At a Glance
- Tasks: Help create a nurturing environment for children aged 3-5, focusing on play-based learning.
- Company: Join the founding team at Little Explorers, Strathallan School's exciting new nursery.
- Benefits: Be part of a supportive community with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic role with a strong outdoor learning ethos and collaborative team spirit.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in early years education and shape a nursery from the ground up.
- Qualifications: Relevant childcare qualification or experience with young children; enthusiasm is key!
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 € 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.
Play Assistant - 471367 employer: Strathallan School
Strathallan School is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to be part of the founding team at Little Explorers nursery. With a strong commitment to high-quality early years education and a nurturing work culture, employees will thrive in a collaborative environment that values creativity and passion for child development. Located within the beautiful grounds of one of Scotland's leading independent schools, staff will enjoy the benefits of professional growth, a supportive community, and the chance to shape a pioneering educational setting focused on outdoor learning and holistic child wellbeing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Play Assistant - 471367
✨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. It’s all about demonstrating that you’re not just a fit for the role, but for the whole team!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some examples of how you've created engaging learning experiences in the past. Whether it’s a fun outdoor activity or a creative play session, sharing these stories will highlight your enthusiasm and creativity, which are key for this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to ask questions during your interview! Inquire about their plans for outdoor learning or how they envision the nursery culture developing. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute to shaping something special.
✨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 that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Play Assistant - 471367
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 writing. 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 at Little Explorers.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to explore more about our values and what makes Strathallan School special!
How to prepare for a job interview at Strathallan School
✨Know Your Early Years Education
Brush up on your knowledge of early years education principles and practices. Be ready to discuss how you can create a nurturing environment and support child-led learning, as this will show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare to share examples of how you've used creativity in your previous roles. Think about activities or play-based learning experiences you've implemented that engaged children and fostered their curiosity.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since this role involves working closely with a team, be prepared to talk about your experience in collaborative settings. Highlight how you’ve contributed to a positive team culture and supported colleagues in delivering high-quality care.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Outdoor Learning
Given the nursery's strong outdoor ethos, come ready to discuss your views on outdoor play. Share any relevant experiences where you facilitated outdoor learning and how you believe it benefits children's development.
