At a Glance
- Tasks: Help create a nurturing environment and deliver play-based learning for children aged 3-5.
- Company: Join the founding team of Little Explorers Nursery at Strathallan School.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free lunch, staff discounts, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to grow alongside a brand-new nursery.
- Why this job: Be part of something special from the start and shape early years education.
- Qualifications: Early years qualification and experience with children aged 3-5 required.
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 an enthusiastic, motivated early years professional who is excited by the chance to help build something truly special from day one. You will:
- Be registered with the SSSC (or be willing to register on appointment)
- Hold a relevant early years qualification (SVQ Level 3, HNC or equivalent)
- Have experience working with children aged 3-5, delivering high‑quality, play‑based learning
- Feel confident and energised delivering purposeful, meaningful outdoor learning
- Thrive as a positive, collaborative team player, bringing warmth, creativity and professionalism to everything you do
- Have a genuine passion for early years education, child‑led learning and helping children flourish through curiosity, exploration and play
Most importantly, you will be excited by the opportunity to help shape the culture, values and daily life of a brand‑new nursery - and to grow alongside it.
Terms & Conditions
Remuneration
The salary for this role is £35,193 - £37,689 per annum.
Hours of Work
This is a full-time role, working 40 hours per week, although part‑time working may be considered for the right candidate.
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 arranged during the week commencing 8th June 2026.
Nursery Practitioner employer: Teacheroo
Little Explorers Nursery at Strathallan School offers a unique opportunity to be part of a pioneering team dedicated to high-quality early years education. With a strong emphasis on outdoor learning and a collaborative work culture, employees will enjoy a supportive environment that fosters professional growth and creativity. The nursery's commitment to nurturing both children and staff ensures a fulfilling and rewarding experience for all team members.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Practitioner
✨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 something special!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some creative ideas for outdoor learning experiences. Since Little Explorers has a strong outdoor focus, showcasing your enthusiasm for nature-rich activities will definitely impress the team. Let’s get those ideas flowing!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your collaborative skills! Think of examples where you've worked well in a team, especially in early years settings. We love seeing candidates who thrive in a supportive environment and can bring warmth and creativity to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our community from the get-go. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for early years education shine through in your application. We want to see how excited you are about creating a nurturing environment for children and how you plan to contribute to our vision at Little Explorers.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially working with children aged 3-5. We’re looking for specific examples of your play-based learning strategies and outdoor learning experiences that align with our ethos.
Craft a Personal Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for our founding team. Share your thoughts on shaping a new nursery and how your values align with ours. Keep it personal and engaging!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best 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 Teacheroo
✨Know Your Early Years Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest early years education practices and theories. Be ready to discuss how you can apply these in a nursery setting, especially focusing on play-based learning and outdoor experiences.
✨Show Your Passion for Outdoor Learning
Since Little Explorers has a strong outdoor ethos, come prepared with ideas on how to incorporate nature into daily activities. Share examples from your past experiences where you successfully engaged children in outdoor learning.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration
Highlight your ability to work as part of a team. Discuss how you’ve collaborated with colleagues in previous roles to create a nurturing environment and how you plan to contribute to building the nursery's culture.
✨Bring Your Creativity to the Table
Think of creative activities or projects that could be implemented at the nursery. Be ready to share these ideas during the interview, showing how you can help shape a stimulating and engaging environment for the children.
