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- Tasks: Lead a passionate team in delivering quality early learning experiences for children aged 2-5.
- Company: Glaitness Nursery, part of a supportive community-focused education environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and support for further qualifications.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team with excellent career progression opportunities in Orkney.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while nurturing their growth and development.
- Qualifications: Relevant childcare qualification and leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 41557 - 45900 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a skilled and experienced practitioner and leader to take on the role of Early Learning and Childcare Manager at Glaitness Nursery in Kirkwall. Glaitness Nursery is registered for 90 children aged 2-5 years and operates alongside Glaitness School. The Nursery Leadership Team is made up of an ELC Manager, Senior Early Years Practitioner and two Lead Early Years Practitioners, who work together to support the nursery community and drive improvement. You will lead a dedicated team who are all committed to delivering the vision of ‘Learning through play in a nurturing way’.
Since August 2022, the setting has operated from a new purpose built/refurbished building on the Glaitness School site. The setting prides itself on focusing on their children but also their families and connections to the wider community. The new manager will join a small team of ELC managers in Orkney, who meet regularly for support and development. The Early Years Service offer support and training and the service run regular development opportunities.
To be appointed at I:
- You should hold a qualification that meets the requirements of the SSSC as a Practitioner in Day Care of Children Service (minimum of HNC or SVQ3) and there is a requirement to achieve a relevant qualification to meet SSSC criteria as a Manager / Lead Practitioner in a Day Care of Children Service within 3 years of taking up the post. There will be support given to gain the qualification if you do not already have this.
To be appointed at J:
- You should hold a Degree in Childhood Practice, or other relevant qualification to meet the SSSC criteria as a Manager / Lead Practitioner in a Day Care of Children Service.
You should be able to travel efficiently and effectively between work locations within Orkney to meet the operational requirements of the Service. This post is subject to Level 2 Disclosure Check with PVG for working in a regulated role with children.
If you would like to find out more about this post or about working in Orkney, please contact Shaun Tulloch, Operational Manager (Early Learning and Childcare) on shaun.tulloch@orkney.gov.uk or telephone 01856 873535 ext. 3204.
Closing Date: 23:59 on Sunday 4 January 2026. Please note that interview expenses are payable for this post, in accordance with policy.
Early Learning and Childcare Manager, Glaitness Nursery - ORK09907 employer: Orkney Islands Council
Contact Detail:
Orkney Islands Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Learning and Childcare Manager, Glaitness Nursery - ORK09907
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the early years sector, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Glaitness Nursery and understand their vision of ‘Learning through play in a nurturing way’. Be ready to share how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their community.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, let your enthusiasm for early learning shine through. Share stories about your experiences and how they’ve shaped your approach to childcare.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for dedicated individuals who are ready to make a difference in the lives of children and families.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Learning and Childcare Manager, Glaitness Nursery - ORK09907
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Early Learning and Childcare Manager. We want to see how you can contribute to our vision of ‘Learning through play in a nurturing way’.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Clearly outline your qualifications, especially those that meet the SSSC criteria. If you’re working towards a relevant qualification, let us know! We appreciate candidates who are committed to their professional development.
Be Personable: Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your written application. We’re looking for someone who can connect with children, families, and the community, so a warm and engaging tone can really make a difference.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orkney Islands Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the latest early years practices and the specific ethos of Glaitness Nursery. Brush up on the principles of 'Learning through play in a nurturing way' and be ready to discuss how you can implement this in your role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Early Learning and Childcare Manager, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on collaboration, support, and driving improvement within a nursery setting.
✨Connect with the Community
Glaitness Nursery values connections with families and the wider community. Think about how you can enhance these relationships and be prepared to share ideas on community engagement during your interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the nursery's future plans, team dynamics, and professional development opportunities. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.