At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to deliver high-quality early learning and childcare for young children.
- Company: Join Moray Council, dedicated to supporting families and children's development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Temporary position until October 2026, with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape young minds and create a nurturing environment for children aged 3-5.
- Qualifications: Experience with preschool children and relevant childcare qualifications required.
The predicted salary is between 19.1 - 19.1 £ per hour.
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.
- Knowledge of 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 - 07966 120513
Senior Early Years Practitioner (Temporary) (MOR11949) - MOR11949 in Kinloss employer: Moray Council
Moray Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for those passionate about early years education. With a commitment to professional development and a focus on delivering high-quality childcare services, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young children and their families. Located in a vibrant community, this role provides a unique chance to grow within a dedicated team while contributing to the welfare and development of every child.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Early Years Practitioner (Temporary) (MOR11949) - MOR11949 in Kinloss
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Moray Council, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Early Years Practitioner (Temporary) (MOR11949) - MOR11949 in Kinloss
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Moray Council. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Moray Council. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Moray Council
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Moray Council.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Senior Early Years Practitioner (Temporary) (MOR11949) - MOR11949 role at Moray Council, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Moray Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
