At a Glance
- Tasks: Help create a nurturing environment for children aged 3-5 through play-based learning.
- Company: Join the founding team of Little Explorers at Strathallan School's new nursery.
- Benefits: Enjoy free lunches, discounts, and a supportive community with great wellbeing support.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to work outdoors and foster children's curiosity and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Be part of something special and shape the future of early years education.
- Qualifications: Relevant childcare qualification or experience with young children is preferred.
The predicted salary is between 21309 - 22261 € per year.
We are delighted and extremely excited to be recruiting our very first staff team for Little Explorers, Strathallan School's brand-new nursery. This is a rare and rewarding opportunity to be part of something special from the outset. We are seeking up to four highly motivated Early Years professionals (Nursery Practitioners and a Play Assistant) who are ready to embrace both the challenge and the joy of establishing a new nursery from scratch, working alongside our inspiring newly appointed Nursery Manager.
Opening within the outstanding grounds of Strathallan School, Little Explorers will provide high quality early learning and care for children aged 3 to 5 years. As a member of the founding team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the ethos and daily life of the nursery, helping to embed exceptional early years practice within the values, traditions and high standards of one of Scotland's leading independent schools. This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals who are enthusiastic, creative and passionate about early years education, and who are excited by the prospect of helping to create a setting where children and staff can flourish together.
You will help create a warm, nurturing and stimulating environment, working closely with colleagues to plan and deliver rich, play based learning experiences that support every child's learning and development. A defining feature of Little Explorers will be its strong outdoor learning ethos. Children will be encouraged to spend significant time outdoors, enjoying purposeful, nature rich experiences that foster curiosity, confidence and wellbeing. Our team will be central to developing engaging, safe and inspiring indoor and outdoor spaces that invite exploration and discovery every day.
In return, Strathallan School offers the chance to be part of an exciting new chapter within a supportive and values driven community. This role will particularly suit professionals who take pride in their practice, thrive in a collaborative environment, and are energised by the opportunity to help shape a nursery's vision.
About You
You are a warm, caring and enthusiastic individual who enjoys supporting young children to learn and thrive through play. You are excited by the opportunity to be part of a nurturing early years team and to contribute positively to a busy, welcoming nursery environment.
- Be willing to work towards, register with, or maintain registration with the SSSC, where applicable
- Hold a relevant childcare qualification, have appropriate experience working with young children, or be committed to undertaking training while in post
- Have experience supporting children aged 3-5, helping to deliver high quality, play based learning experiences indoors and outdoors
- Enjoy supporting meaningful outdoor play, showing confidence, flexibility and enthusiasm in all weathers
- Work well as part of a collaborative and supportive team
- Bring warmth, patience and kindness to your work, helping children feel safe, valued and supported throughout daily routines
- Have a genuine interest in early years education, child led learning and supporting children's wellbeing, curiosity and development through play
Most importantly, you will be enthusiastic about playing a part in the life of the nursery, supporting its values and contributing to a positive, inclusive culture for children, families and colleagues.
Terms & Conditions
Remuneration
The pro-rata salary for this role is £21,309 - £22,261 per annum.
Hours of Work
The hours of work are 30 hours per week.
Pension Scheme
Access to a contributory pension scheme with a 4% employer contribution.
Benefits
In addition to joining an exciting new nursery, you'll have access to:
- Free on site parking
- Free lunch during term time
- Staff discount in the Art Café
- Retail discounts and Blue Light Card eligibility
- Death in service cover
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- A range of Wellbeing Support
- Occupational sick pay
- Competitive annual leave
Applicant Information
Any offer of employment will be subject to Safer Recruitment checks, including:
- Disclosure Scotland PVG clearance
- Two satisfactory professional references
- Proof of Right to Work in the UK
If you feel inspired by the opportunity to help shape Little Explorers Nursery and want to be part of its founding story, please submit your application online by Sunday 31st May 2026. Interviews will be held during the week commencing 15th June 2026. The full job description and person specification can be found in the attached role brief. For an informal conversation or any questions, please contact hr@strathallan.co.uk.
Play Assistant - 471367 in Bridge of Earn employer: Strathallan School
Strathallan School offers a unique opportunity to be part of the founding team at Little Explorers, a brand-new nursery set in the beautiful grounds of one of Scotland's leading independent schools. With a strong emphasis on outdoor learning and a collaborative work culture, employees will enjoy a supportive environment that fosters professional growth and creativity. Benefits such as free lunches, a contributory pension scheme, and wellbeing support further enhance the rewarding experience of shaping early years education from the ground up.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Play Assistant - 471367 in Bridge of Earn
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery's ethos and values before your interview. This way, you can show how your passion for early years education aligns with their vision. We want to see that you're genuinely excited about being part of Little Explorers!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some examples of how you've supported children's learning through play in previous roles. We love hearing about your creative ideas and experiences, especially when it comes to outdoor learning. Make sure to highlight your enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to ask questions during your interview! Show us that you’re keen to understand how you can contribute to shaping the nursery. It’s a great way to demonstrate your interest and commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, 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 connect directly with us. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Play Assistant - 471367 in Bridge of Earn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for early years education shine through! We want to see how excited you are about creating a nurturing environment for children and how you can contribute to our Little Explorers team.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We’re looking for individuals who can embrace the challenge of establishing a new nursery, so share specific examples that demonstrate your creativity and teamwork!
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. We value warmth, kindness, and a genuine interest in child-led learning, so be yourself and show us why you’d be a great fit for our team!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application online via our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Little Explorers!
How to prepare for a job interview at Strathallan School
✨Know Your Nursery Values
Before the interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with the ethos and values of Little Explorers. Think about how your own beliefs align with their focus on nurturing, outdoor learning, and play-based education. This will help you articulate why you're a great fit for the team.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've created engaging learning experiences for children in the past. Whether it's a fun outdoor activity or a creative indoor game, be ready to share your ideas and demonstrate your enthusiasm for fostering curiosity and development through play.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since this role is all about collaboration, think of instances where you've successfully worked as part of a team. Highlight your ability to support colleagues and contribute positively to a shared goal, especially in a nursery setting where teamwork is essential for creating a warm environment.
✨Be Ready for Outdoor Scenarios
Given the strong outdoor learning ethos at Little Explorers, prepare to discuss how you would approach outdoor play in various weather conditions. Share your thoughts on how to keep children engaged and safe while exploring nature, showing your flexibility and enthusiasm for outdoor activities.
