At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children's learning and wellbeing in a vibrant nursery environment.
- Company: Dean Park Primary School, a community-focused school in Balerno.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and a supportive team.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while fostering a nurturing environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in early years practice and a passion for child development.
The predicted salary is between 34452 - 40501 £ per year.
Salary: £34,452 - £40,501 (pro-rata for part time and sessional)
Hours: 15.5 per week, 39 weeks sessional
Dean Park Primary School serves the village of Balerno in south-west Edinburgh. The school operates across two sites: a large nursery annexe located in the heart of the village and the main campus within the Marchbank housing estate. We currently have capacity for 88 full-time children in our nursery and a primary school roll of 504 pupils. Our main campus is also undergoing an exciting expansion, with six new classrooms due for completion this year. Dean Park Primary is a vibrant, inclusive school with a strong sense of community and shared purpose. Our vision, “creating a learning environment where everyone has the opportunity to flourish” underpins all that we do.
As a Gold Level Rights Respecting School, we place children’s rights at the centre of our ethos, guiding our values, decisions and daily practice.
We are seeking a skilled, knowledgeable and creative Early Years Officer to join our dedicated nursery team. The successful candidate will be committed to supporting children's learning, wellbeing and development, while building strong relationships with families and colleagues. We are looking for someone who is nurturing, reflective and organised, with a strong understanding of early years practice, inclusion and child development, and who is committed to creating a safe, stimulating and supportive environment where every child can flourish.
This post is regulated work with children and/or protected adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. The preferred candidate will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check. Where an individual has spent a continuous period of 3 months or more out with the UK in the last 5 years, an Overseas Criminal Record Check will be required. You will be required to provide this check. An unconditional offer of employment and commencement in the post will be subject to the outcome of both these pre-employment checks being deemed satisfactory.
We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone feels valued and able to be their best. We particularly encourage applications from women for senior roles, as well as people from minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities or neurodivergent people, care experienced people, carers and LGBT+ people across all levels of the organisation, all of whom are currently underrepresented. All applicants will be considered fairly based on skills and experience. Disabled and care-experienced applicants who meet the minimum job criteria will be guaranteed an interview.
As part of our goal to improve organisational culture and create a great place to work together for the people of Edinburgh, we want to make sure we're recruiting the best people. We’re interested not only in your skills and experience but also in your approach to work. Therefore, part of our interview process will be an assessment of how you would bring Our Behaviours of Respect, Integrity and Flexibility into your ways of working.
Happy to talk flexible working.
Early Years Officer - Dean Park Primary School in Edinburgh employer: The City of Edinburgh Council
Dean Park Primary School is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and inclusive environment where every team member is valued and encouraged to grow. Located in the vibrant village of Balerno, our school prioritises children's rights and wellbeing, fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration among staff. With opportunities for professional development and a commitment to flexible working, we strive to create a rewarding workplace that empowers educators to make a meaningful impact on young lives.
Contact Details:
The City of Edinburgh Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Officer - Dean Park Primary School in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Dean Park Primary School and its values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or at local events. They can provide insider info about the school culture and what they’re really looking for in an Early Years Officer.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those behavioural questions! Think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate respect, integrity, and flexibility. These are key traits they’re looking for, so make sure you’ve got solid stories ready to share.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Dean Park Primary School. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Officer - Dean Park Primary School in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the Early Years Officer role. Highlight your understanding of early years practice and how you can contribute to creating a nurturing environment for children.
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through in your written application. Share examples of how you've supported children's learning and development in the past, and why you're excited about joining Dean Park Primary School.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. This will help us easily see your qualifications and fit for the role without getting lost in unnecessary details.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. This ensures your application is received properly and allows us to process it efficiently. Plus, you'll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at The City of Edinburgh Council
✨Know Your Early Years Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of early years practice, child development, and inclusion. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used in the past to support children's learning and wellbeing. This will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also passionate about creating a nurturing environment.
✨Showcase Your Reflective Practice
Prepare examples of how you've reflected on your practice and made improvements based on feedback or observations. This could be anything from adapting activities to better suit children's needs to enhancing communication with families. It’s all about demonstrating your commitment to continuous improvement.
✨Emphasise Relationship Building
Since building strong relationships is key in this role, think of specific instances where you've successfully engaged with children, families, and colleagues. Share how you fostered a sense of community and trust, as this aligns perfectly with Dean Park Primary's ethos.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with Dean Park Primary's vision and values, especially their focus on children's rights and inclusivity. During the interview, weave these principles into your responses to show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the school's culture and mission.
