Early Years Practitioners (Fixed Term Contract)

George Watson’s College wishes to appoint two full time Early Years Practitioners on a fixed term basis until June 2027. Hours of work will be 8am – 3.30pm Monday to Friday with a 30 minute unpaid break (35 hours per week), 44 weeks per year (term time plus professional learning days plus seven weeks of annual leave). The salary for this position will be in the Grade 3 range which currently stands at £30,701 - £36,359 per annum (based on 36.25 hours, 52 weeks per year). This equates to £25,082 – 29,704 per annum for 35 hours and 44 weeks.

Main Responsibilities

• To work as a member of the Preschool team and contribute to the efficient smooth running of the Preschool service.
• To help provide a stimulating and happy care environment by participating in a competent, interesting and enthusiastic manner.
• To be thoroughly conversant with the Early Years Curriculum (HGIOELC, Building the Ambition, Curriculum for Excellence), to participate as necessary in the development of Preschool curriculum, policy and methodology and to maintain SSSC registration.
• To have a thorough knowledge of child development and apply this knowledge in response to the individual needs of the children.
• To recognise the important role parents play in their children’s learning and to actively involve them.

Operational Responsibilities

• To share responsibility for a group of children within the Preschool Class.
• To be responsible for setting up/tidying up equipment in both indoor and outdoor areas, in co-operation with colleagues, and to contribute to the maintenance and care of all equipment and apparatus.
• To take responsibility for the organisation and preparation of snacks and to encourage the children to participate as fully as possible.
• To work with the children in indoor and outdoor areas of the Preschool maintaining good order and discipline and being aware of safety and health factors at all times.
• To be responsible for small groups of children on organised outings and within the school grounds.

Maintaining Records

• To help maintain the learning files for this group of children, identifying, recording and taking forward individual next steps in learning in consultation with the Preschool Teacher.

Personal and Departmental Development Activities

• To participate in appropriate professional staff development opportunities both in and out of the school and to take part in the School’s Staff Development Scheme, including Appraisal and Review.
• To contribute to team planning meetings.

Communications and Working Relationships

• To foster good relationships and effective communications with the children, parents, staff and visitors to the Pre‑School.
• To attend meetings and school functions as appropriate and to contribute positively and effectively to the corporate life and welfare of the pupils, colleagues, the Junior School and George Watson's College.

Other responsibilities

• To endeavour to play a part in the constant desire to keep George Watson's College in the forefront of modern education.
• To carry out any other duties as directed by the Head of Junior School or members of the JS Management Team.

Ideal Candidate

Essential Criteria

• HND in Childcare and Education or SVQ level 3 in Early Years Care & Education or equivalent.
• SSSC Registration.
• Previous demonstrable practical experience in a similar environment.
• Excellent team working ability.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Literacy.
• Initiative.
• Resilience.
• Flexibility.

Desirable Criteria

• Creative and imaginative ability.

Package Description

Location: George Watson’s College, Edinburgh Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract, 35 hours per week. Benefits: Automatic enrolment in the contributory support staff defined contribution pension scheme, Membership of the Galleon Club (the school’s fitness club).