At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to deliver high-quality early learning and childcare for young children.
- Company: Join a supportive environment focused on child development and family engagement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and professional growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with preschool children and relevant childcare qualifications required.
- Other info: Temporary position until January 2027 with potential for career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 34778 - 34778 £ per year.
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.
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.
- 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 29 January 2027 (Maternity Cover)
Closing Date: 6 February 2026
Starting Salary: £34,778 (pro rata) £18.45 per hour 21.75 hours per week (term time)
For further information, contact Joy Smith.
Senior Early Years Practitioner in Lhanbryde employer: Moray Council
Contact Detail:
Moray Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Early Years Practitioner in Lhanbryde
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the early years sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Senior Early Years Practitioner role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in local early years events or workshops. Not only will this boost your knowledge, but it’s also a great way to meet potential employers and showcase your passion for early childhood education. Plus, it shows you’re committed to staying updated with the latest developments!
✨Tip Number 3
When you land that interview, be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported children's learning and development in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you prepare for interviews and connect with other professionals in the field. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Early Years Practitioner in Lhanbryde
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for early years education shine through. We want to see how much you care about the development and welfare of young children, so share your experiences and what drives you in this field.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job description. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your knowledge of relevant curriculum frameworks and your ability to lead a team effectively.
Be Clear and Concise: Use clear and straightforward language in your written application. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the point, especially when it comes to your communication skills. Remember, clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Moray Council
✨Know Your Curriculum Frameworks
Make sure you brush up on the relevant curriculum frameworks for children aged 3 to 5 and birth to 3 years. Being able to discuss these frameworks confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with them, but that you can also apply them in practice.
✨Showcase Your Team Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Think about specific situations where you motivated your colleagues or resolved conflicts. This will demonstrate your ability to direct and support a team effectively.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Child Development
Expect questions about how you observe and interact with children to support their learning. Have some anecdotes ready that highlight your experience in tracking individual progress and adapting your approach based on each child's needs.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing reports or written information. Effective verbal and written communication is key in this role, so being able to present your ideas in a structured way will set you apart.