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- Tasks: Support young children’s learning through play in a nurturing nursery environment.
- Company: Join the founding team at Little Explorers Nursery, part of Strathallan School.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free lunch, staff discounts, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Enjoy a collaborative team atmosphere and strong outdoor learning ethos.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting new nursery and shape its vision from the start.
- Qualifications: Relevant childcare qualification or experience with children aged 3-5.
The predicted salary is between 21309 - 22261 £ per year.
Join Our Founding Team – Little Explorers Nursery. 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.
Qualifications & Experience
- 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 shortly after the closing date.
Play Assistant employer: Strathallan School
Contact Detail:
Strathallan School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Play Assistant
✨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. Share stories that highlight your creativity and enthusiasm for outdoor learning. We love hearing about your hands-on experiences!
✨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 creating a nurturing environment. 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, it shows that you’re proactive and ready to jump into this exciting opportunity with both feet!
We think you need these skills to ace Play Assistant
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 vision at Little Explorers.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We’re looking for individuals who can support play-based learning, so share specific examples of how you've done this in the past!
Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your writing. We value warmth, kindness, and a genuine interest in child-led learning, so be yourself and show us what makes you unique!
Apply Online: Remember to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on your journey to join our founding team at Little Explorers.
How to prepare for a job interview at Strathallan School
✨Know Your Nursery Values
Before the interview, take some time to research Little Explorers Nursery and understand its ethos. Familiarise yourself with their focus on outdoor learning and play-based experiences. This will help you align your answers with their values and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Early Years Education
Be ready to share specific examples from your experience that highlight your enthusiasm for early years education. Discuss how you've supported children's learning through play and how you can contribute to creating a nurturing environment. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate your commitment to child-led learning.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you would handle various situations in a nursery setting. Think about scenarios involving outdoor play, collaboration with colleagues, or supporting children’s wellbeing. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the nursery's plans for development, how they support staff training, or what a typical day looks like. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.