Senior Children Services Practitioner - Hawthorn Family Learning Centre - MID07297

KNOWLEDGE:

The post holder must hold (be working towards or commit to completing) a senior practitioner level qualification – BA Childhood Practice; Postgraduate Diploma Childhood Practice; Masters of Education Childhood Practice; PDA Childhood Practice (at SCQF level 9) or equivalents that meet the requirements for SSSC (Scottish Social Services Council) registration for managers in a day care of children service. Qualifications which were previously recognised for SNNEB/NNEB registration may be acceptable.

The post holder must be able to demonstrate a sound working knowledge of early years practice, local and national policy, research, legislation and documentation. The post holder will be expected to implement this knowledge into practice.

The post holder must have experience of working in an Early Learning Centre and/or Children Services provision. S/He must be able to demonstrate a sound overview and clear understanding of children’s development and progress in literacy, numeracy and health and well-being across the Curriculum.

The post holder must have a very good understanding of Curriculum for Excellence Early Level, Pre-Birth to Three Positive Outcomes for Scotland’s Children and Families, Realising the Ambition, HGIOELC and GIRFEC and Care Inspectorate standards and requirements.

The post holder must be able to demonstrate a passion and flair for working with young children and families as well as a commitment to equality and social inclusion.

The post holder must have experience of working with and protecting vulnerable children and families through relevant legislation, processes and procedures.

Post holders must have an understanding of Social Work legislation and guidelines and have previous experience of working in a Child Care environment and developing and implementing care plans.

The post holder requires an up to date first aid and food hygiene certificate, or be committed to achieving this within 6 months in post. Once in post the Post holders are required to keep up to date with new guidelines and legislation.

Post holders attend a variety of courses depending on the individual needs of a child e.g. epilepsy training; gastric feeding; baby & toddler first aid training, behaviour management; training for communication problems such as signing; Hannan language programme and 'picture exchange'.

Previous supervisory experience is desirable.

CLOSING DATE: Wednesday 25 February 2026

INTERVIEW DATE: Monday 9 March 2026

Requirements:

This post is considered Regulated Work with Children and Adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act, 2007. Therefore, it is an offence to apply if you are barred from working with children or adults. Successful candidates will require PVG Scheme membership for Regulated Work with Children and Adults. 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 recruitment@midlothian.gov.uk to discuss with a member of the Recruitment Team 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.