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: Exciting opportunity to create engaging indoor and outdoor learning spaces.
- Why this job: Be part of something special and shape the future of early years education.
- Qualifications: Relevant childcare qualification or experience with children aged 3-5.
The predicted salary is between 21309 - 22261 £ per year.
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.
Qualifications & Experience
- 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 shortly after the closing date. For an informal conversation or any questions, please contact hr@strathallan.co.uk.
Play Assistant in Bridge of Earn employer: The Independent Schools Council
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 an employer, we foster a supportive and collaborative work culture, providing numerous benefits such as free on-site parking, complimentary lunches during term time, and access to a contributory pension scheme. Join us in creating a nurturing environment where both children and staff can thrive, while enjoying professional growth opportunities in a values-driven community.
Contact Details:
The Independent Schools Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Play Assistant in Bridge of Earn
✨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 Little Explorers!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some examples of how you've supported children's learning through play in previous roles. Share stories that highlight your creativity and enthusiasm for outdoor learning. We love hearing about your hands-on experiences!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just focus on what you can bring to the role; think about what you can learn from this new opportunity. Show us that you're eager to grow and develop alongside the nursery. We’re all about collaboration and continuous improvement!
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows that you’re serious about joining our founding team at Little Explorers. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Play Assistant in Bridge of Earn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for early years education shine through! We want to see how excited you are about creating a nurturing environment for children and how you can contribute to our vision 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 Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, please apply through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details and can consider you for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent Schools Council
✨Know Your Nursery Values
Before the interview, take some time to research Little Explorers Nursery and its ethos. Understand their commitment to outdoor learning and child-led experiences. This will help you align your answers with their values and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Showcase Your Play-Based Learning Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully implemented play-based learning in your previous roles. Think about activities that encouraged curiosity and development in children aged 3-5. Being able to share these experiences will demonstrate your passion and expertise in early years education.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with a team, be ready to discuss how you thrive in collaborative environments. Share instances where you've contributed positively to a team dynamic, especially in a nursery setting. Highlighting your teamwork skills will show that you're a great fit for their supportive culture.
✨Bring Your Enthusiasm
Let your passion for early years education shine through during the interview. Be enthusiastic about the opportunity to shape the nursery's vision and create a nurturing environment. A positive attitude can be contagious, and it’s something they’ll be looking for in a Play Assistant.
