Early Years Practitioner in Duns

Hours: 16

Hourly Rate: £16.34 - £17.65

Salary: £11779.73 - £12723.76 per annum

Contract Duration: temporary until 16 August 2026

Role Purpose

To contribute through team meetings to the long, medium and short‑term planning processes of all aspects of the curriculum in line with local and national guidelines to meet the needs of the individual child in an inclusive setting. To contribute, as part of the ELC team, to the implementation of plans to deliver an effective early years service to individual children and groups of children by:

• Setting up high quality spaces and resources, indoor and outdoor
• Planning high quality experiences for children, indoor and outdoor
• Cleaning and maintaining resources where appropriate
• General ongoing supervision to provide a safe, healthy and secure environment for children
• Encouraging children in the development of good personal hygiene and helping individuals as necessary
• Providing nurturing interactions which support and extend learning.

To observe, record observations and through team meetings contribute to assessment and moderation and to the formal reporting on individual children's progress in line with SBC's policy and procedures. To liaise with parents, members of multi‑disciplinary teams, other establishments and agencies. As part of the ELC team, provide day‑to‑day support and guidance to assist in developing college students on placement, trainees and newly appointed practitioners, and provide input to reports on progress through discussion with the Early Years Officer / Senior Early Years Officer. To keep up to date with early level curriculum initiatives and national guidance and to participate in appropriate training and development in line with SBC policy and procedures.

This profile is indicative of the nature and level of responsibility associated with the post. It may be required to undertake other duties as required by the Service Director to meet the needs and responsibilities of the Service and the Council.

Essential Qualifications

At least one of the following qualifications: HNC in Childhood Practice/Childcare & Education; SVQ Social Services (Children & Young People) SCQF 7 / SVQ 3 Children's Care, Learning & Development. Applicants with an SNNEB/NNEB may be considered where they can evidence a record of on‑going CPD during the past 5 years. All successful applicants for early learning and childcare posts will be required to be registered with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) within 3 months of appointment and maintain registration throughout the period of employment.

Informal Enquiries

Informal enquiries may be made to Ross Maunder at [contact details].

Equal Opportunities

Scottish Borders Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all minority groups and individuals who identify with one or more of the protected characteristics as defined by the Equality Act 2010. In particular from candidates who assess themselves as having a disability, under the Disability Confident Employer scheme this guarantees an interview to those individuals who meet the essential criteria of the post. All appointments will be made on merit. Scottish Borders Council is committed to providing support for Armed Forces Veterans. Showing its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, the Council guarantees an interview to veterans who meet the essential criteria of the post. All appointments will be made on merit.