At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver high-quality Early Learning and Childcare services for young children and their families.
- Company: Papdale Primary School, a nurturing environment focused on child development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, 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 in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience with young children and a passion for early childhood education.
The predicted salary is between 31356 - 35006 £ per year.
Early Years Practitioner at Papdale Primary School
35 hours per week, Permanent
Salary: £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.
Early Years Practitioner, Papdale Primary School - ORK10315 in London 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 London
✨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 employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the school culture and what the hiring managers are really looking for.
✨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 enthusiastic candidates who are keen to join our community.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Practitioner, Papdale Primary School - ORK10315 in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Check Your CV: Before you hit that apply button, give your CV a good once-over. Make sure it highlights your experience with young children and any relevant qualifications. We want to see your passion shine through!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send the same old application for every job. Take a moment to tailor your cover letter and CV to match the Early Years Practitioner role. Show us how your skills and experiences align with what we’re looking for!
Highlight Your Enthusiasm: We’re on the lookout for enthusiastic individuals who love working with kids. Make sure to express your passion for early years education in your application. Let us know why you’re excited about this opportunity!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure you apply through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orkney Islands Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of an Early Years Practitioner. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and how they align with your experience. Think about specific examples from your past that demonstrate your passion for working with young children.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
During the interview, let your passion for early childhood education shine through. Share stories that highlight your warmth and caring nature, as well as your curiosity about child development. This will help the interviewers see that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely excited about the role.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This shows that you’re engaged and interested in the position. You might ask about the training opportunities available or how the team collaborates to support children's development.
✨Dress Appropriately
While it’s important to be comfortable, remember that first impressions matter. Dress smartly and professionally for the interview. This reflects your seriousness about the role and respect for the interviewers and the school environment.