make.