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- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team in delivering high-quality early years education.
- Company: St Andrews Nursery, a nurturing environment for children's growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: SCQF level 7 or 8 qualification in Early Childhood Education required.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 34458 - 41010 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced and highly skilled Early Years practitioner for the post of Senior Practitioner at St Andrews Nursery. You will have experience of working in a nursery and also have experience of developing aspects of early years practice. Your role will involve working alongside the nursery manager to provide leadership to the staff team and drive self-evaluation and improvement in the setting.
To be appointed at Grade G: You must hold an SCQF level 7 qualification that meets the requirements of the SSSC as a Practitioner in a Day Care of Children Service (minimum of HNC or SVQ3), and the requirement to achieve a relevant SCQF level 8 qualification, within 3 years of taking up post.
To be appointed at Grade H: You will hold relevant practice based SCQF level 8 qualification (i.e. Diploma in Childhood Practice or Graduate Apprenticeship in ELC at level 8 or above).
Commitment to personal and professional development is essential. You should be able to travel efficiently and effectively between various work locations within Orkney to meet the operational requirements of the Service.
This post is subject to a Level 2 Disclosure Check with PVG for working in a regulated role with children. Prospective applicants are invited to discuss the post by contacting Lisa Rutherford, ELC Manager by emailing.
Closing Date: 23:59 on Sunday 1 February 2026. Please note that interview expenses are not payable for this post.
Early Learning and Childcare Senior Practitioner, St Andrews Nursery - ORK09986 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 Senior Practitioner, St Andrews Nursery - ORK09986
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the early years sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a job at St Andrews Nursery or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the nursery's values and practices. Familiarise yourself with their approach to early learning and childcare, so you can show how your experience aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your leadership skills and how you've driven improvement in previous roles – that’s what will set you apart as a Senior Practitioner.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Early Learning and Childcare Senior Practitioner, St Andrews Nursery - ORK09986
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in early years practice. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Senior Practitioner at St Andrews Nursery, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for early learning and childcare shine through in your written application. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a difference in children's lives, so share your motivation and commitment to the field!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences. Avoid jargon and focus on what makes you the perfect fit for the role.
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 position. Plus, it’s super straightforward – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orkney Islands Council
✨Know Your Early Years Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest early years practices and frameworks. Be ready to discuss your experience in developing these aspects, as well as how you've contributed to self-evaluation and improvement in previous roles.
✨Show Leadership Skills
Since you'll be working alongside the nursery manager, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Think of examples where you've led a team or driven change in a nursery setting, and be prepared to share these during the interview.
✨Commitment to Development
Highlight your commitment to personal and professional development. Discuss any relevant qualifications you hold and your plans for achieving the SCQF level 8 qualification within the required timeframe. This shows you're serious about growing in your role.
✨Be Ready to Travel
As the role requires travelling between various locations, be prepared to discuss how you manage your time and travel efficiently. Mention any previous experiences where you've had to juggle multiple locations and how you handled it.
