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- Tasks: Deliver high-quality Early Learning and Childcare services for young children.
- Company: Papdale Primary School, a nurturing environment for early years education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dedicated team with excellent career growth and networking opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with young children and a passion for their development.
The predicted salary is between 31356 - 35006 £ per year.
35 hours per week
Permanent
£31,356 - £31,995 / £32,743 - £35,006
£17.18 - £17.53 / £17.93 - £19.18 per hour
The above amounts include Distant Islands Allowance.
You will be reporting to the Early Learning & Childcare Manager at Papdale Primary School. Your working pattern is Monday to Friday. We are happy to talk flexible working, where possible.
The purpose of this role is to deliver a high quality Early Learning and Childcare service which meets the needs of and promotes the development of young children and their families.
We are looking for enthusiastic people with a passion for working with young children. You will be a warm and caring person with a real interest in playing with and supporting young children as they grow and develop. You will be curious about young children and keen to develop their interests. You will play a role in planning for and developing the environment and experiences. You will work alongside a nurturing and dedicated team.
Regular training and courses are offered to all practitioners to support practice development, and there are plenty of opportunities to network with practitioners in other settings. Practitioners are also able to collaborate with practitioners from other settings and share learning.
To be appointed at Grade E:
- You should have a good general standard of education including literacy and numeracy and a minimum of 2 years experience involving young children.
- You should also have a willingness to achieve a recognised qualification to enable full registration with SSSC, as a Practitioner (Day Care of Children), within 3 years of taking up post.
The Early years' service will support you to gain any practice qualifications whilst you work. You will also be able to attend training delivered by the early years team to support your practice development.
To be appointed at Grade F:
- You will hold an HNC in Childhood Practice, SVQ Level 3 (SCQF7) Social Services (Children and Young People) or other recognised qualification that enables registration with the SSSC as a Practitioner (Day Care of Children).
- You are also required to have at least one years' experience of working with young children in a dedicated Early Learning and Childcare setting (this may be in a training or student role).
For both appointment grades, you should also be registered with the SSSC as a Practitioner (Day Care of Children) no later than 3 months from commencing in post.
This post is a regulated role with children, and requires Level 2 Disclosure with PVG scheme membership.
Applications close at 23:59 on Sunday 24 May 2026 with shortlisting taking place week commencing 25 May 2026 and Interviews are scheduled for week commencing 1 June 2026.
For a discussion about the role, contact Rachel Mills, Early Learning & Childcare Manager at rachel.mills@orkney.gov.uk or on 01856 87 2650.
For information on applying and our recruitment process, click here for Information for Applicants.
We would welcome your feedback on our recruitment process.
Early Years Practitioner, Papdale Primary School - ORK10315 in Kirkwall employer: Orkney Islands Council
Contact Detail:
Orkney Islands Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Practitioner, Papdale Primary School - ORK10315 in Kirkwall
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Papdale Primary School and its values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or at local events. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how your experiences align with the role. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported young children in your previous roles.
✨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 take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Practitioner, Papdale Primary School - ORK10315 in Kirkwall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with young children shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about their development and have a real interest in supporting them as they grow.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and qualifications. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've worked with children, so don’t hold back on sharing those stories!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your writing is easy to read and understand. Avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our recruitment process there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Orkney Islands Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of an Early Years Practitioner inside out. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, such as delivering high-quality childcare and supporting children's development. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with young children shine through. Share personal experiences or anecdotes that highlight your passion for early years education. This will help the interviewers see that you're not just qualified, but also genuinely care about the role.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they support practitioners in their development. It shows that you're engaged and interested in being part of their community.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Consider doing a mock interview with a friend or family member. Practising common interview questions related to early years education can help you articulate your thoughts better and reduce any nerves on the day. Plus, it’s a great way to refine your answers!