Senior Early Years Practitioner (Temporary) (MOR11949) - MOR11949 in Forres

To direct an early years team in delivering a flexible, high quality and inclusive early learning and childcare service which meets the needs of young children and their families. Working collaboratively with parents, carers and other partners to promote the welfare and development of every child.

Requirements

This post is considered to be a ‘Regulated Role’ under the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020. Under the Act, it is a legal requirement for an individual undertaking a regulated role with children or protected adults to be a member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme. The successful candidate will therefore be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check prior to any formal offer of employment being made by Moray Council.

Responsibilities

• To direct and support the planning and implementation of a curriculum programme which meets the needs of the individual child in accordance with national and local standards.
• To direct and participate in the observation and interaction of children in order to support their learning and record and report on the individual child's progress in accordance with Council policy and procedures.
• To direct and participate in the delivery of an effective early years service.
• To direct and participate in all aspects of team work within the unit.
• Keep abreast of early year’s local and national developments.
• To direct and participate as appropriate in all aspects of care which meet the needs of the individual child in accordance with the Council's duty of care.
• To undertake appropriate supervisory responsibilities and deputise in the absence of the Nursery Manager.

The Individual

• Experience of working with pre-school children aged between 3 and 5 years old.
• Knowledge of relevant curriculum frameworks for children aged 3 to 5 and birth – 3 years.
• National Standards for Early Learning & Childcare.
• Having achieved or working towards the following qualifications: CACHE (NNEB) / SCCEB (SNNB), HNC Childhood Practice or equivalent or SVQ Level 3 Social Services (Children and Young People) or equivalent.
• SSSC Registered (if you are not appropriately registered with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) prior to taking up post you must apply for registration within 3 months and be fully registered within 6 months).
• Effective organisational skills.
• Self confidence.
• Ability to motivate and lead a small team.
• Ability to prioritise.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to present written information e.g. reports, in a clear, consistent form.
• Appreciation, acceptance of and commitment to the importance of confidentiality.
• Ability to listen to others.
• Ability to encourage other team members to contribute to the work of the group e.g. in planning.
• Ability to work on own initiative.
• Ability to remain calm.
• Ability to be actively involved with the children in all aspects of their pre-school experience e.g. play ring games.
• Ability to work flexibly to meet the needs and demands of the service.

Temporary Post until 25 October 2026 (Sickness Cover)

Closing Date: 26 June 2026

Starting Salary: £36,003 (pro rata) £19.10 per hour 21 hours per week (term time)

For further information, contact Catherine Mackenzie.