At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to deliver high-quality early learning and childcare for young children.
- Company: Join Moray Council, dedicated to nurturing children's development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and a fulfilling career in childcare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with preschool children and relevant qualifications in early years education.
The predicted salary is between 36003 - 36003 £ 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.
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.
Closing Date: 12 June 2026
Starting Salary: £36,003 (pro rata) £19.10 per hour 20 hours per week (term time)
For further information, contact Margaret Smith - 07528 973491
Senior Early Years Practitioner (MOR11887) - MOR11887 employer: Moray Council
Moray Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the welfare and development of young children and their families. With a commitment to professional growth, employees benefit from ongoing training and development opportunities, ensuring they stay abreast of the latest early years practices. Located in a vibrant community, this role provides a meaningful chance to make a positive impact on children's lives while enjoying a flexible working environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Early Years Practitioner (MOR11887) - MOR11887
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the early years sector. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet people who might know about job openings. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your experience with children aged 3-5. Include examples of your planning, observations, and any successful projects you've led. This will help you stand out when you’re chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Before any interviews, do some mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on articulating your experience with early years education and how you’ve supported children's development. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to find and apply for roles like the Senior Early Years Practitioner. Plus, you’ll get all the latest updates on new opportunities tailored just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Early Years Practitioner (MOR11887) - MOR11887
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with pre-school children and your knowledge of relevant curriculum frameworks. We want to see how you can meet the needs of young children and their families!
Show Off Your Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your effective organisational skills and ability to lead a team. We’re looking for someone who can motivate others and prioritise tasks, so let us know how you’ve done this in the past!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to present your qualifications and experiences, as we appreciate clarity in communication.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
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 apply them in practice.
✨Showcase Your Team Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've motivated and led a team in previous roles. Think about specific situations where your leadership made a difference, especially in early years settings. This will demonstrate your ability to direct and support a team effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, both verbally and in writing. You might be asked to present information or reports during the interview, so being able to convey your ideas in a clear and consistent manner is crucial.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Child Development
Be ready to discuss your experiences working with pre-school children and how you’ve supported their learning and development. Share specific anecdotes that highlight your commitment to promoting the welfare of children and working collaboratively with parents and carers.
