Senior Childcare Assistant in Dornoch

Families are at the heart of The Carnegie Club experience. Children of all ages visit Skibo throughout the year, enjoying dedicated activity spaces alongside the freedom to explore our 8,000-acre estate in a safe and inspiring environment. Our Children's Barn team delivers memorable indoor and outdoor experiences, from creative activities such as baking and crafts to outdoor adventures including bushcraft, canoeing and treasure hunts. During school holidays, the team supports a programme of family‑focused events and celebrations, while in the evenings we offer a professional babysitting service, allowing parents to relax knowing their children are in safe, capable hands.

As a Senior Childcare Assistant, you will spend most of your time actively working with children, leading activities, and supporting the team on the floor. Working closely with colleagues across the Club, you’ll help deliver fun, creative and educational experiences while ensuring children’s wellbeing, safety and enjoyment are always prioritised. This is not an office based role. The emphasis is on delivery, guest experience, leadership in practice, health and safety oversight within daily practice and creating fun, memorable moments for children and families.

• Support the Children's Barn Manager in the day to day operations and take a lead role in their absence.
• Provide hands on support, working directly alongside the team and actively engaging with children throughout the day.
• Deliver fun, creative and high quality experiences through play, outdoor activities and estate based adventures.
• Work collaboratively with the team to design and deliver seasonal programmes and special events, including Summer, Halloween, Christmas, and other key occasions.
• Support the smooth running of the evening babysitting service, ensuring excellent communication and a consistent high standard of care.
• Carry out daily operational checks, safeguarding records and supervise essential compliance documentation.
• Manage daily bookings and check emails as part of routine operational tasks to ensure smooth communication and service delivery.
• Build strong, positive relationships with children, families, members and colleagues, ensuring an exceptional guest experience.
• Contribute ideas, creativity and enthusiasm to continuously enhance the children’s experience and overall family offering.

The Children's Barn operates seven days a week, with shifts including weekdays, weekends and school holidays.

• SVQ Level 3 Social Services Children and Young People (or equivalent)
• Experience working in a childcare, activity, holiday club, or similar hands on environment
• Confidence and experience leading and supporting a team
• A warm, energetic and proactive approach
• Strong communication and organisational skills
• A genuine passion for creating engaging, memorable experiences for children
• Comfortable working outdoors and being fully involved in active play and activities
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and child welfare responsibilities

• Fun, creative and enthusiastic, with a genuine enjoyment of working with children
• Patient, nurturing and approachable, with a calm and reassuring manner
• Reliable, responsible and confident taking initiative
• A positive team player who supports an inclusive and professional working culture
• Detail-oriented, with pride in maintaining safety, hygiene and organisational standards

Please note that all childcare positions are subject to PVG membership checks, which will be completed as part of the recruitment process. If you love working with children and can offer a safe, caring and positive experience, we’d love to hear from you. We value enthusiasm, reliability and a genuine commitment to children’s wellbeing just as much as formal experience.

• Share of gratuities
• 33 days annual leave pro-rata
• Auto enrolment pension scheme
• Occupational sick pay
• Family friendly support
• Life cover
• Access to wellness platform providing support on nutrition, exercise, health, finances, legal support and more
• Access to staff benefit scheme which includes cycle to work and tech scheme, contribution towards eyecare and discounts on high street retailers
• Local staff transport service
• Meals on shift provided free of charge
• Complimentary use of staff gym
• Staff events
• Long Service Awards