At a Glance
- 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: Collaborative team atmosphere with a 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 young children.
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.
- 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.
Play Assistant employer: Teacheroo
Little Explorers Nursery, located within the beautiful grounds of Strathallan School, offers a unique opportunity to be part of a pioneering team dedicated to high-quality early years education. As a founding member, you will enjoy a supportive work culture that values collaboration and creativity, alongside benefits such as free on-site parking, staff discounts, and access to a contributory pension scheme. This role is perfect for passionate individuals eager to contribute to a nurturing environment where both children and staff can thrive together.
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. It’s all about making that connection!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some creative ideas for play-based learning experiences. Think about how you can incorporate outdoor activities that foster curiosity and wellbeing. Show them you’re ready to bring fun and innovation to the role!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just talk about your qualifications; share real-life examples of how you’ve supported children’s development in previous roles. This will help you stand out as someone who truly understands the importance of nurturing young minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on being part of our community from the get-go. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Play Assistant
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 can contribute to our values at Little Explorers.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Mention specific examples of how you've supported children's learning and development, especially in outdoor settings, as this is a key part of our ethos.
Be Yourself:We’re looking for warm and caring individuals, so don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your writing. Share your unique approach to working with children and how you create a positive atmosphere in a nursery setting.
Apply Online:Remember to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to join our founding team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Teacheroo
✨Know Your Nursery Values
Before the interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with the ethos and values of Little Explorers Nursery. Think about how your own beliefs align with theirs, especially regarding outdoor learning and child-led experiences. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing positively to their vision.
✨Showcase Your Play-Based Learning Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully implemented play-based learning in your previous roles. Be ready to discuss activities that foster curiosity and development in children aged 3-5, as this will highlight your practical experience and enthusiasm for early years education.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with a team, think of instances where you've collaborated effectively with colleagues. Share stories that showcase your ability to support and uplift others, as well as how you contribute to a positive and inclusive environment for both children and staff.
✨Be Ready for Outdoor Learning Questions
Given the nursery's strong outdoor learning ethos, prepare to discuss your views on outdoor play and how you would encourage children to engage with nature. Consider sharing any relevant experiences or ideas you have for creating stimulating outdoor environments that promote exploration and discovery.
