At a Glance
- Tasks: Create fun and engaging activities for children in a breakfast club setting.
- Company: Join Perth & Kinross Council, where people are at the heart of everything we do.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunity for training and professional growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Childcare qualification required; passion for child development is essential.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 30000 £ per year.
Main Purpose of the Role
Working within Perth & Kinross Council is more than a job, it's about being part of an organisation that puts people at the heart of all we do and provides opportunities to make a real difference by enhancing every life we touch.
We currently have the following opportunity:
Early Childhood Practitioner - PKC14017
£4,532 - £4,854 (6 Hours per week, Term-time only)
The Community School of Auchterarder
Do you like working with children and want to make a difference? If so, an exciting opportunity has arisen for an Early Learning and Childcare Practitioner at the Community School of Auchterarder, Breakfast Club, term-time before school. The contracted hours are 6 hours per week, term-time, between 07.50am - 09.00am.
This is an excellent opportunity to manage, develop and oversee the provision of high-quality play experiences within the breakfast club. You will gain a wider range of skills as the role involves managing the smooth day-to-day running of the services.
As a practitioner you will be responsible for the planning and organisation of the day-to-day operations of the service, providing flexible childcare before school. You will provide high quality care and a comprehensive range of appropriate stimulating and creative activities, for example arts and crafts, storytelling, den building, physical play appropriate to the needs and interests of the children in the service.
You would be expected to work as a member of the team and wider school team contributing to children's learning and development within a safe and inclusive environment out with school hours in a registered childcare service.
Perth and Kinross Council can offer you a range of employee benefits including the Local Government Pension. We can also offer training and development opportunities and invest in our staff and value their contribution.
Interviews will take place on 23 July. Please note, we are currently unable to offer sponsorship for this post.
Skills & Experience Required
The position is child focused which requires sensitivity, patience and compassion along with a welcoming approach to generate a feeling of trust and safety for children and their family/carers. A genuine interest in the development of children and their wellbeing is essential and the important qualities are kindness, sensitivity, respectfulness, and good manners, a sense of fun, as well as the ability to respect confidentiality at all times.
Excellent planning and organisation skills are also required with the ability to maintain registration and financial information and maintain effective working relationships with children, parents and carers and other professionals to ensure the effective delivery of services.
You will be required to register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) for Day Care of Children within 3 months of commencing employment and responsible for maintaining annual membership. You will hold a childcare qualification with one of the following:
- SVQ Level 3 in Social Services (Children & Young People).
- HNC Childhood Practice.
- HNC Childcare Early Education and Childcare.
- SVQ Level 3 Care Learning & Development.
If you would like to share our ambition, commitment and drive to enhance the lives of children and young people within Perth and Kinross, then we would like to hear from you.
Working at Perth & Kinross Council
Our values and behaviours influence our work and support us in the delivery of our key priorities. In your application, and should you be invited to interview, you will be asked to describe situations that support the criteria required in the role and which also demonstrate our values and behaviours. Find out more about Perth & Kinross Council and you could soon be joining our team!
Here's what we can offer you:
- A generous annual leave package
- 6 days public holiday and an additional discretionary day
- Eligibility to join our pension scheme
- Family friendly and positive work/life balance policies such as Flexible Working, Maternity, Paternity & Adoption leave, time off for volunteering and our Wellbeing Framework
- Access to a range of benefits
- Paid SSSC annual membership for relevant positions
We recognise there can be benefits to flexible working and where individual jobs allow, we seek to support this. You are encouraged to discuss potential options with the recruiting manager, if this is of interest to you. A healthy work-life balance is important to us and we provide supportive management and, where possible, flexible working arrangements to help you achieve that balance. You will have access to training and support for continued professional development.
This role requires you to be registered with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), if you are not yet registered, you can still apply.
Early Childhood Practitioner, The Community School of Auchterarder - PKC14017 in London employer: Perth and Kinross Council
As a leading employer in the social work sector, we offer a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. Located in the heart of Perth, our Early Intervention & Prevention Service provides unique opportunities for growth and advancement, allowing you to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a balanced work-life environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Childhood Practitioner, The Community School of Auchterarder - PKC14017 in London
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Perth and Kinross Council, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Perth and Kinross Council. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Perth and Kinross Council's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Early Childhood Practitioner, The Community School of Auchterarder - PKC14017 in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Perth and Kinross Council. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Perth and Kinross Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Perth and Kinross Council
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Perth and Kinross Council.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Early Childhood Practitioner, The Community School of Auchterarder - PKC14017 at Perth and Kinross Council.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Perth and Kinross Council that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Early Childhood Practitioner, The Community School of Auchterarder - PKC14017 role.
